At a glance
“We were able to help paint another house with Monisha and learn her story. Seeing her face when she saw all the walls up on her house made the whole trip worth it.”
Emma Baker
Eight Alfred State College (ASC) students and a staff member spent spring break working with Habitat for Humanity in Myrtle Beach, SC. The trip was part of the Alternative Spring Break service initiative coordinated through the Center for Civic Leadership.
Heather Jackson, administrative assistant for the civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering technology departments, led the trip along with civic engagement advocate Halimat Akanbi (Ozone Park, NY). Other students on the trip included Emma Baker (Attica, NY), Mamadou Barry (Rochester, NY), Alyssa Burdick (Valley Falls, NY), Dana Hartmann (Farmingdale, NY), Benjamin Jordan (Galway, NY), Ethan Kuhn (Holley, NY), and Bee Williams (Canberra, Australia).
“I wanted to be part of this trip because I feel like volunteering represents selfless giving,” commented Jackson. “This has been one of the best experiences of my life. I learned that with determination an individual or a group of individuals can accomplish great things. I felt such pride representing Alfred State and working along students on this trip.”
The students framed a new home and reflected that getting to know and work alongside the homeowner, Monisha, was the best part of the trip.
“We were able to help paint another house with Monisha and learn her story,” commented Baker. “Seeing her face when she saw all the walls up on her house made the whole trip worth it.”
The group from Alfred State impressed Site Manager Mike Rambo and Volunteer Coordinator Summer Bonham with their drive and worth ethic.
Rambo praised the group. “They were eager to learn and most of all work. They made the days very enjoyable with their attitude, work ethic, and desire to help. I’ve done this for more than twenty years and I walked away Friday having learned a lot of lessons from these amazing students. If the youth of this generation are anything like these young men and women, we are heading for great things as a society. I hope we are able to get them back next year."
"I have had the pleasure to meet hundreds of volunteers that have come from far and wide, from all walks of life, and of all ages," commented Bonham. "While I enjoy the working relationship that I have built with each and every one, there is something special about those formed with our Collegiate Challenge participants, even in the short amount of time that we have together. The selflessness and dedication to serving others that these young adults exhibit is something I deeply admire. Having the opportunity to work alongside Alfred State College students year after year has been a blessing, and it is something that I always look forward to. Thanks to the Alfred State 2024 Collegiate Challenge group, we were able to make exceptional progress on not one, but TWO builds that will go on to provide families in our community with a safe and affordable home to call their own. "
The students returned to campus excited for their opportunity to work with Habitat for Humanity and encourage others to take the opportunity to experience what they did.
“Trips like these transform the way you view people, build relationships, and overall extend your understanding of volunteering and how much one person can actually impact another’s life,” commented Kuhn.
This trip marked the tenth time in the last eleven years that an Alfred State group has worked with Habitat for Humanity during spring break.
Additional Quotes:
Alyssa Burdick: "It was a great experience that teaches you how to work with others. The work you put in to help others is so rewarding."
Bee Williams: “A big part of my life has been doing volunteer and charity work. I believe that using your privilege to help others is how we make the world a better place, one person at a time.”
Mamadou Barry: “You will view the world differently and more perspective. I think everyone should have an experience like this.”
Dana Hartmann: “I would recommend this trip to anyone because volunteering is an incredibly rewarding experience and I got to have it with great people by my side.
Halimat Akanbi: “Habitat for Humanity embodies the real meaning of serving others and I wanted to be part of their initiative. This trip was an opportunity for me to make a difference in the lives of others.”