ASI Alternative Spring Break Testimonials

2022/2023 & 2023/2024

 It felt amazing to contribute to a community in need and see the tangible impact of our efforts. Helping to build homes and provide support to my fellow neighbors gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. It was a powerful experience to work alongside others towards a common goal, knowing that we were making a positive difference in people's. It encourages me to be more grateful for what I have and that any help, even the smallest one can make the difference in someone's life. Therefore, I try my best to find some spots in my commute to support and help

Applying to Alternative Spring Break is a great way to travel, engage in meaningful community service, and connect with a group of like-minded individuals. It offers a unique opportunity to make a positive impact while building lasting friendships and gaining new skills. If you're passionate about service and open to new experiences, it's a rewarding way to spend your spring break and create lasting memories with a supportive group of peers.

2018/2019

Alternative Spring Break was such a blast! I really enjoyed anything that involved working with construction tools at the homes we were helping. We got to walk on scaffolding, cut wood planks with saws, and even take down an old house to clear the way for a new one. Leading up to the trip, we had several meetings that not only helped us plan but also allowed us to get to know each other better. I was genuinely excited to go with the group. Habitat for Humanity did a fantastic job of reminding us that we were making a difference for families in need, and they were truly grateful for our help. There was a particularly touching moment when a family came to see the progress on their home, and it was so heartwarming to share that experience. It ranks among my most memorable college experiences! When I got back, I was eager to dive into more community service activities to create even more wonderful memories like those from ASB. Everyone I know who has participated in an Alternative Spring Break has shared such amazing stories, so I really think you'll have an incredible time if you decide to go!

2017/2018

My favorite part about Alternate Spring Break was definitely working at the work site, and the volunteer leads were wonderful! It was such a joy to connect with people who truly care about helping others. Plus, it’s really something special that everyone on the trip chose to dedicate their spring break to serve those in need—not many college students would do that! Supporting a community that requires help was both fulfilling and a fantastic way to make a difference. Reflecting on our trip, I appreciated how it opened my eyes to the wider nationwide and even global impact that the organization has. It inspired me to keep helping others and to volunteer my time more often. ASB is such an enriching experience that not only allows you to build homes and give back to a community, but you also create meaningful relationships with new friends and leave with a refreshed, hopeful perspective on life.

2015/2016

It was a heartening experience to positively impact the Greater Memphis community. It was so refreshing to spend time off of school and to learn how to positively affect a community and the world at large. My favorite part of working with Living Lands & Waters was learning about sustainability and ecology all while helping to clean thousands of pounds of trash out of the Mississippi River. I was so excited to meet and bond with fellow CSUSM students. I knew a couple of the fellow students who went but it was refreshing to get to know students outside of my social bubble.

I would say that ASB is a once in a lifetime experience that will change your life for the better no matter the organization that you work with on your trip. You will gain so much perspective that will positively impact your life in many ways. I would say GO FOR IT!

2014/2015

My favorite part of Alternative Spring Break was definitely the work we did, the amazing people we met, and the fun excursions we took outside of our volunteering. It was such a fantastic opportunity to bond with fellow CSUSM students, some of whom I hadn’t known before, and make new connections! Being part of this trip and supporting a community in need felt incredibly rewarding, and the memories we created are truly priceless! Having served as a community service member before, this experience really reignited my commitment to helping others. It was not only a fun trip with wonderful people, but the focus on making a difference made it extra special!

2012/2013 & 2013/2014

One of my favorite things about volunteering on Alternative Spring Break was discovering how to do new tasks, like insulation work. Before heading out on this trip with fellow CSUSM students, I was a bit nervous, but also really excited! Once we were on our way, it felt amazing to spend my spring break making a difference in communities that truly needed help. After our time on Alternative Spring Break, I came home feeling inspired to get involved and support my own community and make a positive impact on those around me. While it may not have been the typical spring break experience, it was definitely one I will cherish. I had the opportunity to learn so much, lend a hand, make new friends, and explore cities I'd never visited before.

2012/2013 & 2013/2014

During Alternate Spring Break, I picked up skills like air proofing the building structure and had the pleasure of meeting the staff, among many other things! Before the trip, most of us only knew one or two people well, which turned out to be a great icebreaker—everyone was open to making new friends, leading to a fantastic group atmosphere. It was truly rewarding to meet the future residents of the homes we were working on and to see the immediate impact of our efforts. I enjoyed it so much that I returned for a second trip the following year. Plus, I felt more connected to folks at CSUSM who were involved in community activities, making me feel even more comfortable getting involved afterward. What a fun way to spend your spring break—making friends and exploring new places!