Let the fun times...

Begin! Let me just say that I am fantastically excited to travel to Biloxi with my fellow ASBers. Volunteering is a passion that I have had for a long time now, but I've got to admit, it's been a while since I've done my last bit of work. Despite this fact, I will never forget the amazing feeling of helping someone in need. Or even just the experience and knowledge of knowing how someone else is living their life; the struggles and hardships that they have to go through almost every single day.... This is what drives me to continue. Knowing that I can do something to lessen somebody else's pain is amazing. We're constantly told that there's a cause here and a cause there, but my question always is: "Yeah, well, what can I do about it?" This is the action. This is what I can do.

Avarie Cook
Class of 2016

Opportunity of a lifetime

I'm so incredibly happy that I have been given this opportunity to help others during my Spring break. I never thought I would be able to do something so inspiring and amazing. I attended a community college, and this was never offered there-so when I found this club before attending Framingham State this past fall, I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. A part of something bigger than me, and a part of something that will truly make me stop and appreciate everything that I have. We all sometimes get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget how truly lucky and blessed we all are, and how so many places and people alike are not so lucky. I hope to create strong bonds with those in this remarkable club, and take away some pretty memorable moments from this trip. Everyone in this club so far has been so nice and welcoming- I struggle to make friends since I am still fairly new to the FSU community, so it is good to know that I have my ASB family to look forward to seeing every friday, and of course on all of our volunteering events leading up to this unforgettable experience of a life time-Alternative Spring Break 2013-Biloxi ,Mississippi!!!!!!!!! :)

-Melissa Skerry
  class of 2014 

Other Service Opportunities!

Now that our lovely and relaxing break is over, I have a newfound sense of energy in regards to ASB. It's not that I wasn't excited before break, but I was mentally and physically exhausted from the semester. Now, I am refreshed and ready to fundraise even more money, make even more of a difference, and totally prepare myself for this life-changing journey we are about to embark on.

Part of preparing ourselves for a trip like this can include going on other service trips that can be used as means for ASB bonding. It can also truly enlighten each and every one of us on various matters. As an RA, I am lucky enough to do some different kinds of community service. Yesterday, I participated in a volunteer program with St. Patrick's Manor in Framingham. St. Patrick's is a hidden gem in my opinion, and truly proves that not all nursing facilities are negative places filled with substandard care and suspicious practices. Ten RA's, myself included, spent the day there where we sang with the residents, wheeled them to and from their rooms, and just got to know who they are as human beings. It was truly an enlightening and humbling experience. We also interacted with residents who duffer from dementia; they know who they are and are able to recall specific experiences and life events, but the order of these events is jumbled up and is often times confusing. Our interactions with these residents were truly moving to the point where we all vowed to return to this place as soon as possible.

The point I'm trying to make here is that as a group we can truly make a difference. We are obviously going to be doing some vital service work in Biloxi and for that, I am eternally grateful. However, service work isn't just saving someone or something when disaster strikes. Service is also holding out a helpful hand and letting someone know that you're there for them and that they are important too. Tori suggested that maybe we can go to St. Patrick's Manor for a group bonding session, and that really struck a cord (in a good way!) with me. It made me realize that in order to prepare for this trip, we should take part in service opportunities around the area. We may not realize it, but Framingham and the metrowest area needs assistance too.

St. Patrick's Manor is only one place in an area of ample opportunity where we can meet up, volunteer, get to know each other better, and truly make our ASB experience even more special. Now that we have the energy to do so after a refreshing month off from school, I say we go for it and explore our options!

-Kevin Long
Class of 2014

Can't Wait Until March!!!

         Two months from today my incredible new friends, faculty and I will be heading down to Biloxi, Mississippi to make a difference.  Throughout the years I have enjoyed giving to people rather than receiving. It is amazing how much you can do for an individual or organization through volunteer projects. You never know how much they truly appreciate what you have done for them. What may seem as a little task to you could be significant in their life. I enjoy giving back to the community in whatever ways I can. I feel I have so much to be grateful for and that giving back to those in need is the least that I can do. I am looking forward to this incredible opportunity to help in whatever ways possible through the various projects we’ll be doing in Biloxi.

            

      I cannot express in words how grateful I am to be able to go to Biloxi with such an amazing group of people who are just as passionate in volunteer work as I am. It has been amazing so far to begin to get to know each of the members of the group.  I eagerly wait for it to be March already.  When I began my new chapter at Framingham I knew I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and try to make a difference it whatever aspects I could.

