24 Days, 8 Hours, 30 Minutes ...But Who's Counting?

Now that we have less than a month left until we leave for Biloxi, MS, I still don’t think it has quite set in that in a matter of weeks, we are off to do something amazing. I have never had the opportunity to participate in such a significant service project, and for that I am truly grateful. The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill is considered to be the largest accidental marine oil spill in the history of the petroleum industry and it’s hard to believe that it has been almost three years since oil began gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, causing one of the worst ecological disasters of our time. I have no doubt that the effects of this oil spill will be felt nationwide for many years to come. Today, I see the BP commercials on TV encouraging people to come to the Gulf Coast, as business owners in that area are trying to restore a sense of normality that hasn’t been felt since before the oil spill. Although there is not much media coverage on the long-term effects of the oil spill, people in the Gulf region are suffering, and I take comfort in the fact that we will be able to play a role, however small it may be, in helping a region that has been battered by numerous natural disasters get back on its feet.  

Aside from the more serious aspect of our trip, I would also like to express how grateful I am to have met such an amazing group of people here at FSU. This year’s ASB trip members are some of the friendliest and most compassionate people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting and although I haven’t had the opportunity to get to know everyone, I do look forward to becoming closer with every member of our group before, during, and after the trip. Like most of us, I can’t wait to leave for Biloxi and I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to be embarking on this journey with.

Nevin Lorden

Class of 2016

Exactly one month from now...

Exactly one month from now we will be in Mississippi!!! I cannot believe how quickly this trip is approaching! It seems like only yesterday that we were all applying. I am so very blessed to have this opportunity to travel all the way across the country, but the reality of the situation in Mississippi has really just started to hit me. During our last meeting we learned more about how the oil spill and recent natural disasters have effected the economy of Biloxi, and we also focused on how day to day life in Mississippi is different from our lives in New England. It is intimidating thinking about travelling to a place that is so different, but I know that the work we will be doing there will make a difference!

In addition to helping the people of Mississippi, I cannot wait to get to know the other members of the ASB group better! During the meetings I have come to know each member of our group a little better, but I know that living and working together during spring break will bring us even closer. From the limited time we have spent together I can already tell that these people all have huge hearts, and I feel honored and excited to take this incredible journey with them!

Get ready Mississippi, FSU ASB is coming for you just one short month from now!!

-Molly Buckley
Class of 2015

One Month and Counting

I can't believe in a month our group will be in Biloxi, Mississippi! When I think back on the whole process, it seems like just yesterday we had our first group meeting.  Some of us knew each each other, while others were just meeting for the first time.  Now here we are, one month to go and we are no longer strangers; we are  a family.  I have met the most amazing people through this program! We are all so different and yet we all share the same passion for helping others, and this passion is what bonds us and brings us all together. We haven't even left yet and I feel like each member of this team has touched me in some way.  I am so excited to travel with this amazing group of individuals! I cannot wait to make memories with this group and share our experiences with all of you!

Michaela Arthur
Class of 2013

Ending my senior year with a bang

  The moment we all have been waiting for is almost upon us.  Can you believe it?  Only a few months ago we were all sweating (or maybe it was just me) wondering if we were going to have the opportunity to go on this trip.  Now here we are only a month and half before we leave.  This is the most excited I have been this year, and no I don't mean for 2013 I mean for the entire school year.
  The people on this trip all seem great in their own unique way and sometimes I feel out of place.  However, they I remember that all of us share the same passion of our willingness to help people out.  We are all selfless individuals and going on this trip over our spring break shows it.  Before the first meeting I was already friends with a few people in this group.  However, since this group has started I have been able to not only strength those friendships, but to build others as well.  I was able to really connect with Lauren.  It is nice to see someone who is really involved with a sport come on this trip too.  I feel as sports players we sometimes get a bad rep, but it is nice to see her coming on such a worthwhile trip.
  Now being the typical italian I have probably talked and rambled for much too long.  I have never been known for being concise.  I will just sum up the rest of what I have to say by exclaiming I AM SO PUMPED FOR THIS TRIP AND LET'S ALL MAKE IT A TRIP WE WILL NEVER FORGET.  I think I got my point across.

From,
Nick Magliozzi

The Wait is Almost Over...

          I can't believe that Alternative Spring Break 2013 is almost here. It seems so surreal that we are only a month away from getting on a plane and heading over to Biloxi. I'm so fortunate that I get to spend my Spring Break with an amazing group of people to make a difference. When I learned about ASB in September, I knew from Day 1 that I wanted to take on such a great opportunity. To be picked from 60 applicants to join this incredible team is completely mind-blowing. I couldn't be more lucky and thankful to be a part of this trip and volunteer to help others in need. 

          I look back at times when I complain about having a bad day, or that nothing is ever good enough in my life. Then I realize that there are others who are going through much worse in their lives, whether its from disease, poverty or natural disasters. I see what others went through and almost feel guilty for it. I'm beyond fortunate in my life while others out there are struggling. My sister has done plenty of volunteer work by helping at a Nine Lives Cat Shelter every weekend. Now its my turn. Instead of being lazy at home during break, I'm ready to take on the journey of a lifetime and head down to Mississippi with a remarkable team. There is no better feeling, knowing that I can help change someones life for the better. Im beyond excited to form new bonds, make new memories and help make a change.

          I'm also excited to see Biloxi's cousins at the Gator Ranch, but who isn't?!

The wait is almost over.... and I'm ready to take on an amazing adventure.

Biloxi, Mississippi, here we come! :)

- Katie Durst Class of 2016

"When was the last time you've done something for someone else?"

"When was the last time you've done something for someone else?"

That question seems simple enough, right? At least that's what I thought when my high school history teacher asked that question to the class. I started to think of what I've done lately and tried to be as objective as possible making sure not give myself the benefit of the doubt. The longer I thought about his question, I realized that most of what I do is for me. Despite having opportunities like having a job, being able to go to college, or having a home, a majority of the time I only thought about what I needed. I felt selfish at first but I think everyone does somethings for themselves. It's not like I was being rude to people and blatantly ignoring what they needed but it's easy to caught up in what's going on in your own life. 

Ever since my teacher asked me that question I always try to be more aware of what I have and how I can give some of that to others. That's why this opportunity to go to Biloxi is such a blessing. As a group we will be able to give our efforts and hard work to people who need it most. Even if we're only in Mississippi for a week, our contribution will not only a difference to the community of Biloxi but to our lives as well. I hope that we can come together on this trip and enjoy each other's company but most importantly understand how fortunate we are to be in a position where we are the ones who can help those less fortunate.

-Brandon Martinez

Class of 2016