2008 Woodie Awards
Soak up the service this spring
Nicole Smith
Issue date: 2/19/08 Section: News
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It's a time for students to be out of school, at least temporarily, and enjoy their vacation by going to the beach, hanging out with friends and relaxing in front of the TV.
But several on-campus groups are working hard to change that idea.
About six years ago, S.O.A.R. developed Alternative Spring Break, an opportunity for students to deal with issues that some communities experience every day.
Last year, the group went to Charleston, where they worked on a Habitat for Humanity build and learned about oyster reef restoration.
Sophomore history major Theresa Wynd was part of the group.
"It was so much fun and an amazing experience that everyone should try to do if they can," she said.
Wynd wasn't the only one who felt this way.
SOAR's Web site has a section for past volunteers to reflect on their service to others, and the reflections are nothing but glowing.
Wynd herself said on the site that she learned "there are amazing people in the world and when people are working toward a common goal, great things can be achieved."
This year, S.O.A.R. is traveling to Chattanooga, Tenn., where they will focus on environmental issues. Habitat for Humanity plans to go to Lexington, Va., said Nadine Riffel, president of the organization and junior international business major.
"We strive to advocate, educate, fundraise and build," said Annie Tsui, junior business administration major and vice president of the organization. "So far, we have mainly fundraised because we are trying to raise enough money to sponsor a piece of property for a build. We hope that this trip can serve as a wonderful opportunity for the other three goals."
This is the first Alternative Spring Break the organization has planned since they were chartered just last spring, Tsui said.
Though still fairly new, the organization is no stranger to hard work.
"As a group, we have worked on builds and many fundraisers and those were fun, as well as a great bonding experience, so we are definitely excited and looking forward to a whole week dedicated to this," Tsui said.
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