Alternative Spring Break Atlanta Day 4

     Hello my name is Phushante Waller I’m a sophomore majoring in Health and Human Performance. Today was the fourth day of alternative spring break in Atlanta. Today we were pretty busy the entire day; we left out around six o’clock in the morning to head to the elementary school to teach fourth graders. By the time we arrive to the school my partner and I was very anxious yet nervous about teaching the students. As time went on while we were teaching we realized that there was not anything to be nervous about and that the students were smarter and knew more information than we expected. I felt very accomplished once the teaching lesson was over and the students expressed how they really appreciated us taking time out to come teach them and telling us how much fun they had. The highlight of my day was getting the opportunity to get some great advice from the CEO of Operation Hope. This has definitely been a memorable day and I would love to spend another spring break serving any community.

Lost and Found

Hello,

My name is Kirby Dukes; a Music Industry student with a Recording Technology concentration at the University of Memphis.

I honestly do not know where to begin to explain or describe how working with the Operation Hope's Banking On Our Future (BOOF) program has motivated, and inspired me as a person. Over the recent months, I have been feeling like I have wanted more from myself. I have been wanting to make a difference, cause change, and become responsible for my community. I, like many others, talked a great deal about wanting and seeing the need for positive change in the community, but never actually took true steps forward in that direction. I could sympathize, and analyze all the issues that were present, yet my heart was only partially there; sleeping if you will. However, today working for BOOF my heart has been rejuvenated by this experience, and the direction in which I shall move forward has been reveled to me. The impact that I  made while teaching these very intelligent, and loving children is nothing compared to what they have inflicted on me. They reassured me that there is still opportunity to create a positive future for all; despite any hardships that they may face. Also, I heard such conviction and passion in their tiny voices that I don't even hear when "great" people speak. The drive and passion for a happier world is still in its rawest form for them; and it reminds me of time in which I was like that.  I realized what I have lost, but I am now clear of mind of what I must do. I am already planning my line of action to spread awareness of the many issues I have learned here in Atlanta, and also share the strengths gained from this trip.

ASB Staycation Day 3

This is Tara Shen, a Teacher Education (grades 4-8) major at The University of Memphis. Today, we went to Wesley Highland Meadows to spend time with the seniors who live there. We had a good time playing spades and phase 10. It was my first time playing phase 10. We then played Wii Bowling, and some of us were really good. We then had lunch from Dyer's Burgers, where they use the same grease for a long time. You could even taste the old grease from their fries. Afterwards, we played tricky Bingo, making rows with B's, N's, and O's. We also played on making an X. We also played a fast one, where the person called out the numbers really fast; we had to cover the entire board. That was the first time I played such tricky Bingo. We won Monopoly-type money for playing Bingo. We all thought the day was really fun. I thought it was a rewarding experience, spending time with the people there. It was good to know that we made their day exciting. After Wesley, we went to Jerry's Snow Cones. Three of us got the wedding cake flavor, which proved delicious. Then, we went to the "I Love Memphis" mural. We thought it was good and learned that it was commissioned by the city.

ASB Staycation Day 2

My name is Brandy Brown and I'm a junior/senior Economics major at the University of Memphis. 

Today we traveled down to Memphis's own Shelby Farms. Upon arriving we were greeted by the most hospitable woman, who offered a couple of us volunteers some coffee, or in the case of Lala, hot chocolate. Soon the Shelby Farms coordinator, Irene, arrived to caravan us to the tree planting site. Upon arriving our Ranger handed us a barrel full of shovels and we soon marched on to the site. As we hiked up the hilly trails of Shelby Farms; some of us spotted a deer, which was a first for many. Our Ranger gave us a two minute tree planting tutorial that gave me false expectations of how quickly I could plant a tree. The technique was very efficient and even though I did not dig holes in one minute, we were able to get a lot of trees planted. As volunteers we were able to piggyback off of the expertise of our ranger. He was very strategic in were he placed initially. We started from the back and worked our way toward the front, which was a huge benefit us. He even humored us in answering questions about his life and how he ended up being a horticulturalist. His story inspired a lot of us to think of a broad range of things we could do with our majors. While working and digging we discussed how such labor is really hard on a body and how there are people whose livelihoods depend on them doing labor that we are doing. It gave us a moment to reflect on the privilege and the gift we have of going to college. It also humbled us in that we appreciate those that do physically demanding work that keep our society running.

