Spring Break is not the only break with an "alternative" option, as about 40 students who participated in Alternative Winter Break, learned. While some students spent their winter break relaxing and sleeping, others traveled to various cities donating their time and participating in various service projects through Alternative Winter Break.

"AWB offers leadership opportunities for students as well as a unique service experience," said Assistant Director of the Office of Active Citizenship and Service Lilly Massa-Mckinley. "They get to learn about communities, violence, foster systems, poverty, an array of issues."

This winter, students participated in Alternative Winter Break at four sites: Atlanta, Ga., La Mision, Mexico, New Orleans, La., and St. Louis, Missouri.

"We strive to do meaningful service that has tangible results," said co-chair senior Robert Siegler. "This way we expose students to different things and they can learn about themselves as well."

In Atlanta, students worked with Georgia Baptist Home and Metro Atlanta Task Force for the Homeless, providing medical care, food and clothing for children living in poverty. The New Orleans trip gave students a chance to contribute to the Katrina rebuilding effort, reconstructing homes and other community buildings. In St. Louis, students worked with women who were just released from prison, helping them get back on their feet, as well as supporting families with children suffering from cancer. And while in Mexico, students worked with the Door of Faith Orphanage, interacting with the children and repairing buildings.

"In Mexico, we volunteered at the orphanage and worked with children, fixing their dorms that were falling apart," said La Mision's site leader sophomore Yvonne Carter. "From these trip you learn that you might barely make a dent with what you're doing but you learn about an issue and you can educate your peers about it."

The St. Louis site proved to be a learning experience for site leader junior Kelsey Pendleton.

"I was really surprised at how accepting and appreciative the women from the prisons were. It just shows that things aren't always how you expect them to be," Pendleton said. "It's a really refreshing experience to realize that at the end of the day when you've really pushed yourself to know what you did was worthwhile."

AWB, inspired by the success from programs such as Alternative Spring Break, began in 2005. While students typically pay the trip fee, there are fundraisers and donations during the year and financial aid available.
"Not only do students benefit, but the communities really appreciate the help these students offer," McKinley said.