UC Irvine's Alternative Break Program @ucirvinealtbreak - Tumblr Blog

Alternative Spring Break: Addressing Poverty’s Impact on Families

Participant post: Afra From Alternative Spring Break, I learned a lot of new topics. One of which is social inequity. On my trip, I witnessed the extreme poverty and the extreme wealth in San Francisco. I’ve gained more awareness of extreme poverty and how people have learned to live in the urban area. I met a lot of new people from this break and learned more about how they run the non profit organization, their mission, their methods of helping people and how the NGO operates. In the future, I plan on engaging in more community service in Irvine and I highly encourage more folks to apply to alternative break. Thank you so much.

#ucialtbreak

Alternative Spring Break: Addressing Poverty’s Impact on Families

Participant Post: Katrina Hello! My name is Katrina Vergara and this spring break I went to San Francisco for Alternative Break. I applied for Alt Break because I wanted to have a productive and interesting spring break and I was definitely not disappointed with how things turned out. The days were very long and I took naps a lot whenever I could. It was very interesting to serve at the two different soup kitchens, (different in funding, different in demographics, different in serving capacity) and I enjoyed the experience but out of everything I really enjoyed spending time with the kids at St. Vincent’s day home. We always did a lot things during our days, but coming back to St. Vincent’s every day always felt like the most humbling experience. I really loved getting to know the kids and playing with them every day. I learned a lot from them even though they were only like 3 years old, but it’s true! They’re still so young and innocent and they’re not like adults so they don’t hold grudges and they aren’t mean to other kids on purpose. It’s like I just wanted them to stay 3 years old forever and never go into the real world. They’re like cinnamon rolls, too pure for this world. But really though. I also am really happy I got to know everyone else on the trip. Everyone was really nice and Caroline, our group leader was really nice and patient and smart and understanding. She’s fabulous.

#uci alternative break #ucialtbreak

Alternative Spring Break: Critique of the Dreamer’s Movement

Participant Post: Eric

Day 1

At the border next to the Friendship Park:

Experiencing or at least seeing in person what I have been reading in books or articles, what I have been seeing in the news or documentary is not compare to what I had seen this day with my own eyes. It puts me in a better perspective of what a migrant might go through. Not to say that I understand them, but I now at least have an idea of how difficult it is to cross the border.

As a child I cross through the border a couple of times and as I cross all I thought was that the U.S. was here and Mexico was over there. Now that I see the border, I no longer see that, I see a wall that oppress the hope of many from reuniting with relatives, reaching a more stable economic life, but most importantly I see the reason why so many people have died.

About day laborers:

The man we met was not an unauthorized immigrant, he is actually a permanent resident who also speak enough english to defend himself. As the group ask him about his life as a jornalero(day laborer), he went to explain how he struggle. One memory he recall was how one time he crossed the border he and his group were aided by an American who gave them water but only he accepted more than the rest, as the water run out tension raised and the group tried to kill each other for water. However, what surprised me the most was that he was so optimistic about it. He didn't complain about his misfortune but instead said "not today but tomorrow." I don't really know how I would cope with the everyday struggle these people go through. Being so optimistic about the future when in the past they had so much high expectations about the so called "American Dream," which I quite admire but it is nonetheless a foolish dream only possible for a few people.

Day 2

Jacumba Desert:

I was overwhelm by the landscape in which many people are force to go through in order to not get caught. The mountains around the imperial valley do not even look like mountains but instead like pile of rocks that were put their purposely. At first I did not belief that people cross through this land, specially during the night. For my surprise they cross specially during the night, one small mistake can result in a fracture bone or even death.

Day 3

The cemetery:

The cemetery was nice, green grass, trees gave plenty of shade, and it was small enough to make the visit more personal. However, far back in the cemetery hidden from the public many unidentified bodies rested in a dirt block. No grass, no trees, only bricks with the name "Joe" or "Jane" with the crosses that many, like myself have done to remember those who have been forgotten. What shock me the most about this cemetery is that it is such a small place to have hundreds of unidentified bodies buried.

Day 4

San Ysidro crossing:

This day we visit the organization of Casa Familiar. It turn out to be a very different day compare to the rest. I went to the border crossing in San Ysidro, it was not my first time but I couldn't remember most of it, specially the giant flag waving in Tijuana. Regardless of my memories, what I notice this time was the heavy pollution. The pollution was not compare to that of LA, one can actually see the change in color from the pollution to the blue sky. It is no wonder why Casa Familiar was demanding for resources to improve the air quality of San Ysidro.

Day 5

The last day was a short one but it made me realize how the government can neglect a city. As I walk with members of Casa Familiar towards a school in which no sidewalk was provided for the children, I realize that the path they walk through near the road was very dangerous.

The path was not only next to the road but also next to a down hill and a big one that is. It seems unreasonable for the local government to not provided transportation or a sidewalk for these children.

#ucialtbreak

Alternative Spring Break: Addressing Poverty’s Impact on Families

Participant post: Azadeh

My most enduring memory of poverty is that of children selling daffodil flowers in the cold winter. It was this memory that’s been burned in the deepest part of my heart, which still lives on and drives me to question poverty.