After planting trees we decided that our Memphis event would be to go to the Rock & Soul Museum, which was a first for a lot of people in our group. The museum was quite neat in that they gave us listening equipment that enabled us to travel at our own speed. I learned a lot of new things. A lot of the music was very familiar to me because I am a Memphis native. However, I did learn the names to songs and the stories behind that I had heard all my life, such as Green Onions by Booker T and MGs and Hold On, I'm Comin by  Sam and Dave.

Alternative Spring Break Staycation Day 2

My name is Christina Ngo, and I am a junior Accounting major. Today the Memphis team went to the Shelby Farms Park to plant trees! It was my first time planting trees. The ranger that led us made it look so easy, but once it was our turn to start planting and getting our hands dirty, it was much harder than it seemed. The weather was much nicer than it was Monday, so we weren't as cold working outside. The rain from earlier this week actually made some of the planting easier because the ground was soft. After the trees were planted, red ribbons were then attached to the trees so that they can be easily seen and avoid being ran over. For lunch, we went to the Caritas Village. It was a new experience for most of the people on our team. The restaurant was founded by a woman name Onie Johns whose dream was to create a place where people would be able to come together as a community. Her dream, which is now a reality, provided jobs for some people in the Binghampton area. The restaurant walls were covered with beautiful and inspiring artwork by local artists. The restaurant definitely felt cozy, and the food tasted good. Afterwards, we ventured to the Rock n Soul Museum. It was a new experience for everyone on the team. We heard some good ole Memphis music. The tour made me realize how music played such a big part in not only our city's history, but also how it shaped the lives of the people who grew up here. Overall, today was an eventful day full of first times.

It's better to give than to receive.

Hi. My name is Kyuna Sims and I am a sophomore Political Science and Spanish double major. I decided to sign up for Alternative Spring Break because I genuinely enjoy giving back to the community. I've only visited Atlanta once and I'm so happy that I decided to make the decision of being a part of this wonderful journey. We've visited a couple of sites in Atlanta and they've been extremely fun thus far. We attended the Atlanta Community Food Bank and it was a very insightful trip for me especially since I've never been to a food bank before. I took away so many things that I was unaware about and I'm glad that I'm informed about it so I can start making changes in the community of Memphis. One of the misconceptions that most people have is that the homeless are the only ones that are hungry. Yet, actually we learned that the working class and the children/youth are the two largest group that undergo hunger. Unfortunately many families are living paycheck to paycheck and it's not enough to support their families. I believe this is a huge issue that needs to be tackled and it can't be done overnight so before I starting informing others about it, I have to make a change and do something first. Once we get back to Memphis, my plans are to volunteer more at the Mid South Food Bank and spread the word to my friends, family members, school, and the community so that they are informed about the issues going on that ultimately affect the community as a whole. Attending Covenant House of Georgia also had a huge influence on me while vacationing here in Atlanta. I'm even considering changing my major mainly in part because this program had such a positive affect on me. I made such an amazing connection with the youth and I was so happy to find that they were planning on moving to a new facility that will house more runaway youth and encourage them to find a job, go to school, and get their life on a better track. Hearing them share their stories with us and how they still remained positive made me realize that I can see myself working with youth because all they need is motivation and someone to depend on. Over the course of the Alternative Spring Break program I've grown as a person. Volunteering and working with these different organizations and groups makes me more appreciative and want to give back to my community so I can make it a better environment. Atlanta is such a prosperous city with many places that allows volunteers to come in and engage in activities that will benefit the community. I believe the trip has made me reevaluate what my true calling is in life and I feel it is serving my community and making it the best place it can be.

Myia's Blog

My name is Myia Nealy and I am a Management Information System major. I am a freshman and this is my first time being with ASB. One place we had gone to today was the old covenant house on Lakewood and this place showed me beautiful things and people. I met people who have gone through things I could not imagine, and to actually see and speak to those who have made it really makes me proud. I will never forget Bradly Shaughn Jenkins who is a strong person who has been through Hell, but has not given up nor settled. He has taught me that no matter what people put you through or how they try to bring you down, there will always be strength inside that is waiting to be used, but it is up to you to use that strength inside. With that being said, thank you Bradly, Freddy, Amena, and everyone else who communicated and played games with me because you all have taught me more than you have ever known!