With New England in the midst of another snowy winter, students are well underway in determining where they would like to spend their week off in March. Many students pick places like Punta Cana, Dominican Republic or Cancun, Mexico for the parties and warm weather. Instead of going on vacation and spending money on temporary thrills, some UMB students use their break to lend a helping hand to people in need. The Student Activities office at UMB offers students a chance to go to classic spring break locations like Jamaica, Pensacola FL, or the Dominican Republic, but with an “alternative” focus: rebuilding with people who need help. While the alternative spring break physically benefits people in need, there are other more profound benefits for everyone involved. This year Chin Cheh Haung, an international student from Taiwan, is going on his second alternative spring break since he’s been at UMB. “It was a life-changing experience. Previously I wasn’t aware of what service means. It’s not about pitying people, but helping people . . . it’s easy to fall into a trap of pity,” Haung said. The trip reoriented Haung perspective on American culture. It wasn’t quite as monolithic as he expected. “I got to see the real America . . . Down there is a whole different world. I feel like there is a big disparity between the different areas,” said Haung. Junior Danielle Butters is going on her second alternative spring break as well. This time she’ll be in Washington DC. “It’s an amazing experience . . . to see the people, the rubble, and help as they rebuild,” Butters said. “I’m looking forward to the projects. It will be fun to get outside and help people rebuild,” she said. This year there are five alternative spring break locations: the Dominican Republic, Washington DC, Pensacola, Houston, and Treasure Beach Jamaica. Each of these trips has a different focus – for example, in Jamaica students will focus on sustainable farming. As the second biggest industry in Jamaica, Treasure Beach is located on the parish of St. Elizabeth’s. The farmland on this parish is so plentiful that it is known as The Bread Basket of Jamaica. Even with a dry climate, the island is still able to supply key products such as watermelon, scallion, and onion. Each trip includes eight students and one trip leader. They have been raising money all last semester preparing to go. “We’re all done with fundraising. I can’t wait. Spring’s coming so quickly,” Butters said.

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The Mass Media

Danielle Butters preps for her third alternative spring break