Growing up in a semi-religious family, it was understood that we all had to help those who were in need. As I got older, I realized some like to maintain their position of being ‘helpers’, and that poverty for some allowed them to take on the role of being a hero. It was in my teenage years that I became disillusioned with religion, and began to ask questions not regarding god, but about society and social stratification.

The questions I formulated were no longer about why people do not help one another to alleviate their situation, but why is that some people are never able to get out of the stratification that they were placed in before birth. It was during my teen years, when I really thought I was “stretching neurons” that I became lapsed and wanted to see things for what they were. I began to relate poverty first to ‘god’, and then realized the true evil might not be god, or even the ‘wanna-be-heros’, but rather the way society has positioned people of lower of socioeconomic status permanently into their place. As cynical as this might sound, I believed this to be the basis of a cycle that never ends. I also believed that we are all guilty of not saying or doing something--(this was perhaps the guilt I associated with my religion). I steadfastly believed this and held on to my rigid and cynical views of poverty. However, after my trip to San Francisco and Oakland, I began to feel differently not only about poverty, but also about those who help, not to be heroes but to be just human.

This trip provided me with a variety of opportunities to interact with other volunteers not just from UCI but from other schools and the awesome San Fran citizens too. Along this memorable, trip I had plenty of ‘Ah-ha’ moments and shed some tears, as I realized the cynical wall I had built about poverty was slowing crumbling. My opinion of all things related to poverty began to fall apart. I still do wholeheartedly believe that the cycle of poverty is hard to break, but now I know others are aware of it and are not passive about it.

The most important part of this trip for me was when I walked around Tenderloin and stood in line the very same line I had helped out the prior day. I was given a meal ticket, served food, and interacted with people at Glide Memorial Church. The staff members asked about my day and had a short conversation. A volunteer asked me if I needed anything else and if I need anything to drink; the kindness in her voice was enough for me to realize that there are good people in the world. It wasn’t just the volunteers but also the people handing out meal tickets and the ones collecting it that changed my perspective on how we deal with poverty. I knew in that moment that the world isn’t so black and white. It is not a lack of money or walls or a home that makes one poor, but a lack of kindness. Heroes will come and go, but some are human and will always care and be active. We define poverty based on numbers and occupied space, but poverty of the soul is perhaps the worst kind. Its kindness and time that money can never buy, and that is all that is needed to make a change.

#uci alternative break #ucialtbreak

Alternative Spring Break: Addressing Poverty’s Impact on Families

Participant post: Kim

I’d love to make jokes and I’m sure my group almost expects me to do that. Humor was the way I tried to make the #ucialtbreak experience a bit more bearable for both myself and the group of strangers thrown into a van, hostel, and the whole impactful journey with me. One of nine, I couldn’t imagine the adventure taking place with a different group of people. We weren’t perfect, everything went wrong, we didn’t always get along, but in the end we survived the week together. I can be cheesy and say it was an amazing, fun, and mind-opening experience, which it was. However I have to be honest. The fun came after the exhaustion had set in or we were trying to take our minds off what we were experiencing. Most of the quiet scenes, the ones you don’t write about or see in brochures, are when we were individually challenged or touched emotionally. I had one of my biggest reflective moments after seeing a living human being bid me a good day as his leg had decayed to the point that I saw straight to the bone. Other enlightenments came from standing in line to eat with the same homeless people I’d served breakfast to the day before. They don’t treat you any different whether you’re sitting beside them eating a hot meal or if you’re the person pouring their coffee. And with that knowledge, I learned I shouldn’t treat those living below the poverty level differently, especially if they’re children. The most powerful memories I made were in our volunteer work with the children. You don’t expect to grow attached to children you’ll never see again. To feel fear for their future when you didn’t even know they existed a week before, when your nose was in a book studying for finals. There is something raw and painful in seeing a child eat as much as the preschool will allow him, this lunch being the only meal he probably eats all day.

There are no words or descriptive language I could use to truly get across to you the profound nature of what we experienced. We were not heroes, we weren’t saving anyone, they didn’t save us either, but their misfortunes will humble you to the core and open mental doors of introspection you can’t ignore. It undoubtedly changed us all in some form, big or small, in an activist way or just the way we think. It was haunting, time-consuming, and you’ll work harder for free than you ever worked for money. We didn’t have heart to hearts in the hours of planned dialogue in discussions, but we bonded in those quiet moments that you come to enjoy. Not to say that, we didn’t have fun in those too. We spent 12 hours living through profound and dramatic volunteer work with the homeless, but mostly bonded in those after-hours when our minds were busy processing all that’s we’d witnessed and we should have been sleeping. We enjoyed the companionable silence that only those living through that week could appreciate. I can’t promise you you’ll make friends for life or want to start a program that acts for social change, but you’ll grow as a person. And there isn’t anyone that couldn’t benefit from that. This was one of the hardest things I’ve done, and even now, weeks later, I’m still processing all the humbling things we learned and experienced. Life isn’t always pretty, and as obvious as you might think that fact is, I implore you to get out of your comfort zone and see that fact in a different light by truly trying on another person’s shoes. Emerge yourself in a different path and different light, and I assure you, you’ll understand yourself and others more tenfold. The empathy you’ll feel is inevitable, and the world could only be more beautiful to live in if we all had just a little more empathy. We must be the change we wish to see in the world, and I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to change.

