By Daniel L. Bamberg
Ten students from Western New England College in Springfield, Massachusetts decided not to spend their spring break on the beach and sewing wild oats. Instead, they will be working in the Talladega National Forrest here in the Oakmulgee District of Brent, Alabama.
Through the Alternative Spring Break Program, students spend spring break helping others through a variety of service projects. The group of ten community minded young adults spent the week of March 20 – March 25 clearing a trail path and building bridges and walk ways to provide accessibility for everyone to experience the beauty of the forest.
“The Alternative Spring Break Program began 11 years ago with a group of students who wanted to do something different on their spring break, something where they could give back and help others,” said Jillian Strycharz, a senior at Western New England College and team leader for the program.
This year, 36 students and four faculty members from the college divided their time and efforts. Volunteer groups traveled to several states to help fight hunger and homelessness, worked with students with disabilities, assisted with AIDS awareness campaigns and conducted environmental and conservation work.
“We try and keep the trips on a budget so students can afford to go,” explained Strycharz. “Every one of us could have gone on a cruise, to the beach, or done nothing at all for our spring break; but we chose to spend it doing service work, and we all are motivated to give back whatever way we can.”
According to District Ranger Cynthia Ragland, the staff at the U.S. Forest Service, Oakmulgee Ranger District in Brent was pleased with the work the students accomplished.
“They stepped outside of the norm and did a really outstanding job,” explained Ranger Ragland. “These students made a difference by helping others and we appreciate them.”
The group’s efforts will support compliance with the 2010 Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for accessibility.
“This was a great chance to meet new people that I may not have ever run across on campus,” said Michelle Wigget, a criminal justice major from the college and one of the ten students who helped in the Talladega National Forest. “It’s the simple things. Where I am from, you can’t look up and see the stars at night. That was a beautiful sight.”
Though most of these students did not meet before this experience, Strycharz said the group dynamic was outstanding. The students camped at the campground, using bathhouses and cooking meals.
“We came with high expectations of what we could accomplish as a group and we exceeded our expectations,” expressed Strycharz. “We are proud of the work we completed and we hope it will be enjoyed by all.”
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