Last spring break I just decided to go home and spend time with my family and rest. This year I signed up for alternative spring break (ASB) because all of my friends that did it last year spoke so highly of it, so I was very excited to experience ASB! For 25 years, instead of going home or to Miami for spring break, Howard University students have been serving the community abroad and domestic through several initiatives. This program is funded entirely by donations. I applied as a pr intern to be on the steering committee and then became a team leader as well.
Before the trip I was pretty apprehensive because I was just going through a lot personally and really wanted a break and just some time to rest. However, I committed to going to ASB and I was a team leader, so I went through with it.
ASB Detroit completely exceeded my expectations and then some! I learned sooooo much about the education system, the history of Detroit, the people I met and my ASB family. I honestly can’t put into words how thankful I am for the trip. It reassured and confirmed my career interest in education and equity. I always say #nazluhdakids and by this I usually mean younger kids and tend to shy away from middle schoolers and up, especially high schoolers, however this week completely changed my perspective. Spending time and making relationships with the students at Osborn High School just filled my heart with so much joy. I genuinely feel like they taught me way more than I could have ever taught them. I met them at the perfect time. While the intention of this trip was for me to pour into them, they poured so much into me, (unintentionally) uplifting my spirit. Just their ambition and perseverance not only humbled me but reminded me of how far I’ve come with God on my side. I’m very thankful for this experience because I also saw personal growth. Even though I have had several leadership positions in the past and I am studying communications, I prefer to stay in the background or just speak to smaller groups. However, since I was a team leader I didn’t have a choice but to step up and lead when needed. And in this, I found myself not hesitating or being anxious while leading. Also, just stepping outside of my comfort zone when interacting with the kids led to so many positive results.
This spring break was everything I needed and more. Thanks ASB Detroit.
Check out my ASB vlog!
