Close your eyes, and think of the word spring.
What does it bring to mind? Do you imagine waking up at home to the sound of chirping birds by your window, or does it cause your nose to twitch, as you remember the smell of bursting cherry blossoms in season? How about rolling waves crashing the shores of some sandy beach, where thoughts of exams and papers are crushed into the back of your mind, buried underneath piles of sand and rays of sunshine?
Now, open your eyes. You’re probably not alone — perhaps you are on your computer in a coffee shop, dining hall, library, or scrolling through some articles on your phone while strutting down Comm Ave. Look around, look up at the people around you; a few of them may not all be able to make it home to the comfort of their beds, some may not live near blossoming trees, and more still will be unable to afford a ticket to the shores of some relaxing island.
The Alternative Spring Break program at BU is an opportunity to expand your idea of what a spring break could mean to you. Rather than taking this week as a time to yourself, you may think of it as a time to give back to those around you, in communities near and far. ASB is truly an occasion to educate yourself, connect with others, and make a change.
Founded in 1987, ASB provides a program for hundreds of Boston University students to volunteer at 40 different sites throughout the US and Puerto Rico. Essential topics such as human rights, public health awareness, abilities, education, LGBTQ+, and affordable housing are addressed during these service trips. There are committee chairs, chaperones, and coordinators ensuring that every second of your day is filled with planned service projects, delicious food, memories with new friends, and trips to explore the culture of the area. After all, this trip is about developing bonds among participants, a community around the service.
Check out http://buasb.com/ for more information about every single service trip and individual coordinator. Remember that the registration for both winter and spring break trips will take place on November 16th, 2014, and that when you do sign up for a trip, wake up bright and early to ensure you get a spot for where you truly wish to go!
Good luck, and I hope to see you on my own trip to Atlanta, Georgia working with Project Open Hand with my co-coordinator (s/o to Billy)!