Alternative Spring Break: Rocking Roanoke For A Week | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Alternative Spring Break: Rocking Roanoke For A Week

A week filled with volunteer work and friends!

19
Alternative Spring Break: Rocking Roanoke For A Week
Chloe Galloway

This spring break was one for the books. While many people chose to spend theirs with friends and family, on the beach somewhere, or at home sleeping, I spent mine serving the beautiful city of Roanoke, Virginia. Me and six other women jumped in a van and drove the three and a half hours to spend our break with people we didn't know. I think it's fair to say that none of us realized the massive impact the trip would have on each of us.

For anyone who is unaware of what an alternative spring break is, it is a school sponsored service trip which is usually led by a student. The student leader of this trip decided to contact a service group already set in Roanoke called REACH. REACH is a non-profit organization focused on getting young people excited about community service and the well-being of others. They are run out of First Christian Church and led by Pastor Tim Dayton and an amazing staff. They not only focused on serving the community but also growing us as stronger individuals. They provided us with a week packed full with projects and discussions, but also fun and lifelong friendships.

Each day was filled with service projects ranging from food banks to animal shelters. Every experience we had gave us all a new outlook and appreciation for the things we usually take for granted. We documented the days with pictures and Facebook posts to show people how each of us can make a difference. The end of each day consisted of a reflection by each group member and it was amazing to hear how the same day affected everyone differently. By the end of the week, we all grew as individuals, but also as better friends.

So, if you're wondering if you should partake in an alternative break trip, I would absolutely recommend. I can't write down the feelings I had or the experiences I felt in full detail, but believe me when I say it was one of the best times of my life. I loved working with the people and getting to know their stories. I loved helping those who could not help themselves. But most of all, I loved being able to walk away from a job knowing that I was able to make a difference. I don't think there is a word to describe the absolute satisfaction obtained from serving others without anything in return. The fun of this kind of trip is that you can have your friends join and you all can make a difference together while making memories along the way!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
legally blonde

College is filled with many things, and we're so often lectured to make the right decisions as we head out on our own into the college life. But sometimes it's necessary to indulge in some guilty pleasures as well as just doing things because you can. And honestly, a lot of the time it's inevitable. College is no piece of cake that's for sure, so it's okay to do some things you deep down know you shouldn't....once in a while anyways.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

10 Things to avoid your freshman year of college

Having this list as you enter college will be extremely valuable and beneficial to experiencing the best year of your life!

1552
girl friends
Madison Morgan

Ahhh good ol' freshman year. The best times and the worst times. Going to college six hours from home was the best decision I had ever made for myself, but the transition would have been much smoother had I known the things I know now. You cannot take on this beast by yourself, so allow me to lend a hand and guide you through one of the most exciting and different years of your life thus far. I have compiled a list of 10 key things to avoid your freshman year of college in order to ensure a smooth, happy, and fun first year!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

13 Thoughts Everyone Has During Lecture

Chances are, they have nothing to do with what you're actually supposed to be learning.

119
student in class
Polish Magazine

Let's face it. We've all had those days when it's almost impossible to stay awake or focus during lecture. We often find ourselves dozing off or just staring out into space when we really should be paying attention to what's going on in class. Regardless of whether or not you admit this happens, here are 13 thoughts every student has during lecture:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

A Deep Dive Into Taylor Swift’s Albums: 1989 (Taylor’s Version) Edition

I just know that the idea of releasing vault tracks came out of the moment Taylor remembered she wrote 'Is It Over Now?'

217
A Deep Dive Into Taylor Swift’s Albums: 1989 (Taylor’s Version) Edition
Edited by Hailey Hastings

I am fully emersed into diving deep into every single Taylor Swift album, which I do on my own all the time, but wanted to do it in a way where I am sharing what a special discography she has. I feel like 1989 is the perfect place to start, it's an era that changed everything, and will always be an album people automatically think of when you say "Taylor Swift."

Keep Reading...Show less
friends

Here you will find a list of many of the people you will come across in your life, and if you're lucky, you'll be able to give a name to all these characters that you hopefully see day to day. Don't take these friends for granted because they all add a little something to your life, and if you can't name all of them to your personal friends, chances are it might be you...

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments