My Alternative Spring Break Experience

“Once a year, go somewhere you have never been before.” – Dalai Lama

For my spring break(March 2- 8, 2024) I was privileged to have been awarded a travel grant through VT ENGAGE to fully immerse myself in one of the 2024 Alternative Spring Break trips to Selma, Alabama for a service experience.

On the trip

I participated in a Kingian Non-violence Conflict Reconciliation and Restorative Justice training where I learned new strategies and tools of conflict reconciliation at the Selma Healing Waters Retreat Center. I signed up and am now a Selma 2.0 Ambassador: Committed to a non-violent lifestyle, selfless volunteerism, and the to promote social justice in communities.

Joined in the historic Bridge Crossing Jubilee for the first time over the Edmund Pettus Bridge where the Vice-President of the United States was present to deliver a speech before the crossing-over march began.

Learned about the Bloody Sunday, the Selma-to-Montgomery March, and the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 from a Foot Soldier.

Volunteered with a local charity pantry to package and distribute food items to the less fortunate and the elderly.

Contributed to the creation of a new thrift store to provide affordable shopping options for the Selma community.

Worked on a local farm (the Local Farm Cooperative): committed to local food and fighting the general and racial wealth gap.?

Visited the National Memorial for Peace and Justice and the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama.?

Lessons:

1. There is so much to learn about the past to help us appreciate our present.
2. Giving back to the community is satisfying, knowing that your efforts made a positive and significant impact on the lives of others who needed support.
3. Conflicts are inevitable. When they happen, it is more helpful to employ non-violent approaches as they open up for dialogue to focus on and address the root causes of the conflict rather than reacting based on aroused emotions.

Thank you for reading my experience!