Menu
The term spring break often evokes memories of once in a life-time experiences with
family or friends, or simply a time to be away from the usual routine and to relax.
The Alternative Spring Break program at the University of Dallas is all of the above
and more. The experience is definitely one that is unique and will burn lasting impressions
on your memory. In fact, the experience never ends, for participants often take the
lessons they learn with them, and bring those lessons back to their daily lives. Although
one could go on and on about how wonderful the experience is, many people still have
concerns about not having time to raise the money and go on the trips because of a
busy schedule. Although ASB does require a good amount of time, it is easy to fit
an hour or two into your schedule here and there for meetings and fundraisers for
one week of your life that will be extremely well spent. My freshman year I initially
had reservations about going on the trip because I was still new to the idea of being
away from home. The decision I made to go on the trip is something I will never regret,
and the once-in-a-lifetime experience I had with others from school and with the people
of Ecuador, can never be replaced.
One of my biggest concerns while considering ASB was whether or not I had the time
to commit to the program. I played volleyball, was involved in several activities
on campus, and had a fairly demanding class schedule, but with a little rearranging
every now and then I was able to make the meetings and raise the required amount of
funds in order to go on the trips. When one makes the commitment to ASB, time is not
an issue and every moment spent with other ASB participants is completely worthwhile.
Each trip may in itself only last one week, but the memories and values you take from
that week last a lifetime (and that's the truth).
--Sr. Mary Gretchen Hoffman
Class of 2003, ASB participant 2000, 2002
