Meet Our 2015-2016 Alternative Break Trip
Leaders!!
On
May 2nd, 2015, we happily welcomed our 2015-2016 Alternative Break Trip Leaders
at training day. Training consisted of learning about the active citizen
continuum, the 8 components of a quality break trip, and how to create an
experience unlike any other for their future participants. Our favorite
activity for the day was the banana phones. Each trip leader received a banana
and a scenario to act out as if calling an organization or housing site for
practice. They were able to see the different reactions and questions that are
commonly brought up by organizations they will be trying to reach out to. 
Take
a look at some of the pictures from this activity!
Alternative Break Trip Leader Spotlight:
Sarah O’Rourke
Junior
Spring Break Trip Leader
Who/what inspires you the most?
Beyonce :D
But, for real, my peers and mentors
here at UT inspire me. Seeing all the great things we, as Volunteers, are doing
gives me pride and inspiration daily.
Why did you choose to be an AB trip leader?
I always had a passion for helping
others, but I didn’t understand all I could do with that until I discovered the
CLS, and specifically Alternative Breaks. I found my home at UT and my life’s
passion through the Alt Break program. Although I’ll never be able to give as
much to the program, and office, as it has given me, I would like to try.
What are you most excited for as you start this journey as a
trip leader?
I’m excited to get to experience this
process again. There are great highs, and sometimes great lows, but it’s an
amazing ride!
Hobbies/Favorite Activities:
I enjoy
watching Netflix, Enoing, and going to Jump Jam!
Bryan Shrader
Junior
Fall Break Trip Leader
Who/what inspires you the most?
People that overcome great challenges to succeed really
inspire me. My older brother Brad has autism, but he graduated high school and
now has a great job. No one expected him to be as successful as he is, but that
is why he is so inspiring. Other people that deal with poverty, disabilities,
or other hardships inspire me because they never complain, they just do their
best with what they have.
Why did you choose to be an AB trip leader?
I chose to be an AB trip leader because I love the AB
program. I went on an ASB trip last spring and that inspired me to apply to be
a leader. I love the dynamic of these trips because you have students leading
students but there is not a hierarchy. The group functions as a family and I
love that dynamic. I love serving and meeting others that love to serve, so
this is a perfect opportunity for me.
What are you most excited for as you start this journey as a
trip leader?
I am most excited about working with my partner to plan a
trip that will allow our group to better understand and help the social issue
related to our theme. I am excited to plan service and reflection that will
allow everyone that goes on our trip to become a better member of society as
they learn to serve. I want to lead a trip that inspires students to learn more
about social issues and to do everything they can to help those in need.
Hobbies/Favorite Activities: Running, playing intramural sports, attending UT athletic
events, watching sports on TV
We are so thrilled to have 7 fall break trips and
6 spring break trips and cannot wait to see what these wonderful students plan!
