Power Tools, Scaffolding, and Service: Making the Most of your Spring Break

Spring break has gotten a bad reputation of college-aged kids going south for warmer climates and heavy partying. This past spring break, I decided to partake in a different type of spring break tradition that people sometimes forget about: service trips. I spent my break working with my campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity in Atlanta, Georgia.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that builds safe, affordable housing for families in communities around the world. Our group met with various people in DeKalb County, GA whether it was the community outreach director, Daniella or our contractor, Travis. We learned that our week of service put in many “man” hours that would have otherwise been spread out among weekends because most volunteers work or go to school during the week. Here are a few things I learned during my week and why you should get involved with a service trip, whether it’s during spring break or any time of the year!

1. Social Justice: One of the biggest causes of homelessness in America and around the globe is lack of affordable and safe housing. The family that we were building a house for lived in an unsafe neighborhood and came as refugees to America in hope of a better life. My service trip helped me realize that social justice can be both small and large but your impact will surely make a direct difference in the lives of those you are helping. The house we were working on was mainly done but we were doing finishing touches like painting. Every small action creates a bigger picture and better world. Our painting helped to make a house feel like a home. I know I take for granted that I have a house where my family lives and I’m also lucky enough to live in a dorm at my campus. Having a house where you feel like you are safe and can build memories with your family is a truly incredible thing. Social justice comes in various forms and all have meaning.

2. Community: Community came in two ways to me during this trip. It first came to me in the community that we were serving. Many refuges call Atlanta home and are looking to start fresh in America. Learning about the need for affordable housing where families could get transportation to a job was very eye opening. Every community is different but the community of DeKalb County had many residents who are living in Habitat homes. The other aspect of community was my group from school that I chose to serve with. I did not know the majority of the people I was serving with prior to this week, but I now consider them my friends. Spending a week in service for others can help you learn a lot about yourself and other people.

3. Simple Living: We had a rule on our trip that we were going to try not to use our cellphones. Our group stayed in a home that is going to be refurbished and we all slept in sleeping bags on the floor. This idea of simple living isn’t meant to make you feel bad about everything you have at home but to make you realize how families you are serving may live like each day. Sleeping on the floor of a one-bedroom apartment with your entire family can be cramped and uncomfortable. I learned to think about what others may not have in relation to the luxuries that I am blessed to experience in my life. Sometimes I complain about the wi-fi not working in my dorm, but there are others who would be very thankful to have a computer for school or applying for jobs.