By Paris Riley
Photo By: Ryan Hamiton,
Bree Grant & Ashanti Wilson
Every year, Howard University participates in something called Alternative Spring Break or ASB. Hundreds of students give up their spring break to make a difference in the community. This year students volunteered in Detroit, Atlanta, New Orleans, DC, and new for this year, Haiti. The types of volunteer activities vary from year to year and place to place. However, they always focus on bettering and uplifting the communities they serve.
In Detroit this year students gave back to the community by tutoring elementary, middle, and high school students in literacy. The Howard students who attended were also presented with the prestigious Spirit of Detroit award for their work by the Detroit City Council. The students who went to Atlanta, New Orleans, and DC also mentored students, put on programs, and rebuilt communities.
Sophomore Ashanti Wilson commented that “basically my ASB Detroit Trip could be summed up into one word, rewarding. Not only did I learn and grow from the experience in a positive way but I hope the impact that we left on the students is one that will last them beyond this week.” Many students that participated in ASB shared her sentiments including Atlanta ASB participant Lacrisha Holcomb. Holcomb stated that she “grew so much in that one week and [is] thankful for the experience.”
This year a small group of students were given the great honor of being selected for ASB Haiti. While in Haiti they aided with building an enclosure around an orphanage and taught students in math, English, and art. Upon returning to DC, Senior Ryan Hamilton posted this on a social networking site “Haiti is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. The Beautiful Culture, The Beautiful People, The Beautiful Scenery, I am definitely grateful.”
Without a doubt all of the students who participated in alternative spring break 2011 have left their respective cities with a feeling of accomplishment and the communities forever impacted.
By Paris E. Riley
Howard University '13, Public Relations
