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Spring break:
A week of confined fun or one of boundless goodwill?
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Boise State students are traveling halfway across the United States with one goal in mind: Generate a positive impact for the students of New Orleans, La.
The change of the seasons brings excitement on campus as faculty and students scramble to finish midterms and prepare for their upcoming getaways. For many, this long-awaited break means nothing more than rest and relaxation. However, one group on campus is determined to make the most of it.
Every year, Boise State Volunteer Services Board develops a trip to help those in need. As a student-run organization, the community aides make the ultimate decision after circulating ideas. This year, Tabatha Carroll, assistant director of VSB, suggested rebuilding schools in New Orleans. They are not alone in their choice. Habitat for Humanity reported more than 3,500 students will donate their time to help rebuild homes in New Orleans this spring break.
Carroll explained in a recent interview with Samantha Kadoun, “Our Voice” co-anchor, how she discovered the need for volunteer efforts in New Orleans, saying it was as simple as performing a Google search on “How to help New Orleans?” Thousands of hits came back, and the group agreed they had found their destination.
It has been almost four years since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans, yet life is still not back to normal for many residents. Children still attend overflowing classes after the Recovery School District was forced to shut down more than half of the schools that were available to them prior to the hurricane.
As the 18 students participating in VSB Spring Break Alternative prepare to take to the air Friday, they still have surprises at home to deal with. Recent miscommunication between Student Activities and VSB caused some costly delays.
“While those responsible – involved – apologized for these issues, Spring Break Alternative is left holding the bill,” Rebecca Ames, Boise State senior and VSB director, wrote in a letter to the editor.
When students reserve their spot for this event, they also drop off a holding fee of $100. After the initial deposit, the remaining costs are generated from fundraising efforts. This year students raffled off gift baskets in hopes that local businesses would allow them to put up displays, but now this may not be enough.
Each year costs vary depending on location. Past destinations include San Diego, Calif., Santa Fe, N.M., and Houston, Texas. This will be the fourth year that the Spring Break Alternative has been sponsored by VSB after being revived from its former program in 1999.
The mission of Volunteer Services Board is to provide accessible volunteer opportunities and to address social issues through awareness programs.
The student-run organization is dedicated to inspiring civic engagement in the university community. Anyone who feels the inclination to give back is welcome to register for next year’s event. Contributions to VSB’s Spring Break Alternative can also be made by contacting Carroll at t_carroll14@hotmail.com or by calling her office at 426-4240.
LISA HAMMAN
Arbiter Journalist
