March 23, 2010 issue
EMU students spend spring break helping others, improving communities

By Marietta Ford

 

Taking long naps and basking in the sun was not on every Eastern Michigan University student's agenda for this year's spring break. During the week of March 1, EMU sent more than 75 students to nine locations across the nation for EMU's Alternative Spring Break (ASB).

The students devoted their time and talents toward projects ranging from working at facilities for children and families to rebuilding houses in locations such as Kissimmee, Fla. and New Orleans, La. All of the trips were initiatives of EMU's VISION (Volunteers Incorporating Service Into Our Neighborhoods) organization.  

BOOK BUDDIES: For Alternative Spring Break, one group of EMU students helped distribute books to elementary schools in Nashville, Tenn. Students pictured from left) are Megan Stillwagon, Jordan Schotzm Maggie O'Brien-Watt, Ericka Wilson, Shane Coleman and Emily Gillingham.

The 2010 trip not only signified the 18th anniversary of Eastern's ASB, but it was the first year that a service project included a student who is a wheelchair user. Peggy Harless, assistant director of Diversity and Community Involvement, was particularly thrilled to be able to open up ASB to students with disabilities.

"A lot of the service projects require physical labor and the living conditions are not always accessible," said Harless. "This year, we had a project in Nashville that we knew would be accessible, so we were able to overcome the logistical obstacles and include this student."

In turn, Shane Coleman, a junior majoring in information assurance, felt very lucky to be the first disabled student to attend Eastern's ASB. Coleman traveled with five other EMU students to serve as reading role models and perform general maintenance tasks in area preschools and elementary schools throughout Nashville, Tenn.

"This trip just made me re-affirm my belief that I love children," said Coleman. "I made a difference and I am just glad to be doing my part to give back."

Maria Powell, a junior majoring in social work, also was doing her part to give back by being a student program coordinator for ASB. In that role, Powell lent a helping hand in planning all of the trips.

Powell also went to the Central Virginia Food Bank in Richmond, Va., with six other students to prepare, package and distribute food to the local community through Meals on Wheels. Powell not only took away six new friends from the experience, but she was able to see another part of the country, all while promoting goodwill.

POOL POLISH: (from left) Easten Michigan University students Brittany Hamilton Reed, Jamila Felder and Valerie Niemann pause while cleaning the pool at Damar Services - Children With Autism and Behavioral Problems in Indianapolis, Ind. The three EMU students were part of a group that spent their spring break at the organization. While there, they also painted closets and hosted a game night.

"It's easy to put on the back burner, but there are so many in the world that do not have the resources to eat," said Powell. "It was very rewarding for me to help somewhat alleviate this hunger, and to work alongside my group and the local volunteers who always seemed to be happy no matter what they were doing."  

Brittany Hamilton's group took part in Eastern's ASB trip to Damar Services - Children with Autism and Behavior Problems in Indianapolis, Ind. There, they cleaned the organization's pool, painted storage closets and even set up a night solely devoted to playing games such as Jenga, Uno and Operation with the children.

As a senior majoring in special education, Hamilton initially signed up for the trip in order to gain further knowledge in her chosen major. In the end, Hamilton not only took away valuable insight on her professional pursuit, but she also took away a key life lesson.

"It makes you take a step back and realize that it's not all about you," said Hamilton. "You need to help others in life to make sure what you are doing benefits others and not just yourself."

Volunteers in other 2010 ASB projects cleared trails and installed footbridges in Crossville, Tenn.; helped run facilities for families and children in Kissimmee, Fla.; rebuilt houses in New Orleans, La.; mentored children and landscaped and gardened in Bay St. Louis, Miss.; aided deaf and blind students in Spartanburg, S.C.; and cleaned and rebuilt an animal sanctuary in Zolfo Springs, Fla.