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