This year, instead of going to Florida or Colorado, or one of the other hot spring break spots, I will am going on a service and justice trip to Nazareth Farm in West Virginia.

Obviously, a popular question right now in school is "what are you doing for spring break?" which is hard to answer when giving your spring break for the service of others.

Here are some responses I could have said, rather than explaining what an Alternative Break Immersion is.

1. Oh, I'm going to West Virginia? Why? Heard it's lovely there this time of year.

2. You're going to Disney?!?! Take a selfie with Chip n Dale for me!

3. I just really need some fresh air.

4. I'm hiding from my responsibilities in Appalachia.

5. Well, like, yeah, I did just turn 21 but I will not be drinking at all on spring break.

6. I'm listening to my biochemistry professor and "keeping to my study routine."

7. Survivor: Appalachia Edition.

8. I'm completely kidding, though I will be sleeping in a sleeping bag which is kind of the same thing for a city dweller.

9. I'm helping to rebuild houses in rural America.

10. I'm going on a service trip, and I'm really excited for what's to come.

Before I applied to go on an Alternative Break Immersion, I didn't really understand the idea of the program. Giving up a much-needed break in the semester to go to a community in need and be with them in their struggles seemed like an odd way to spend spring break.

Last year, one of my friends went on an ABI for spring break, and she came back GLOWING. She actually could not stop smiling, and in sharing her experience, it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Some of the conversations had on the trip were really hard, and the conditions in these communities that we ignore on the day-to-day were difficult to witness. But she found so much peace and joy in connecting with the community that it made the pain worth it.

In getting to know the ABI coordinator this past semester, I knew I wanted to do a trip. Going to Nazareth Farm, I get to live simply and be a person for and with others. We'll be helping in the community as well as just spending time with community members.

I'm excited. I'm nervous. I know it's weird. But I don't think I'll regret it.