Our trip to Biloxi was three weeks ago, but what I learned
and gained from that trip will be a part of me for the rest of my life. As a
senior, I knew this would be my last chance to attend one of FSU’s Alternative
Spring Break trips so I was thrilled when I got the call that I would have the opportunity
to attend. I have already been involved with so many things on campus and felt
like I had established my role as a leader on this campus, but I knew that ASB
could teach me more, I just did not realize how life changing it would truly me.
This past year has not been easy at Framingham State. Preparing
to graduate, a busy schedule and several problems that I have had to answer too
in my various roles have lead to a stressful year. But, after attending the
trip to Biloxi I have learned that I am so blessed and have so much to be
thankful for. The people of Biloxi faced a disaster. Hurricane Katrina came and
destroyed their houses, their land and the place they call home. Yet still they
managed to find hope within themselves and face the devastation with positive
attitudes. They came together as a community to face the tragedy and overcome
it. And while this alone is remarkable the thing that struck me most was the
passion they all seemed to have.
We met a man named Marty while we were down in Biloxi. Marty
is working on creating a natural shoreline to restore Deer Island. Dear Island
is being destroyed by erosion. The roots of trees on the Island are literally
exposed up to two feet above the sand until they eventually fall over. Marty
explained that Deer Island and other islands like it are helpful barriers in
the case of a hurricane. It can help lessen the damage done to the mainland. Marty
works with 4 or 5 people on his crew to create an entire shoreline on the
island. A project that could take the 30 volunteers from our ASB group one
month will take Marty and his crew at least until October. The hardest part is
that as they work on this project the waves and weather will tear down some of
the work they have done and force them redo many parts of the project before
they can move on to the next step. It is a very tedious and intense project,
and they have very little help. But Marty stay’s optimistic, passionate and
driven. He knows that while it may not be easy, it is important to him. He
doesn’t complain, he doesn’t quit, he simply keeps going and keeps the passion
alive inside of him.
Marty inspires me more than anyone that I have ever met. No matter
where I go or what I do with my life, I hope I can be as passionate and driven
as Marty is. There has not been a day since returning home that I have not thought
about him and what he has taught me. ASB has made me a better person and has
changed my life. The fact that I complain about something as little as having
two tests in one day seems selfish and ridiculous to me now. I am so much more
grateful for all that I have. This experience has been truly eye-opening and
life changing and I know I will continue to do service because ASB has showed
me how important it is to give back. I learned more in one week in Biloxi then I have
learned in five years at FSU. Biloxi and Marty will hold a special place in my
heart for the rest of my life.
Hannah Bruce
Class of 2013
