Penn State Greater Allegheny has embarked on their second annual Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip. This year, students are headed to Puerto Rico to assist with Hurricane Maria relief and restoration.
On September 20, 2017, the eye of Hurricane Maria struck the Island of Puerto Rico knocking out power to the whole island, destroying homes, businesses, roads and bridges, etc. An estimated 4,600 people died as a result of Maria; the hurricane itself and the aftermath. The majority of deaths were due to lack of aid, resources, and complications with post-storm recovery.
Now, almost a year and a half after Maria, the island and the people of Puerto Rico are still recovering. Residents continue to live through food and water shortages, water-related disease outbreaks, and hospitals, businesses and schools are still closed due to extensive damage.
“We were still planning our 2018 Trip to Beaumont Texas in September when Maria hit and there was an instant desire from our students to go to Puerto Rico right away and help. It wasn’t feasible, but we knew before our first ASB trip had even happened where our next one would be. Maria affected many of our student’s family and friends and we feel a special connection to the island even on our campus thousands of miles away.” – Louise Whyte Aravich, Residence Life and Student Activities Coordinator at Penn State Greater Allegheny
Lead by Louise and Admissions Counselor, Anthony Gomez, seven Penn State Greater Allegheny students (Tyler Barry, Ronni Corbett, DJ Impavido, Courtney Kurth, Raeann Sleith, Wyatt Thomas, and Sabrina Yushinski) and six Penn State New Kensington students (Natalie George, Paulina Iniguez, Adam Johnson, Rachel Queck, TJ Slancauskas, and Ashley Worlds) will serve in the communities of Luquillo and Fajardo. The students will assist in clean up, painting and general restoration of homes as well as a local school hoping to reopen their doors in August 2019.
In addition to helping families who were affected, the students will be visiting the Boys and Girls Club in Loiza and will aid in reestablishing the devastated environment and ecosystem by working at the Natural Reserve in Fajardo. The students not only participate in service they will have opportunities to explore the island, try new foods, learn traditions and be immersed in a culture different from their own.
The group is working with Community Collaborations International (CCI), a non-profit organization that connects colleges and universities with service opportunities. CCI has been bridging students with service for twenty years and has built a positive presence and relationships in Puerto Rico for over seven years.
The students will be sharing their experiences through live blogging. Blogging is a common practice on Alternative Spring Break trips and is an opportunity to capture all the memories, feelings, and experiences of the trip. This blog will be shared on social media so classmates, staff, faculty, friends and family can follow along on the adventure.
Follow along at psugapr2019.blogspot.com
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