Katherine Egan of Rockville Centre, NY Spent Spring Break Serving Others

2013 Mar 11

Katherine Egan of Rockville Centre spent spring break serving others as part of James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break program. Egan, a senior English major, traveled to Hillsboro, W.Va. to volunteer at Geshundheit! Institute.

The Gesundheit! Institute is a holistic medical care program based on the belief that one cannot separate the health of the individual from the health of the family, the community, the world and the health care system itself. While working with Gesundheit! Institute, the students helped with everything from grounds work to community outreach to organic farming.

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/.