So as many people know, I have been feeling pretty low lately, bogged down with health problems and daily stresses. There have been multiple points in which I have been worried about my ability to contribute or even attend this trip. But being on it has been such a rejuvenating experience for me. On the worksite I finally feel like myself. It's been two months since I have felt the energy to throw myself into the things I love and being here and with these people has been such a mood lifter for me. I have more to focus on than my own health issues and personal problems. I was encouraged a lot to stay home but I really thing that there isn't a better place for me to be except right here. Sitting on my couch may have rested my body but it never would have inspired my soul like spending time with these amazing people, encouraging people and doing the incredible work that we are doing. I am feel like I can do anything right now. At the end of the day, my body is so drained that I think to myself "How am I going to get myself up those stairs" and then I remember I'm building a fucking house right now. Nothing can stop me.
Ali McGrath
Junior
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
Kaylee Brazell 2017
Hey ASBers! Its Monday the third day of the trip! I am having so much fun and am making great friendships. I think you all are amazing! I started writing my journal on the plane, so I thought I would tell you about my first highlights of the trip. "The airport was fun because of the quoting of Bridesmaids and creating fake conversations with strangers walking by....We are experiencing a little turbulence and by a little I mean scary hand holding with Elizabeth." The quote of the day for that day was when Elizabeth asked for my Fiber One bar and said "It says a Fiber One for a Reason, do not eat two it will not end well." I also journaled about church on Sunday which was awesome because they sang all songs I knew which is strange because my family rarely goes to church. It reminded me of the great times with my sister at church. I cannot wait to start working and make some more ASB memories.
Too Much
Wow. It amazes me that we've only been here for two days. I feel like we've accomplished so much and we haven't even started building yet. It's so cool how we're all so eager to work that everyone is constantly offering to help and do things for people.
Any who, I've felt especially inspired the past 24 hours and I'm not so good with the stereotypical journaling concept, but rather the "word vomit" strategy. Just a warning, this is a work in progress. And to remind anyone who reads this later on, we went to the Bombing Museum today and it was... well it was too much at some points, but it was worth it.
*trigger warning*
Too Much
You're going about your routine day, when
not 3 hours in and a blast that knocks you down
comes from nowhere. And
all you can do is scream and run and try your hardest
to not make eye contact with
the lifeless surrounding you;
a growing population you do not want to join.
But maybe you make it outside and
maybe there is a breeze you did not believe
would hit your skin again and
for a moment there is relief.
But then there are more yells
and pain emanates the atmosphere.
There were jobs and daycares and
children and parents and
you are still breathing, but part of you did not survive.
It is dead with your coworkers who
never made it off the 5th floor,
dead with the strangers only there for a meeting,
and dead with the babies who parents
were in too much of a hurry to hug them goodbye.
It is gone and buried in the rubble and you will not find it with a pulse.
It may be recovered someday, but
you will have to wait 41 days to find out if it is yours.
Kimmi Awiszio
Class of 2015
Any who, I've felt especially inspired the past 24 hours and I'm not so good with the stereotypical journaling concept, but rather the "word vomit" strategy. Just a warning, this is a work in progress. And to remind anyone who reads this later on, we went to the Bombing Museum today and it was... well it was too much at some points, but it was worth it.
*trigger warning*
Too Much
You're going about your routine day, when
not 3 hours in and a blast that knocks you down
comes from nowhere. And
all you can do is scream and run and try your hardest
to not make eye contact with
the lifeless surrounding you;
a growing population you do not want to join.
But maybe you make it outside and
maybe there is a breeze you did not believe
would hit your skin again and
for a moment there is relief.
But then there are more yells
and pain emanates the atmosphere.
There were jobs and daycares and
children and parents and
you are still breathing, but part of you did not survive.
It is dead with your coworkers who
never made it off the 5th floor,
dead with the strangers only there for a meeting,
and dead with the babies who parents
were in too much of a hurry to hug them goodbye.
It is gone and buried in the rubble and you will not find it with a pulse.
It may be recovered someday, but
you will have to wait 41 days to find out if it is yours.
