Latest Update On the Alternative Break Program!

We have so many exciting things going on in the Alternative Break program! On June 17th, our trip leaders have finalized their housing in their respective cities and have now begun their search for the perfect service sites. Everything is coming together so great and we cannot wait to see everyone in August. Once school begins, we will starts our weekly training with our Fall trip leaders to prepare them on how to lead a successful break trip. 

The Alternative Break also had one of it's student coordinators, Hayley Pennesi, represent the University of Tennessee at an Alternative Break Citizenship School conference this past week. 55 students gathered from around the country representing 23 different states to discuss "Changing the Narrative: Community Building as Power" in Ferguson, Missouri. Hayley went to gain more knowledge on how to better the break program and experienced a simulation on how break trips tend to work. The conference partnered with an organization called Operation Help or Hush to work within the community and learn more about the city. It was a great experience for her and we cannot wait to see what she brings back to our program!  

Check out some pictures below from her trip!

 Hayley sitting below the mural that was painted by volunteers on what used to be a restaurant but is now a cooling station for the community. It was used by those participants in the protests to gather and get food/water close by. Their group touched it up and added their initials and quotes on each side of the one above.

 Hayley chose to write, "You are not alone," along with her hand print on the wall. 

 The group painted boards to create recycling bins to place on West Florissant road for the community.

Group: Red Paddle Fish

 Hayley stayed at the University of Missouri - St. Louis during her time in Ferguson, MO. She got the chance to tour the campus and see their office equivalent to the University of Tennessee's Center of Leadership & Service where the Alternative Break Program is housed.

 Malaysia enjoyed dancing the day away with her.

Alternative Break Trip Leader Spotlight

Xylina Marshall

Senior

 Spring Break Trip Leader

Who/what inspires you the most?

          I am most inspired by those around me who strive to accomplish great things through servant leadership. I look up to my fellow students because they are a testament to what can be accomplished through hard work and dedication even when other elements of life come into play. My fellow Tennessee Volunteers give me the most inspiration because they set a precedent to live up to that is not stagnant but ever increasing.

Why did you choose to be an AB trip leader?

          I chose to become an AB trip leader because I have experienced first hand the spark that Alternative Breaks creates in regards to social change. AB is how I became plugged into service on campus and provides a springboard for many that engage in it. It is a place where a love for service can not only be planted, but also watered and nourished into a full blossom. I would love to contribute to the holistic process that is AB and being a trip leader was the best way that I saw possible.

What are you most excited for as you start this journey as a trip leader?

          I am the most excited to engage in planning with my trip partner. Being able to bring our personalized vision to fruition will be well worth the effort required to get there. I look forward to developing a relationship with both my partner and our participants through the act of service to a community for which I am greatly impassioned.

Hobbies/Favorite Activities:

Reading, Knitting, Netflix, Serving, Billiards 

Black Tate

 Senior

Fall Break Trip Leader

Who/what inspires you the most?

          Ronald Reagan and Bill Haslam (in no particular order).

Why did you choose to be an AB trip leader? 

          I chose to be an AB trip leader, because I want to give participants the best trip possible. Just like how my AB trip leaders gave me.

What are you most excited for as you start this journey as a trip leader?           

          I am most excited about picking the most awesome-est trip and theme with my AB partner. Not only that, I can’t wait to see the participants who will be joining us as well!

Hobbies/Favorite Activities: 

          I love being a T.S.S.A.A. Soccer referee. I love listening to many different genres of music. I go to every home game (every time) and sing Rocky Top to the top of my lungs. Not only that, I love to help anyone in need as well.