Students participated in a range of experiences during Spring Break in locations including Costa Rica, California, South Carolina and California.
Elon Volunteers!, housed within the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, runs the renowned Alternative Break Program, a transformative initiative that unfolds each Fall Break and Spring Break.
These programs during breaks immerse students in service experiences aimed at both tackling domestic and global social issues and fostering meaningful connections with diverse communities. Andrew Moffa, an assistant director for the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, oversees all the Alternative Break experiences.
“One of the great values of Alternative Breaks comes from spending time in new communities and meeting the needs of those communities through direct service,” Moffa said. “Students are able to connect this service to foundational social issues through intentional, nightly reflection. In addition, Alternative Breaks are an amazing way to build relationships with other Elon students and staff members.”
This year’s Spring Alternative Break Program featured four initiatives. In Costa Rica, participants worked with community development within the Los Lagos community, collaborating closely with Cultural Connections & Volunteers to effect positive change. Hallie Beeker and Madeline Seburn were the student leaders on the experience.
“Entering a new place, experiencing a new culture, and working with this community was a life-changing experience I will never forget,” Beeker said. “It was extremely inspiring to work with and make connections with the Los Lagos community but also the Elon participants on the trip.”
Meanwhile in Atlanta, students partnered with the International Rescue Committee and contributed to the organization’s vital work of facilitating the integration and prosperity of immigrants and refugees in Georgia communities. Emily Cozzone and Liwei Chen were the student leaders for the experience.
“My favorite memory from working with the International Rescue Committee in Atlanta was helping out with child care,” Cozzone said. “Child care is provided as an option for parents who go to the ESL (English as a Second Language) classes. It was cool to work with the kids and see the ways the International Rescue Committee supported parents who were learning English.”
In Charleston, South Carolina, the focus shifted to environmental sustainability. Participants engaged with esteemed institutions such as the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and the Medical University of South Carolina Urban Farm and actively contributed to initiatives aimed at preserving and enhancing environmental justice. J’Lynn Poplin and Rane Parr were the student leaders for the experience.
“My alternative break experience was so valuable,” Poplin said. “I gained leadership skills and life-long friendships and memories. I know our work made an impact not only in Charleston and the local area, but also on the participants, staff, and student coordinators.”
In Berkeley, California, another group of students embarked on a unique journey, joining forces with Elon Hillel and Hillel International to partner with Urban Adamah, an educational and sustainable farm. This experience was unique in that it blended hands-on environmental engagement with spiritual exploration. Ryan Gibbons led the experience.
“We had the perfect group!” Gibbons said. “All of us grew from the experience and learned at least one new thing. I felt a strong sense of dedication and accomplishment as we worked on the farm, and I really appreciated the opportunity to not only help a group pre established in the Berkeley community, but also learn strategies for addressing food insecurity that I can take with me and implement in other food insecure areas. Food insecurity is such a universal problem that anywhere I go, this experience will be applicable. Plus, I got to look at my own Jewish identity through a new lens! All in all, it was a truly amazing experience.”
Through these diverse experiences, Elon Volunteers continues to empower students to become catalysts for positive social change, fostering empathy, understanding, and tangible impact in communities near and far.