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St. Cloud State University
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Student breaks can help others
By Cathy Kropp
Published:
Thursday, March 6, 2003
Cathy Kropp -- Staff Column
Next week many SCSU students will be fighting over beer and beads as spring break gets underway.
Other students have a higher cause on their minds, as they will be fighting to better the world by providing services to needy and low-income areas across the country.
SCSU's Volunteer Link is offering three different alternative spring break trips this year. Programs similar to those offered through our school are popping up all over the country as students strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Lissa Staples, volunteer link coordinator at SCSU said that 33 volunteers will be participating in the program next week.
One group will take up residence in a community church in El Paso, Texas while working at a community center helping low-income residents of the area.
Another group will be joining Volunteers of America of Greater New Orleans. While staying in cabins at Bayou Segnette State Park, the students will provide maintenance and cleaning crews and will also spend time interacting with local residents.
A third group will work with Native American children in Lame Deer, Montana. Combining with the Boys and Girls Club, the students will provide assistance for children ages 5-18 by tutoring and pitching in with extracurricular activities such as athletic programs and arts and crafts.
The cost of all 3 trips is under $300, which is far less than what many students will spend on airfare to a tropical party destination or even, sadly, on alcohol.
If students want to do something fulfilling over break, this is a good option. Not only will they be able to remember their spring break, they will be helping others -- a far more noble goal than working on a tan.
Unfortunately, the deadline to participate in the trips next week is long past. But that doesn't mean that students can't start thinking about next year, or even better, volunteer for local programs now. Non-profit organizations can always use more helping hands.
I may be a bit hypocritical, as I am not participating in the program myself. I recently took on a second job and don't have much free time over break. I am sure there are quite a few others in the same situation.
I would, however, like to thank those who have made the time. Studies have shown that young people who participate in volunteer work tend to make it a part of their lives permanently.
Of course there is time for fun and relaxation, but for fellow students to be so selfless is inspiring to me. I hope more people will follow in their footsteps.
Cathy Kropp can be reached at
ckropp@universitychronicle.com
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