          

         I know all the projects on the trip will be hard work. Every drop of sweat will truly be gratifying to know you are making at least somewhat of a difference. It is saddening to think about how much the oil spill has affected marine life, individuals’ jobs, the economy in Biloxi, and potentially the overall health.  I am so excited to go to Biloxi. So many people just forget about these natural disasters and incidences after the press stops talking about them as much. Meanwhile the areas are still suffering and will continue to be affected for years for come. We cannot forget about these areas. One disaster is just as significant and horrifying as the other. Being privileged to live on Cape Cod surrounded by the ocean and many beaches is a luxury sometimes that I don’t realize that I take for granted. I can only imagine how much the members of the communities affected by the oil spill are hurting. The image below just shows how a beautiful wave is destroyed with oil, which will affect so many areas of marine life in the communities.

           

           

            There are so many individuals and organizations that have done so much for this community and they are incredible people.  It feels good that I can contribute to helping Biloxi through this trip. These situations provoke you to think about and question who we really admire in our society. The movie star in your favorite movie is not to be compared to the man or woman who dedicated their time to help rebuild a home or provide funds to areas in need.  I admire those other individuals and organizations who strive to make a difference too.

            

     I am so lucky and grateful to have the opportunity to go to Biloxi. I know this experience will be an eye-opening journey and will have a positive impact by making me a better person. I look forward to getting more of my family and friends involved in volunteer work and to be as passionate in giving back to the community as the other ASB members. I can’t wait to go and make as much of a difference as we can.

Love,

Kristen Corbett

Class of 2016

Two Months and we're off!

I can't believe how fast time passes by! A new year has just begun and we're already half way through January with less than two months before me and 29 others will be boarding a plane to Biloxi, Mississippi together! I can't believe we're so close to the trip! It seems like just yesterday I was sitting in a crowded room among strangers learning about the trip and the work we would be doing. It seems so surreal that I will be sharing this experience with so many wonderful people, some experiencing a trip like this for the first time in their lives, some, like me, excited to be returning from the experience, knowing how great it will be!

I also can't believe this will be my last ever Alternative Spring Break with Framingham State University! It seems like going to some far away destination to help leave a positive impression on some one, a group, or a cause during the middle part of March is something second nature now--like I should expect to be touched by such an experience every year from now on, but as college comes closer and closer to an end for this guy, I am saddened by the fact that this will be my final venture with the ASB crew.

I am so motivated to work extra hard this spring break so I can say it was the best I've had! I think it will be a lot of fun learning ways to help sustain a healthy environment, even in the face of one of the worst environmental catastrophes. That is what appeals to me so much about Alternative Spring Break, hope that I can affect positive change in an area that seems so badly hurt. It is truly empowering to work with like-minded people and learn from each other and the overall experience. I am really excited to go on this journey!

-Stephen Supernor, 2013

A Year in Review: I Cannot Wait for 2013

Hello everyone!
   This is my first time posting on a blog and I am really excited to do so. In the past, I feel like I have been able to express myself better.
    What a year it has been.....there has been change both in my personal life as well as in the real world. One of the highlights of my year was being invited to join a group of 25 other students and faculty on ASB to Mississippi. I have had many friends that went on the Joplin trip and based on their stories and testimonies, I knew this was something that I wanted to do. I have always loved helping people and wanted to have the chance to make a difference to those who were deeply affected by the BP Oil Spill and past hurricanes. I have seen the photos and the damage that has been done by this community and feel horrible for them. The efforts being made in this instance show who the heroes are in this country; they take time from thier lives and dedicate it towards helping fix the area and make it a better place. It is because of thier continued dedication that I also want to have the chance to make an impact and gain a sense of confidence. I want to challenge myself and do something that I have never done before, and I know that doing this will definetly guide me in becoming the person I want to be.
    Seeing everything that has occured in the past year has taught me to be grateful for everything I have.Since becoming a member of ASB, I have begun to see things in a new light that I have never seen before. I have learn to gain a better understanding of what people go through and how much one simple thing really does change everything. These events have shown me how important volunteering is and that doing this does make an impact. I think that by finding photos, it will help me express my true opinions.

    The one thing I want to talk about is Hurricane Sandy. Although I was not directly impacted, the devastation was heartbreaking:

 

This photo was particularly devastating to me. This roller coaster was a part of a boardwalk in which 1000s of people would walk on every summer. It was a part of a culutre that many people looked forward to every year. To many families, the boardwalk symbolizes fun and many family memories. With one storm, everything changed. The rollercoaster is now under water and broken. The places surrounding it are gone and only pieces of it remain. It was so devastating to see this because families did not know what to do. The emotion that came from these pictures are unspeakable; I can only imagine what they are going through. I wish that I could have gone on the boardwalk in order to understand how much this meant to the people that went there. It is through times like these that we truly come together and support one another. I am so lucky to be a part of a nation that is there for one another. I am looking forward to helping/ seeing what happens next.

It was through Hurricane Sandy that I strongly encourage every person to do something towards the cause. It gave me no greater feeling then when I was able to participate in FSU's Kiss a Pig Fundraiser. The event was so much fun and knowing that my money was going to those deeply affected made me feel so good about myself. I could not stop smiling whenever I talked about it because it was so much fun! I cannot wait to do the same when in Mississippi!! I know that going there and helping out CCI will be a grateful experience that will help me understand the serious damage that occured to one of the states in our great nation!

