Five trips in four countries: Senior Emily Drew makes a global impact through Alternative Breaks

From cleaning rivers and lakes in Tennessee to hand-picking pineapples on a family farm in Costa Rica, senior biology major Emily Drew has participated in five Alternative Breaks trips, spanning four different countries, experiencing what she passionately calls “AB magic.” 

Alternative Breaks (AB), organized by the Center for Civic Engagement at Illinois State University, are service trips that address community needs at local, national, and global levels. 

Drew’s first AB trip was to the Galapagos Islands in the Eastern Pacific in December 2021, followed by a trip to Kenya in May 2022, Living Lands and Waters in Memphis, Tennessee in March 2023 and 2024, and Costa Rica in January 2024. 

Her global journeys prompted her to become the first in her family to get a passport and leave the country. 

“Once people get into AB, they just want to keep going,” Drew said. 

Currently the vice director of AB after serving as director last year, Drew led her service trip to Costa Rica and Tennessee. She managed a group of approximately 30 peers, organized the educational components of the trip, oversaw recruitment, and reviewed applications, emphasizing that AB trips are open to everyone regardless of major or year in school. 

“We have a blind application process, so on the trip, there might be a business major who’s a senior and an elementary ed freshman,” Drew said. “I think that’s also a really cool part about AB—it brings together so many people.” 

In addition to AB, Drew is the president of Redbird Red Cross, the vice president of Sigma Delta Pi, and the co-founder of Doctors Without Borders on campus. She has worked with Dr. Alicia Wodika in public health research and is a local Spanish-language translator for the community clinic. 

Kelly Hasselbring, Illinois State’s Alternative Breaks coordinator, has planned about a dozen AB trips and attended several more. She first met Drew on their trip to Kenya and has watched her flourish ever since. 

“Seeing the AB team blossom and grow—that’s what I’ve been able to experience with Emily,” Hasselbring said. “From freshman year to now, Emily is graduating and going to medical school. Being a part of that growth is super special.” 

Drew said there’s a unique bond formed between AB trip-goers that keeps them coming back for more trips together and staying in touch after the trip ends. 

“I never have any nerves going on the trip, because I know it’s going to be such a genuine group of people. I know I’m going to meet a new friend,” Drew said. 

Not only do participants form connections, but AB also allows students to explore new communities while giving back in a meaningful way. They actively listen and make a difference based on community needs, leaving a positive impact that lasts long after they’re gone. 

“It’s a way for students to dip their toes in the water for civic engagement,” Hasselbring said. “I hope that they take away what they’ve learned, and they bring that back home and make a difference.” 

This spring, Drew will take part in her final AB trip, returning to Memphis to remove garbage from McKellar Lake with Living Lands and Waters. As her time at Illinois State draws to a close, the impact she’s made and the lessons she’s learned will likely permeate throughout her personal and professional life. She will graduate in May and plans to become a doctor while continuing to serve the community. 

“In AB, you travel to a community you’ve never been in. You have to learn how to communicate and work as a team,” Drew said. “I think all the skills I’ve learned can be easily applied to my professional life. It’s a reminder that service learning is so important.” 

As a seasoned AB traveler, Drew is thrilled to see the program expand and welcome more people into the AB family. She shares some advice for those considering a trip: 

“Go into it with an open mind. You’re going to meet so many people, learn so much, and learn as much about yourself,” Drew said. 

For updates and more information on all things Alternative Breaks, follow isualtbreaks on Instagram.