Beyond the Yard- Hilltop Highlights

Students Share Experiences on Alternative Spring Break

Learn from five Howard University students about how they served various communities across the country during 2024 Alternative Spring Break. The information was collected by Howard sophomore Narissa Hill, an electrical engineering major who was assigned to Memphis, Tennessee. She asked her fellow Bison to share their HUASB experiences.

Isaac Davis, sophomore

Computer engineering major, Queens, New York

“Last week I was offered the opportunity to spend my spring break in Buffalo, New York, spreading information about colleges – more specifically, HBCUs – to middle and high school students. I also helped a volunteer company and a contractor to furnish a house and tile the floor for local refugees that were forced out of their house due to worsening conditions in certain towns in Buffalo. This being my first time participating in ASB, I truly enjoyed my experience not only because of the people I was surrounded by but also from the work I was doing with the kids and community.”

 

Jada Henery, sophomore

Nursing major, biology minor

Brooklyn, New York

“I went to Buffalo, New York, for ASB under the initiatives of youth holistic wellness and community development. This was my first year doing ASB and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had at Howard. The first place we visited was a K-8 charter school. The students at that school were such a pleasure to talk to because the excitement that they had when we showed up was heartwarming. Another thing we did while in Buffalo was build beds for people and deliver them to houses that needed them. It was such an eye-opener when you realize how much of a privilege it even is to have a bed to sleep on. I learned a lot from my experience in Buffalo and walked away satisfied that I was able to connect to the people I did at the many places we visited. I would definitely do this again.”

 

Kyle Gray, junior

Civil engineering major

Sacramento, California

“My site was Philadelphia. During my ASB trip, I worked with Philadelphia youth at a middle school and high school, providing insight about the college experience and helping them with their projects. I had a good time spending my spring break in service with other Bison, and even made some new friends along the way. I look forward to ASB next year!”

 

Che Ewell, freshman

Finance major

Philadelphia

“Over spring break, I participated in Howard’s Alternative Spring Break in Memphis, Tennessee, with the initiative of Developing Pathways to Food Stability and Youth Empowerment. Throughout the week, I served as a mentor to fifth graders at Downtown Elementary and students as part of the Refugee Empowerment Program, assisting them with their homework, enjoying recess with them, and discussing their passions and interests. Overall, my experience in Memphis was an intimate, enriching and humbling one that has led me to not only forge connections with the students I worked with but with my fellow students here at Howard, whom I hope to continue strengthening.”

 

Charmeon Jones, freshman

Biology major, chemistry

Dallas

“I went to Baltimore, Maryland. It was truly an amazing experience to serve with ASB. Helping and bonding with the kids in the elementary/middle school helped me just as much as I helped them. I felt like this program helped me grow mentally and spiritually. The kids, churches and bonds that I created will always hold a special place in my heart.”