Alternative breakers get sneak peek at future travel
Central alumni gave first-time alternative breakers tips on what to expect during their upcoming travels.
Alumni addressed Alternative Breaks Program students in Moore Hall Saturday. More than 100 ASB students attended the first Issues Day.
Students were divided into two groups to focus on education, youth, diversity, cancer, HIV/AIDS, drugs, hunger, poverty, homelessness, low-income housing, domestic violence and the environment, respectively.
“We had this day to educate our students about all of the issues they are going to be volunteering for,” said Melissa Stallings, Alternative Breaks vice chair and Issues Day organizer.
Keynote speaker SBC Ameritech, Michigan President Gail Torreano talked about the value of volunteering.
“When we perform volunteer service, we often gain more then we give,” Torreano said.
“Active participation in community service enables volunteers to extend beyond themselves and their private concerns,” she said.
When people serve others, they become more aware of the bonds linking the community, she said.
“These discoveries enhance our self-esteem, deepen our understanding and demonstrate that we can make a difference in our world,” Torreano said.
People can serve by giving money, she said, but that act of giving is over almost as soon as it begins.
“We demonstrate our faith by contributions of time, talent and treasure with the gift of time being by far the most important,” Torreano said.
Volunteering goes beyond providing for others and actually gives to those performing the service, she said.
“Service to others can be the beginning of a journey to self-discovery that forms the foundation of a mature and competent individual,” Torreano said. “It is a lifelong obligation and opportunity that shapes our character in all aspects.”
Students appreciated Torreano’s remarks.
“Her speech gave me an idea of what goes on outside of campus and school as far as volunteering,” said Laura Kaczor, Livonia freshman.
“She told what businesses do and what the kinds of services they provide to the community. It also gave me a better impression on my purpose for going (on ASB).”
“Things went excellent all day,” said Stallings, Livonia senior. “The fact that President Rao and his wife came and the fact that so many CMU alumni returned and gave presentations to current students was great, and all the students have been very responsive to the program.”
Alternative Spring Breaks is still accepting applications that can be picked up at the volunteer center in the lower level of Bovee University Center.