Love
Carly :)

New record!

The applications are in! We broke our record with 60 applications this year! Tomorrow (well, technically today) we begin a new process—the interview process. Our goal is that an interview will give each applicant the chance to truly shine.

I am so incredibly thankful for each person who took the time to apply this year. You took a chance, dared to think beyond your own needs and apply to a program where others come first. Whether you are chosen or not to be a part of this trip, you should be so proud. Taking the time to apply demonstrates just the kind of person you are—selfless. Thank you! Thank you for taking an interest, for putting in your effort, and for seeing the value of service to others.

There is no doubt that ASB is growing and that FSU students’ passion for service is growing too. Your applications have inspired me.

Keep giving back FSU! Whether on ASB this year or not, you are ALL making a difference J

Love,

Molly

Operations and education trip leader  

We're almost there!

WOW time flies! It's such an awesome feeling to be so close to having a group! Going to Joplin, MO was such an amazing experience, and I'm so excited to be a part of ASB 2013. My perspective, now as a trip leader, has completely shifted from last year. Right now, I just really want to get as many wonderful people as possible involved in this experience. I hope it will change them the way that it changed me, and I want to make sure that I'm making their ASB experience as amazing and life-changing as possible. Picking the group (and the chaperones!) will, I'm sure, be a stressful, but absolutely rewarding experience in the end :)
-Tori Dost
"Blessed are those who see beauty in humble places, where others see nothing." -Camille Pissarro

It's That Time of Year Again!

How time flies! I cannot believe it is already the end of September. It feels like yesterday we were heading back from Joplin, Missouri and I was eager to apply for a trip leader position. After the last few crazy weeks of the semester and getting the finance trip leader position I was eager to begin planning for the next Alternative Spring Break trip. After what seemed like a quick summer full of researching, planning and fundraising we have finally made it back to Framingham State and guess what... ASB is in full swing! 

Applications have been out for a mere four days and already submissions have been coming in fast and furiously! It is hard to contain my excitement about the trip and I cannot wait until we officially have our group that will be heading to Biloxi, Mississippi. I find myself constantly thinking about ASB and putting off school work to focus on this trip. Attending Alternative Spring Break last year changed my life and I only hope that the trip to Biloxi will have the same effect on other Framingham State students. It is going to be a crazy few weeks full of reading applications, interviewing potential ASB members and notifying our final group. These past five months have flown by so I can only imagine how quickly the rest of this year will pass. In no time it will be spring break and ASB will be off to a new location to create new memories that will last a lifetime!

Carolyn Holland
ASB Trip Leader

From a "Chaperonie"

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” ― Mother Teresa

As a proud member of the Framingham State University community prior to the trip, it was enlightening to join such a motivated group of our students in Joplin and fortify that sense of pride. I was a last minute addition to the chaperones, and wasn’t sure what to expect. However from the one pre-trip meeting I attended to introduce myself to the initial meet up at Logan International, I could tell by the level of energy and enthusiasm that the adventure would be one for the books. At first glance, the sociable demeanor of all the students led me to believe that this was a group of friends. I was shocked that this group was pieced together through an application process, joining together a diverse group of strangers and acquaintances. Many of the students have posted that we became a family. The close quarters certainly encouraged and solidified a unique bond between us. I’m sure the lack of personal space, privacy, and individual free time contributed to the camaraderie. However, I am convinced it was more so the fact that we all share the same compassion for humanity. Connecting on such an emotional level and comforting each other throughout this experience revealed a sentiment and sense of vulnerability that normally gets pushed aside. We were able to take part in rebuilding a community and experience the results on a tangible and personal level. We saw the house get a fresh coat of paint, a beautiful new garden, and the whole exterior of the property became a home again. More importantly, in my opinion, we witnessed the gratitude of the entire community of Joplin through countless measures of appreciation, from the verbal thanks, to the free facilities that the wonderful “Animal” and friends let us utilize, to the monetary donation the “man in red” gave us that very first night. We all felt the gratefulness, and were humbled. I think all of us agreed that we were the fortunate ones and were thankful for the experience. Personally, I learned to look at the bigger picture. People say “don’t sweat the small stuff”, but it’s easy to forget what the small stuff is. It took a trip of this nature to remind me that my everyday frustrations might be considered a good day for others. I am blessed to have the life I live. I am alive and well with a roof over my head and clothes on my back. I work at a University that not only encourages its students to get out and explore and contribute, but its staff members as well. I cannot think of a better way to spend a week’s worth of my vacation time. I would like to thank the other 25 trip members for this once in a lifetime opportunity, for welcoming me at the last minute, for the support and many laughs on the trip, and for making me feel more connected to FSU.

Brooklyn