Alternative Breaks, New York: RECAP!

It feels as if we just flew back from NY yesterday. Starting as a group of strangers, shy and uneasy, we ended up a group of friends, caring and fun. Though educated about the food devastation problem, it didn't exactly hit me until I saw it with my own eyes. Seeing the massive long lines at the community kitchen and seeing the streets devoid of produce markets made me realize how much these people need help and support. My most memorable part of the trip was being able to see the people I was serving and converse with them. One of the guys in line, when asked why there was a pen in his pocket, said, "I am a writer. I write almost anything; poetry, I write whatever is happening around me." I don't think I can forget the look in his eyes as he thanked and blessed us with his sincere heart. Going on this trip influenced me to reexamine the situation here in SLO--in this past month, I was able to be a part of this ministry with my fellowship in passing out sandwiches, socks, and fruit to anyone in need in the downtown area. Every time I think of this trip, it is a reminder to volunteer at the homeless shelter or community kitchens and really put myself out there to make a difference. Cassie and Jessie were awesome leaders and I can see how truly passionate they are about helping their community and making a difference. Thank you Alt. Breaks NY for shining a light upon me so that I may be a light to others. "Leadership is action, not position." - Donald H. McGannon

Diane Lee

Alternative Breaks New York Reflection!

The Alternative Breaks New York 2012 crew flew back home to California over a month ago, but we will forever stay connected to NYC through our experiences, memories, and continued volunteerism.  Volunteering throughout the week at four different locations, with varied populations, opened our eyes to the extreme amount of hunger in NYC.  We now understand the importance of volunteering whenever possible and doing what we can for those in need.  Running on limited sleep, the smiles and thanks that we received from those we were serving pushed us to keep working hard throughout the day.  A day that stuck out to me was when we had the opportunity to work with Encore Community Services delivering meals on wheels to homebound seniors in Times Square.  These senior citizens were so thankful for the meal we were dropping off and the interactions we had with them will forever be in my memory.  Overall, this experience has made me a better person with a changed outlook on life.  As a graduating senior, Alternative Breaks will stand out as a key component of my college experience and will continue to push me to volunteer throughout my life.  I want to thank Jesse and Cassie for all of their hard work and planning to make this trip happen, we all love you!

Julianne Jochums

Reflecting on Alternative Breaks: New York!

Alternative Breaks New York is long over but we are still feeling the effects. The impact Alternative Breaks had on us is evident in the relationships that are still thriving and in our collective commitment to continue to better our community. Within the group, people still stay surprisingly well connected. In fact, people have joined and play on the same intramural dodge ball league. Walking around campus you can count on bumping into one of the participants and receiving a welcoming hug and the reassuring feeling one gets from seeing an old friend. Beyond the relationships that were created among the group, other effects still linger.  The amazing high we all got from volunteering is still fresh. The empowering feeling we got from making a difference has given us the confidence to continue to make a difference. I can speak from personal experience, alternative breaks got me volunteering and now I don’t want to stop. I have gotten involved with local homeless shelters, and day centers. Serving meals, prepping and painting shelters that need a touch up. My brother and I have begun teaching German at Hawthorne elementary school. Collectively we are changed because we realize we can have an impact. New York showed us that when a group of caring and hard working individuals get together they can change the circumstances that people are subjected to even if it’s just for a meal. We made an impact in New York and New York had an impact on us. For those who are considering volunteering with alternative breaks, realize that the effects don’t end when you’re done volunteering. The effects live on in the new empowered ability you feel to create change, improve people lives, and improve yourself. 

Aline Schmitz