Year: Senior
Hometown: North Reading, MA
Major: Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology
At UNH most students usually dream about going some place hot and tropical for spring break to have a week consumed of partying, but UNH offers another option. Alternative Break Challenge is a community service that sends several groups of students with two elected leaders to different states all over the country. They spend the week volunteering for Habitat for Humanity. Ashley oversees and works extremely hard as the president for this cause.
How long have you been a part of this program?
I have been apart of Alternative Break Challenge (ABC) for all 4 years of my college career. In high school I did Habitat For Humanity from my sophomore year to my senior year during the summer and I wanted to continue doing it here at UNH so I researched what UNH had to offer and I found out about ABC. I started as a participant my freshman year and then became a member of the executive board my sophomore year and have been on the board since. I was a trip leader both my sophomore year and junior year, and plan to lead a trip this year (senior year).
How and Why did you decide to do Alternative Break Challenge?
Most students do a traditional spring break to Mexico or somewhere tropical but I wanted to do something productive and meaningful. ABC gives students that travel experience most of us crave. The best part of ABC is that participants agree to get in a passenger van not knowing anyone or even really knowing what they are going to encounter at their destination. My freshman year I knew no one and ended up meeting one of my best friends today. I think it takes a lot of courage to do that and it is also one of the most self-less experiences. ABC gives students a chance to make an impact on someone’s life that lives miles away – that’s one of the coolest accomplishments I can think of. The smallest task can mean the world to someone who is in need. In my four years I have done all Habitat For Humanity trips, but ABC offers two other types of trips: Appalachian Mountain trail maintenance and working with inner city day cares.
Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about Alternative Break Challenge?
There is an option for all types of personalities and all three options accomplish the same goal of helping those in need. Community service is important, but ABC is so much more than just community service. It teaches students leadership skills, planning, budgeting, and the experiences encountered and friendships made impact you’re life. Experiencing a community that is less fortunate than the one we are used to is an extremely humbling experience that makes us realize how lucky we are along with making us so much more appreciative, so I do believe getting involved with ABC is important. I hope that students get involved with ABC at least once during the short four years they are here, or take an opportunity that is similar.
What is your favorite part about being a part of this program?
My favorite part about being on the executive board is being responsible for giving participants’ the same opportunity I received my freshmen year. I plan on doing Habitat For Humanity and/or similar opportunities after college.
Think this is the type of Spring Break you’re interested in having???
Friend the group on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/UNHABC
OR
Check out the Website!
http://unhabc.webs.com/
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