Dyson College of Arts and Sciences

" " While working on the house with my fellow college students and teammates, I started to think deeper about certain aspects of life ... This trip reminded me that there are people that still need help. They're not getting the help they need. - Jaida-Lee Colley '22 Alternative Spring Break Sixteen students traveled to Ocean County, New Jersey for Pace's Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program. Although Superstorm Sandy struck more than six years ago, those hardest hit have struggled to rebuild, and many families have not yet returned home. The public eye has turned, but Pace University has made a commitment to disaster response, returning for the sixth year to help rebuild homes flooded by Sandy. Students participating in the ASB program painted walls, mudded dry wall, tiled floors, and more. In addition to physical work, each day included discussions, videos, and presentations on a particular theme: disaster recovery, race and class, climate change, and disaster response. They were then assigned to reflect on that day's theme and write a post for the CCAR blog. Participating students were also required to implement a post-trip project. The goal of these projects was to bring the ASB experience back to Pace and their fellow students. Projects included organizing a return service trip, presenting to clubs and student organizations about the program, and writing letters to elected officials relating their experiences and urging additional support. 9 Students on Alternative Spring Break 2019 Front row: (from L to R) Julianne Marder, Ashley Alahakoon (Graduate Student Supervisor), Emily Harnarain, Noelani Rivera, Wa Mau Chin, Alex Agbulos, Jaida-Lee Colley, Karen Soliz, Blake Yarak. Back row: Breana Battles, Tyler Kalahar (Program Coordinator), Kristina Parise, Brett Dalrymple, Jackie Fleury, Sandra Yang, Madeline Florio, Rachael Summers, Samantha Ericson " " - Blake Yarak '21 In the pursuit of knowing the [long-lasting effect a disaster can have on a community], every detail should not be overlooked, every encounter valuable, and every connection made incredible as each gives me an incredible view on understanding a disaster. Alumni Reflection " " ASB has become one of the highlights of my college life. Not only did it make me more aware of how much extra help a community may need aer a huge disaster, but it helped motivate me to give a hand and participate in community service activities whenever I'm able to. CCAR: 2018-2019 Annual Report - Tyler Rodriguez '19 ASB Volunteer 2016

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