Briana Pursley of Fishersville, VA Spent Spring Break Serving Others

2013 Mar 11

Briana Pursley of Fishersville spent spring break serving others as part of James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break program. Pursley, a junior social work major, traveled to Montego Bay, Jamaica to volunteer at Committee for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill .

The students working at CUMI spent time with clients in an attempt to improve their quality of life and levels of physical and mental health. Volunteers stayed in a local hostel and adhered to a simple living philosophy during their stay.

The student-led ASB trips, scheduled for March 2-9, are each based on a social issue such as homelessness, environmentalism or community wellness. Over 300 students embarked on 30 spring break trips around the country and world. The students spend the week living simply, focused on service in their destination community but also on teamwork and reflection within their group.

For information about JMU's Alternative Break Program, including an interactive map showcasing past service trips and Community Service-Learning, check out http://www.jmu.edu/service/.