For the past 10 years, a group of Dominican College students have passed up on the traditional Spring Break, instead volunteering to work with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for families in need of decent, affordable housing.
This year, about 30 students participated in the week-long Alternative Spring Break Program. The students were split into two groups, with half going to Goldsboro, North Carolina, and the other half to Palm Bay, Florida.
The popularity of the Alternative Spring Break Program at Dominican College demonstrates that the students connect with the service mission of the College, according to Melissa Leigh Grau, College Director of Community Engagement and Leadership Development. “Not only do the students return every year, but they bring their friends and they get new people and they show others what it means to be part of the Dominican College community,” said Grau.
Freshman through seniors participate in the trip. The students pay for a portion of the trip, with Dominican College subsidizing the cost.
Grau says the students understand that Spring Break doesn’t have to be about relaxing at the beach and having fun. “Spring Break can be having fun, but building and contributing and being part of something bigger than yourself,” she said.