NC State has a program called Alternative Service Break (ASB). It started out as Alternative Spring Break. Basically the program gives students an opportunity to spend their vacation traveling to new places inside and outside the country but instead of parting, getting drunk and wasting money on finding things to do at the beach for a week, students are involved in a variety of different service projects that not only let students give back to the local communities but also engage with the local people and culture in ways that are more difficult for the average college tourist.
The past two years years I was blessed with the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic for spring break and volunteer with the Orphanage Outreach Program in Monte Christi. I wont try to fully describe my experiences from my two trips but I will say that they were two of the most incredible and life changing weeks I've ever had and that I cannot imagine givin up those experiences, memories, and friends I made on those two trips for anything else. (and yes, it was worth the money). If you have an opportunity to do and Alternative Service Break I would HIGHLY encourage it. and I GUARANTEE you will not regret it...
Anyways, this year I was chosen to travel with the Hurricane Katrina relief team to NEW ORLEANS!!!!! I originally wanted to go Belize with the Environmental service group but instead I'm finally going to travel inside the country for a change... It didnt make since to go everywhere in the world when I hadnt explored a lot of places inside the US yet. From what I have heard, New Orleans has so much unique culture that when you are there you dont feel like you are still in the US. I had to experience this for myself. And of course I am excited to serve the people of New Orleans who STILL (yes still) have not be able to fully rebuild their homes, schools, churches, ect... (while somehow the touristy french district is just fine)...
If you didnt know, Hurricane Katrina was the most financially and mortally devastating natural disaster in all of US History. Yet in my opinon, it has not been responded to as if it were...
To prepare for the trip, me and my other team members will meet once a month until spring break to plan and get to know each other.
