Alternative break programs through the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center occur during the academic winter, spring, summer and some on weekends. Students sign up for a break based on social issues they care about, and then travel to various places around the country and world.

The 2015 alternative spring break program sent 153 participating students to 13 alternative spring break sites. Students paid a small fee to participate in the various alternative breaks. The highest fee paid was $300.

The Farwell junior watched interactions between 15 animated children and two mentors. He became inspired by their ability to remain level-headed and positive despite knowing things could get out of hand.

White attended the access to sports and recreation alternative break in Asheville, N. C. There he helped renovate the community YMCA and promoted exercises in a younger generation.

“The one thing I’m probably going to take home is how to be a proper father,” White said. “It’s important that these kids are actually exercising and enjoying (nature) because it seems like now that we’re in the 21st, our lives revolve around technology.”

Gaylord sophomore Holly Moore spent her alternative break helping Campus Pride with marketing and advertising through social media in Charlotte, N. Car.

She helped update their databases and gather information on universities across the U.S. to help them establish what areas are progressive in LGBTQ policy and establish acceptance among this community. On her break, she also established the areas that have yet to act upon the policies of LGBTQ.

A majority of the break focused on education about the transgender community.

“I’ve learned about how to have conversations using proper terminology and refer to others in a way that makes them comfortable,” Moore said. “It’s important, whether (or not) you identify within the spectrum, to advocate for the equality of others and to use inclusive language.”

Moore was inspired to help places like TimeOut Youth, a safe space for LGBTQ youth to gather and be able themselves, without feeling ashamed of their gender or sexuality.

“I hope to be able to create a better atmosphere on CMU’s campus for LGBTQ individuals,” Moore said. “I intend to advocate more for the community and be more active in my efforts to make a change for the better.”

Flint junior Jasmine Hall and 10 other students got in two minivans and drove to Atlanta, Ga. to help with housing and food for those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS.

“Monday and Tuesday, we volunteered with Open Hand, an organization that delivers thousands of meals every week to people who are elderly or may have a terminal illness,” Hall said. “They rely heavily on volunteers and we had to navigate through Atlanta to make sure that everyone got their meals.”

This experience had an effect on Hall, who felt a sense of pride in helping people in need.

“I really felt like I helped people while delivering the meals especially, because without volunteers, these people would probably not eat that day,” Hall said.

For the final three days, they volunteered with the Jerusalem House in Atlanta, a nonprofit organization that provides housing for low-income and homeless people and families affected by HIV/AIDS.

“Our job was to landscape outside of the Jerusalem House, and we ended up raking 108 bags of leaves,” Hall said. “They were in dire need of volunteers, so it was cool that we got to volunteer with them, and the people that were there really showed appreciation.”

The alternative break not only helps communities, but can also help the students who are volunteering.

“(An alternative break) helps to better you as a person by serving others, and it helps you to become a more active citizen,” Hall said. “It helps you to meet people that you haven’t met before, and it makes you a more well-rounded person.”