Students recently participated in Alternative Spring Break (ASB), a week long service trip for participants to serve a community in need.
Illinois State sent five buses with over 200 students who volunteered in Florida, Louisiana, Georgia, and South Carolina. These students learned lessons in compassion and service, as well as the value of serving individuals, families, and communities in need.
For Elysia Soria, a senior nursing major, this was her first ASB trip. She says that ASB is a great “way to get involved at ISU” and also “a good way to give back to the communities in need.” Her favorite part about the trip was “seeing how grateful the organizations are after we help them.” Soria also enjoyed meeting others on the trip and making new friendships. She calls the whole experience “eye-opening and empowering.”
Emma Milliken, a junior speech-language pathology major, traveled to New Orleans as part of ASB. Milliken was a return ASB participant, with this being her second trip. She says that she has experienced tremendous growth by being part of ASB, stating that this trip changed her even more than her first.
“Alternative Breaks pushes you out of your comfort zone to a place where you learn so much about yourself,” Milliken said.
She has already encouraged several of her friends to participate in future Alternative Break trips. Milliken feels it is important for everyone to experience ASB before they leave ISU.
For information about how to participate in future Alternative Breaks, please contact Leadership and Community Connections at (309) 438-7346.
Marie Huels was a contributor to this article.
