Jyung and Baez came up with the idea for the Dominican Republic trip during a meeting last semester while working as student staff members for the Community Outreach Program. Jyung explained the goals of the upcoming trip. "We'll be in close contact with the local people at a small town in Cruz Verde, and will be learning about the community, their culture and social issues by living with them," she said. "We're also helping the community build their first learning center."
Baez explained that the Committee on Academic Priorities (CAP) report recommendations influenced the idea. "Having read the CAP report's recommendations on Global Comprehension and Community Engagement, the idea of an international alternative break seemed like a logical step in Amherst's evolution into a true international institution whose mission is to produce conscientious global citizens," said Baez.
Zeidan organized the trip to New Orleans after attending a school-wide meeting about Hurricane Katrina this fall. "We're going to see first-hand the ... amount of work left to be done," said Zeidan. "I'm simply hoping to help at least one family begin their rebuilding process and for everyone on the trip to feel like they've made a difference."
Director of Community Outreach Scott Laidlaw articulated the goals of these students' unique vacation plans. "Alternative Spring Break trips allow students an immersion experience that can't be duplicated on campus ... if those participating take the time to analyze and reflect upon their tasks, goals and the context in which they are working," he said.
Although most students will be spending Spring Break at home or on the beach, alternative Spring Break trips expose students to social issues and problems that they have not previously encountered. Karen Lee-Roberts, assistant director of community outreach, agreed, quoting a fitting maxim: "Spring Break lasts a week, an alternative break lasts a lifetime."