Rebecca Arrington of Mechanicsville participates in Alternative Spring Break trip

2016 Mar 15

Mechanicsville, VA resident Rebecca Arrington spent spring break serving others through James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break Program. Arrington, a International Affairs major, scheduled to graduate in 2017, traveled to Arutam, Ecuador to volunteer with Fundecoipa.

The student-led ASB trips took place from March 5-12. Each trip focused on a social issue, such as homelessness, resettlement, environmentalism or community wellness, in a specific region. Almost 250 students embarked on 25 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.

Along this journey, students had the opportunity of a lifetime to work with an indigenous population living in the Amazon. This break engaged its participants in community and grass root development and conservation of the rainforest. Students worked to provide development and improve the livelihood of the people in the region in areas of social, health, educational, and economical issues. Through this they created a better environment and community for the future generations of indigenous people. We will also be fortunate in learning the rituals and traditions of the Shuar tribe. Our break will be a complete cultural immersion into the daily lives of these indigenous individuals. We will have the opportunity to stay in their village, walk through the jungle, and enjoy simple living. Join us for a week of hands on experience within the Amazon rainforest and in learning about a unique indigenous population.

For information about JMU's award winning Alternative Break Program, visit www.jmu.edu/abp.