Eight Alfred State College (ASC) students and a staff member spent spring break working with Habitat for Humanity in Myrtle Beach, SC. The trip was part of the Alternative Spring Break service initiative coordinated through the Center for Civic Leadership.
Heather Jackson, administrative assistant for the civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering technology departments, led the trip along with civic engagement advocate Halimat Akanbi (Ozone Park, NY). Other students on the trip included Emma Baker (Attica, NY), Mamadou Barry (Rochester, NY), Alyssa Burdick (Valley Falls, NY), Dana Hartmann (Farmingdale, NY), Benjamin Jordan (Galway, NY), Ethan Kuhn (Holley, NY), and Bee Williams (Canberra, Australia).
“I wanted to be part of this trip because I feel like volunteering represents selfless giving,” commented Jackson. “This has been one of the best experiences of my life. I learned that with determination an individual or a group of individuals can accomplish great things. I felt such pride representing Alfred State and working along students on this trip.”
The students framed a new home and reflected that getting to know and work alongside the homeowner, Monisha, was the best part of the trip.
“We were able to help paint another house with Monisha and learn her story,” commented Baker. “Seeing her face when she saw all the walls up on her house made the whole trip worth it.”
The group from Alfred State impressed Site Manager Mike Rambo and Volunteer Coordinator Summer Bonham with their drive and worth ethic.
Rambo praised the group. “In my time here with all the groups at Habitat, your group has been by far the most productive. You guys showed up and showed out.”
The students returned to campus excited for their opportunity to work with Habitat for Humanity and encourage others to take the opportunity to experience what they did.
“Trips like these transform the way you view people, build relationships, and overall extend your understanding of volunteering and how much one person can actually impact another’s life,” commented Kuhn.
