Students Completed Projects, Built Memories on Alternative Spring Break Trip

12 undergraduate students went to Yosemite National Park for an alternative spring break they are sure to never forget.

The University of Mississippi Department of Student Housing and the Office of the Dean of Students helped send several students on a unique alternative spring break trip that they will never forget.

This seven-day trip took 12 undergraduate students, three graduate students, a staff member and a faculty member to California, where they completed various community service projects, including painting informational bulletin boards, cleaning up litter and refurbishing bear boxes in Yosemite National Park. The attendees also helped package food at Project Open Hand and helped in the relocation of materials at Family House in San Francisco.

With this, the students also had ample opportunities for fun and educational activities along the way. Attendees toured Alcatraz, visited the Golden Gate Bridge and went to see the homes where the movie “Mrs. Doubtfire” and TV series “Full House” were filmed.

“I had such an amazing time on the trip and learned so much about life in the big city, as well as about nature and the majestic beauty of the nation I call home,” said Neal Curran, an Ole Miss junior.

“This year’s ASB trip has been such an awesome experience. Whether we were getting lost in San Francisco or simply sitting around a campfire and telling stories, the memories and friends I made on this trip will be with me forever.”

The trip was created to offer students a financially attainable alternative spring break experience that focused on the values of service, learning and experience.

“I am so grateful for everyone’s support, commitment, and hard work that made the ‘Cruisin’ the Creed to Cali’ alternative spring break such an amazing experience for these students,” said Lydia Hayes, UM graduate community director and trip organizer.

“It was incredible to see the joy, education and community-building that occurred over the break, and I am excited to see the lessons we learned this year used to make the experience even better for future years to come.”

To see some of the adventures of those on this trip, check out #UMAltSB.

Courtesy of Collin Bruner and the Ole Miss News Desk