Alternative Spring Break creates life-changing experiences

By Simone Denard

Since 1994, Alternative Spring Break (ASB) has provided Howard students with the opportunity to serve numerous communities across the country during their spring break. This year, ASB sent more than 1,300 students to serve in 22 cities, including Buffalo, New York; Detroit; Memphis, Tennessee; and Tampa, Florida.

Howard sophomores Alexandria Fuller and Lauren McNair were both assigned to serve in Albany, Georgia. During their time in Albany, Fuller and McNair’s initiatives were redevelopment and youth holistic wellness.

“During the day, I worked at Lincoln Elementary Magnet School in Albany, Georgia. I assisted one of the first-grade teachers with day-to-day tasks such as grading papers and teaching the students how to read complete sentences,” Fuller said. “A big part of my job included reaffirming the students who sometimes got discouraged about their work. I tried to encourage them through words of affirmation.”

McNair was also assigned to an elementary school where she volunteered with a kindergarten class.

“In the mornings, I went to Sherwood Acres Elementary School. The students were amazing but needed occasional redirection. The children were extremely resilient, and the teachers consistently funneled love into their lives and education. Being there to help facilitate the teacher's needs was truly amazing,” said McNair.

In the afternoons, the Howard students continued their service with a local food bank, Feeding the Valley. Fuller and McNair worked on an assembly line that organized food into packages for low-income families.

The students participated in service each day, and their tasks were split between their morning and afternoon sites. Fuller and McNair traveled an hour to get to their schools each day, and after working at the food bank, the students often had additional evening activities.

“I was blessed with the opportunity to volunteer with ASB last year when I could go to New Orleans. I had a really positive experience that encouraged my decision to participate in the program again this year. I love working with the youth, and as a nonprofit owner, I am passionate about being able to provide resources to youth ages zero to 18. Alternative Spring Break allows me to step into someone else’s shoes and help people in the greater community,” said McNair.

Like McNair, Fuller signed up for ASB with the hope that she could make a difference in someone’s life. “Every night, we had a debrief and discussion about our day. During the debrief, I shared my goal of wanting to leave a fulfilling impact on someone’s life, and I felt that I did that. Overall, it was a life-changing experience,” said Fuller.

Many students spend spring break traveling for leisure or return home to spend time with their families, but Fuller and McNair encourage students to consider the alternative route.

“If you want a life-changing experience, you must take this trip. It shifts your perspective of life and the way you think about community service. After just one week, we are returning with knowledge of how better to serve our D.C. community and the community in our hometowns,” McNair expressed.

The impact of Alternative Spring Break extends far beyond the week that students are assigned to their respective sites. Fuller and McNair are testaments to the program’s ability to change the perspective on community service and to grow deeper understandings for others facing diverse challenges across the country.

Alternative Spring Break allows students to actualize Howard’s commitment to truth and service.

You can support Alternative Spring Break with a donation, here: Alternative Spring Break.