Rachel Petri of Charlottesville Participates in Alternative Spring Break Trip

2014 Apr 14

Charlottesville, VA resident Rachel Petri spent spring break serving others through James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break Program. Petri, a junior interdisciplinary liberal studies major traveled to Treasure Beach, Jamaica to volunteer with Volunteer in Jamaica Opportunity Network (VIJON).

The student-led ASB trips took place from March 8-15. Each trip focused on a social issue, such as homelessness, resettlement, environmentalism or community wellness, in a specific region. Almost 300 students embarked on 30 spring break trips around the country and world. The students spent the week living simply, focused on service in their destination community but also on teamwork and reflection within their group.

The JMU students on this trip provided individual attention to the youth of a local school in Treasure Beach who are typically placed in very large classroom settings. The group also worked with VIJON to help increase community wellness in any way that they could.

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