By Kellie Oates

As students turn their focus to Thanksgiving break, now is the time to consider serving those in need.

And an alternative break gives students the option to do so, instead of going on a traditional spring break.

Though March 10 may feel like a long way away, the Nov. 22 deadline to apply for an alternative spring break program is closing fast.

Alternative Breaks, a program that started at UK in 2008, is working with national service organization Break Away. Break Away partners with more than 450 nonprofit and government organizations worldwide to create a society of active citizens, according to alternativebreaks.org.

“Alternative Breaks sends students to communities in need across the country as well as internationally,” said Sarah Hermiester, head of the Alternative Breaks program. “It’s a way to get away from campus to relax and rejuvenate but to also learn something.” 

The number of trips has doubled since last year from four to eight, and two are international, Hermiester said.

Locations range from areas in Kentucky all the way to Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. Each location has a different theme, such as Youth in Appalachia, Cumberland Trail Preservation, Refugee Resettlement and Global Health and Wellness, among others.

“Part of the expansion of our trips this year was to hit on all social and environmental themes that students are interested in and issues that are needing to be addressed,” Hermiester said. “The trips touch on a variety of personal passions and majors and there’s a significant price range in hopes that any student can have access.”

Chelsey Perron, the promotions coordinator for Alternative Breaks and the Dominican Republic site leader, has been encouraging fundraising to support her trip this year.

Perron said participating students will be gift wrapping through Amazon.com and will have a personal letter drive around the holidays to raise money for the trips.

They also are planning a Latin-themed bake sale for the Dominican trip as well as salsa lessons for donations.

Perron will be teaching English to children in the Dominican Republic.

“Whether you go international or local, it’s a great way to take a spring break; serving people is such a cool alternative,” she said. “It’s not necessarily work either; it’s volunteering.”

She said there will be a culture day, where volunteers take the day off to see the country.

If money or the distance is an issue for students considering going, there are multiple opportunities to get involved with that are closer to home.

Faith Jennings, a pre-pharmacy junior, volunteered at the David School in David, Ky., last year, where she spent a week tutoring students and repairing the school.

She said she worked with public school children who were not succeeding and were sent to an alternative school.

“Their environment made me realize how much I have,” Jennings said. “There’s a lot of stuff right at your back door that you don’t even know is happening; it will open you up to experiences that you wouldn’t otherwise have.”

Jennings decided to lead this year’s West Virginia trip because of her previous experience.

“I’ve become a more active citizen,” Jennings said. “I see social problems and I want to create change and now I want to bring others into that. My motivations for going this year are a lot different.”

She said she wants to make a lasting effect on the people she leads.

“I want them to see what I saw and I want to make them care in the way that I’ve come to care,” she said.

Drew Ritzel, a biology sophomore, became the director of Alternative Breaks this year because he wanted to continue to provide the opportunities for students.

“Our trips aren’t only about service, but are also about educating people about these issues so students can learn about the people they’re serving and why they’re doing the services,” Ritzel said.

Ritzel said the program is a great way for students to meet other students with similar interests, to connect with a community and to travel and see a different aspect of life.

“This program is great because once in college we get wrapped up in our own studies and our own careers and our own problems. This is a way to remind people what’s going on in the world. There are people in real need — people who need our help,” Ritzel said.

The trips fill on a first come, first serve basis and the two international trips are nearly full. Deposits are due with applications: $75 for domestic trips, $150 for international trips.

Applications and more information about the trips can be found at the Center for Community Outreach, in Student Center room 106, or on the Alternative Breaks website, ukasb.org.