2008 Woodie Awards
Students to spend break in Romania
By: Kortny Hahn
Issue date: 2/27/08 Section: News
Many Central Michigan University students will be laying on sandy beaches somewhere next week.
But, 12 of them will be halfway across the world.
Those students will spend spring break in Comanesti, Romania, where they will work with Habitat for Humanity's Global Village program as part of Alternative Breaks. They will build a home for a family in poverty, as well as set the foundation for another.
"As a volunteer, I find the great satisfaction in knowing that over a week's time, I can have a life-changing affect on a family," said Southfield senior Michael Estime, one of the students traveling. "I strongly believe that to whom much is given, much is expected."
The group will leave Friday and return March 9.
White Lake graduate student Jessica O'Higgins said she likes the fact she is able to go on the trip to volunteer.
"I like being able to volunteer and to help people in every way I can," O'Higgins said. "It's very important to do it if you can."
The students met for about one hour weekly to prepare for the trip. Some of this time was spent participating in fundraisers to help offset the cost of the trip, which is about $1,000 per student.
Rochester junior Kelly Donoughe said she wants to make the trip because there is a big need for the group's help in Romania.
"The town we are going to has experienced flooding in the past few years and are having a difficult time rebuilding their infrastructure," the co-site leader said.
Going international
Several of the participants in this group have gone on other Alternative Breaks throughout their college careers, including trips to Missouri, Peru and Mexico.
"Alternative Breaks has a commitment to not only domestic, but international as well," said co-site leader and Bay City junior Karly Satkowiak. "I hope to further that and to learn about a different culture."
The program has left a lasting impact on many students who have participated, causing them to want to return for other breaks.
"I think the AB program provides students with a unique opportunity to do something different something productive, and something rewarding over their breaks," Estime said.
Donoughe said Alternative Breaks gives the people they help hope because they are spending their time to try and make someone's life a little bit better.
"In college, you are able to give your time to help others because you do not necessarily have the money," Donoughe said. "Alternative Breaks gives students the avenue through which they can donate their time to someone who needs it more than they do."
news@cm-life.com
But, 12 of them will be halfway across the world.
Those students will spend spring break in Comanesti, Romania, where they will work with Habitat for Humanity's Global Village program as part of Alternative Breaks. They will build a home for a family in poverty, as well as set the foundation for another.
"As a volunteer, I find the great satisfaction in knowing that over a week's time, I can have a life-changing affect on a family," said Southfield senior Michael Estime, one of the students traveling. "I strongly believe that to whom much is given, much is expected."
The group will leave Friday and return March 9.
White Lake graduate student Jessica O'Higgins said she likes the fact she is able to go on the trip to volunteer.
"I like being able to volunteer and to help people in every way I can," O'Higgins said. "It's very important to do it if you can."
The students met for about one hour weekly to prepare for the trip. Some of this time was spent participating in fundraisers to help offset the cost of the trip, which is about $1,000 per student.
Rochester junior Kelly Donoughe said she wants to make the trip because there is a big need for the group's help in Romania.
"The town we are going to has experienced flooding in the past few years and are having a difficult time rebuilding their infrastructure," the co-site leader said.
Going international
Several of the participants in this group have gone on other Alternative Breaks throughout their college careers, including trips to Missouri, Peru and Mexico.
"Alternative Breaks has a commitment to not only domestic, but international as well," said co-site leader and Bay City junior Karly Satkowiak. "I hope to further that and to learn about a different culture."
The program has left a lasting impact on many students who have participated, causing them to want to return for other breaks.
"I think the AB program provides students with a unique opportunity to do something different something productive, and something rewarding over their breaks," Estime said.
Donoughe said Alternative Breaks gives the people they help hope because they are spending their time to try and make someone's life a little bit better.
"In college, you are able to give your time to help others because you do not necessarily have the money," Donoughe said. "Alternative Breaks gives students the avenue through which they can donate their time to someone who needs it more than they do."
news@cm-life.com
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