Kimmi Awiszio
Class of 2015
Sunday, March 16, 2014
A Sudden Invitation
I came onto Alternative Spring Break as a very last minute addition to the team. It was all incredibly bittersweet, because my oncoming signified the unfortunate circumstance that another deserving person was unable to attend this thought-provoking trip. Although it is only day two, I have tried incredibly hard thus far to form bonds with those I do not know and to make my presence count. I'm no Kendall Valente, but I can sure as heck try my hardest to make those around me feel comfortable and valued as an ASB member, and more importantly, as a person.
There is no doubt that bonding while performing service is an astounding thing. Doing what you love, loving what you do, and doing it all with those you can call your friends sounds like a dream come true. However, I am also cognizant that these bonds do not define the trip we are taking. The bonds serve as a guide, a sense of comfort. The true definition of our trip is the work we are doing, and what we take away from our work. If we look back at this trip and think of only the memories we made with ASB members, what have we really accomplished? Sure, we made new friends, but what about the act of serving? We all have different takeaways in situations, but overall the crux of our ASB trip is to give back to others and to show the world that there is a helping hand present where one may least expect it.
We all aim to make connections and form meaningful and lasting bonds. This will (no doubt) continue once we return from Oklahoma and resume our "normal" lives. For now, let us pick up that hammer, rake, shovel, or paintbrush. I know while I am here the takeaway every day won't be "Who did I hang out with today?", but rather "What sort of positive impact did I make on others' lives today?".
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has"
-Margaret Mead
-Kevin Long
Class of 2014
There is no doubt that bonding while performing service is an astounding thing. Doing what you love, loving what you do, and doing it all with those you can call your friends sounds like a dream come true. However, I am also cognizant that these bonds do not define the trip we are taking. The bonds serve as a guide, a sense of comfort. The true definition of our trip is the work we are doing, and what we take away from our work. If we look back at this trip and think of only the memories we made with ASB members, what have we really accomplished? Sure, we made new friends, but what about the act of serving? We all have different takeaways in situations, but overall the crux of our ASB trip is to give back to others and to show the world that there is a helping hand present where one may least expect it.
We all aim to make connections and form meaningful and lasting bonds. This will (no doubt) continue once we return from Oklahoma and resume our "normal" lives. For now, let us pick up that hammer, rake, shovel, or paintbrush. I know while I am here the takeaway every day won't be "Who did I hang out with today?", but rather "What sort of positive impact did I make on others' lives today?".
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has"
-Margaret Mead
-Kevin Long
Class of 2014
Day Dos
Day two in the the state that looks like a pointing finger. I cannot believe how nice the people here are. The worker at Subway yesterday was incredible, if we were in Mass she would have not had a smile on her face by the end of our line. The Reverend at the church service was also so welcoming. He called out the small group of us that was there and thanked us, I did not expect that to happen at all. We haven't done any service days yet but I can already see this group bonding and becoming closer and closer. I do miss Kendall though, I know how much she would of enjoyed everything that we are doing. I cannot wait to see what the nature reserve has in store for this crazy bunch.
Hoping everyone can get a good nights rest,
Caitlin Murray 2016
Day 2 in OK
Today is the second day in Oklahoma and it feels like we have been here for so long! Even after one day I feel like I know everyone so much more than I did before we left. Playing catch phase has been a highlight! I am so excited to go hiking tomorrow!
Lauren Spina 2016
Lauren Spina 2016
We finally made it to Oklahoma!! It seems so crazy that one month ago we were at bake sales and dodgeball tournaments and country shows preparing and now we're finally here! Yesterday morning I was so excited and once we landed it was so interesting to see the differences between Oklahoma and Massachusetts. You can see the skyline and the ground for miles and miles, its very different but I think its beautiful in it's own unique way. I can't wait to start working and learn more about Habitat for Humanity and to see what the week brings. It's been less than 24 hours but I'm already having a great time!
