Cardinal Points

Issue date: 11/17/06 Section: Life

Cori Matthews

One of the most fitting descriptions of community is an interacting population of individuals in a common location, distinct from the rest, living in a particular way, within a larger unified society.

Volunteering has a way of bringing people together, connecting them to one another and creating a sense of community that opens up new perspectives on their lives.

The on-again, off-again life of a typical college student mightcause them to struggle to find a way and a place to fit into the picture of the world they have in their heads.

The Alternative Spring Break program at Plattsburgh State University College is offering seven separate trips to a variety of different locations spread out across the entire eastern coast of the United States.

Once again Alternative Spring Break will be cooperating with organizations such as the Environmental Student Conservation Association and Habitat for Humanity, which includes building homes for the less fortunate, as well as helping children who may have developmental disabilities that need to be given special attention.

At these sites, students learn the skills they need by working for people who need help the most.

Students will also be working with children with various disabilities in rehabilitation centers and schools in these areas.

Director of the Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism at PSUC, Cori Matthews, has seen an increase in the number of students who volunteer.

"It's great to see that people are volunteering more of their time and promoting them to think more," Matthews said "That's the goal. Make them think things that they wouldn't necessarily have thought or make them feel things that were ever afraid to feel or haven't felt yet. And I think this program accomplishes that."

About nine students and two site leaders will travel by van to places such as Greensboro, Ga., Jackson, Tenn., Mt. Rogers, Va., Bridgeton, N.J., Bridgeport, Conn. and Grantville, Pa.

PSUC has visited many of these same sites in the past.

Deadline for applications is today and the last chance to attend the mandatory group information session is at 2 p.m. in the Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism Conference Room in the Angell College Center.

With the help of dedicated volunteers, the Center for Service Learning and Volunteerism offers students a chance to give back to the communities everywhere, creating a community atmosphere where they go.

Continued...

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