-Emily Allard
-Emily Allard
We Made It!! :)
I am so excited that we are finally here! I cannot wait to actually get started with Habitat on Tuesday. I already feel like we are becoming a small family just within this last day. I cannot wait to get even closer as a group and start to make a difference together. Other than that, from what I've seen already in Oklahoma the people are so much nicer than home, they really go out of their way to ask how you're doing and really want to know. I have also noticed the beautiful horizon here that we don't get to see at home so definitely take the time to appreciate the differences we don't have readily available at home. You all are some of the most amazing and passionate people I have ever met and I am so thankful to be here, finally! :)
- Samantha Englehart, Class of 2014
- Samantha Englehart, Class of 2014
Day 2 In Oklahoma !!!!
I am incredibly happy to have been given the opportunity (again) to be on Alternative Spring Break trip. When I received the call that I would be going to Oklahoma, I couldn't help but cry. I had gone on the trip to Mississippi last spring break, so I was not sure if I would be given the same opportunity again-and I wanted to go so badly, since I am a super senior-so thank goodness I am here!
It is only Day 2, and already we are one big family. It amazes me how so many different personalities who are a part of so many different clubs, organizations, and even athletic teams on campus, all share this common bond to help others.
It really makes me feel so happy and lucky to be with 30 new ASB participants, (some alum) to help with storm relief with habitat. I know that this trip is going to teach me so much, and I am beyond excited to jump in and get my hands dirty.
Relaxing and becoming even closer to my asb fam will definitely make this work week even better-having close ties with all these incredible people is something that I will forever cherish.
Melissa Skerry
Class of 2013
It is only Day 2, and already we are one big family. It amazes me how so many different personalities who are a part of so many different clubs, organizations, and even athletic teams on campus, all share this common bond to help others.
It really makes me feel so happy and lucky to be with 30 new ASB participants, (some alum) to help with storm relief with habitat. I know that this trip is going to teach me so much, and I am beyond excited to jump in and get my hands dirty.
Relaxing and becoming even closer to my asb fam will definitely make this work week even better-having close ties with all these incredible people is something that I will forever cherish.
Melissa Skerry
Class of 2013
Sunday, March 9, 2014
Love the Shit, Too
The week before ASB is always so exciting. There's so much anticipation, so much excitement, and so much to do! I think sometimes as a trip leader, and as a participant, it's so easy to get caught up in the details- what to do, what to bring, who to call, etc. But when I slow down for a minute, the gravity of what ASB is all about starts to sink in.
My mantra over the past few weeks has been "love the shit, too." All of the stress of coordinating this trip can be tough, but it's important to love the hard parts, too. The hard parts mold us; they make us stronger. The hard parts make us ask, "Is this even worth it?" and when the answer is "yes," (which, for me, it always is when it comes to ASB) it shows us who we are, what's important to us, and what we believe in. Seeing 24 students leave their comfort zone, forget their own needs, and be so motivated by gratitude for their own lives that they dedicate a week to bettering the lives of strangers- that is what's important to me. And when I see that the service doesn't stop at a week, that our participants continue to give for the rest of their lives- that is what I believe in.
ASB is an example of humanity at it's finest. It makes me happy to be alive, and it makes me proud to be human. So, if that means that I lose a few nights of sleep to help make it happen, it's a price I am so, so willing to pay <3
My mantra over the past few weeks has been "love the shit, too." All of the stress of coordinating this trip can be tough, but it's important to love the hard parts, too. The hard parts mold us; they make us stronger. The hard parts make us ask, "Is this even worth it?" and when the answer is "yes," (which, for me, it always is when it comes to ASB) it shows us who we are, what's important to us, and what we believe in. Seeing 24 students leave their comfort zone, forget their own needs, and be so motivated by gratitude for their own lives that they dedicate a week to bettering the lives of strangers- that is what's important to me. And when I see that the service doesn't stop at a week, that our participants continue to give for the rest of their lives- that is what I believe in.
ASB is an example of humanity at it's finest. It makes me happy to be alive, and it makes me proud to be human. So, if that means that I lose a few nights of sleep to help make it happen, it's a price I am so, so willing to pay <3
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