#ucialtbreak

Alternative Spring Break: La Jolla Indian Reservation

Tuesday March 24 2015

Dear Journal,

Today has been a long day. We started off by going to Pala to learn about water conservation. We spoke to two specialists on resources. They taught us what plants were best suited for conservation of water. We also learned how a lot of homes have small tanks to collect rainwater for later use. We also went to water recycling sewage system in which we learned how water was recycled back into water for irrigation and other uses excluding drinking. We learned about the processes and chemicals that go into it. They only used chlorine but in small quantities. Then we went on a tour to witness and learn about places that once used to be rivers, but were no longer there. We learned how some birds were becoming extinct around the area in the reservation. Once finishing lunch we went to a farm. The old man and his wife gave us guacamole and chips. We toured his farm and learned about the different types of food and wildlife. I was amazed at how many different types of animals were living in his farm. We ran into some car trouble but regardless it was still a fun experience. I expected the farm to be either just organic or non-organic. At my surprise, the man had both types. He showed us fruits I had never tried so it helped increase my knowledge on fruits.

Sincerely, Stefanie Figueroa

#ucialtbreak

Alternative Spring Break: Critique of the Dreamer’s Movement

Participant Post: Leida Rojas

Day 1:

Today was the first day of the spring break trip. My fellow UCI students and I arrived at the Border Angels office and were given the opportunity to explore the grounds and get acquainted with San Diego. It was an exhilarating experience, being in San Diego with new people and learning about the immigration and Dreamers’ movement. I quickly became exposed to new ideas and perspectives regarding these issues and learned more in one day than I could ever learn inside a lecture hall or classroom. I had the opportunity to see Friendship Park and see the border right before my eyes for the very first time. Seeing the border had an unexpected impact on me. I felt hurt, indignant, and sad all at the same time, but also apart from each other. I could not personally imagine myself crossing the border and experiencing the fear and uncertainty that countless individuals face to have a better life. Through oceans and deserts and many other dangerous obstacles, migrants cross the border each day in hopes that they can provide a future for their families and themselves. It was an amazing and indescribable experience to see the terrain migrants must endure. It is definitely a sight that I will never forget.

Overview:

This is by far one of the most memorable spring break experiences I have had. I was able to hear and agree/disagree with the viewpoints of UCI students, as well as those of other university students. I got to work with two different organizations: Border Angels and Casa Familiar. With these two incredible organizations, I was able to give back to my Latino(a) community. I was able to give aid to those crossing perilous mountains by depositing gallons of water throughout Boulder Park. I had the opportunity to do community service work in a low-income, underrepresented community known as San Ysidro. I explored an art gallery, experienced el Centro Cultural de la Raza, learned more about Chicano Park and its history, and also delivered crosses to a cemetery dedicated to remembering the unidentified migrants who risked their lives in crossing the border. I did so much in such a short span of time and learned a lot more than I expected. All in all, it was an unforgettable time.

#ucialtbreak

Alternative Spring Break: Critique of the Dreamer’s Movement

Participant Post: Amy Yu

Alternative Spring Break has been one of the most physically and mentally challenging weeks I’ve experienced during college. It was physically challenging because we had to hike up hills, trails, and canyons, and mentally challenging because I reflected intensely on what it means to me to be an undocumented Asian American.

Before even coming to Alt Break, I debated for the longest time whether I should apply, and then when I was accepted, I thought about whether I should accept the offer. Even though I work with and advocate for the undocumented community, I rarely pause to think about the position of my own identity in contrast to my undocumented peers, and I was pushed towards this inevitable reflection in the same way I came face to face with the U.S.-Mexico border -- anxious and unprepared.

The first day when we went to Border State Field Park and stepped onto the stretch of fence that separated Tijuana and the U.S., the sight was both hauntingly beautiful and ugly. I saw families walking along the sand on the other side and American visitors strolling by the shore as if the fence was a tourist area, as if the border wasn’t a militaristic tool that barred mothers from their children. Being in such close proximity to the border made me realize the realness of the danger it imposes, because migrants lose their lives every day trying to cross it or go around it in the desert, mountains, and ocean. I was privileged to be in that position -- both in the socioeconomic aspect but also literally my physical position on the American side of the fence.

I’d never have to worry about crossing the border to feed my children or seek better job opportunities to support my family. I’d never know what it would be like to tie pieces of cloth under my shoe to prevent leaving prints in the muddy soil, because Border Patrol security is high in the muddy fields even at night. I’d never have to wonder if I would be alive tomorrow if I were to cross the border today. I’d never be able to relate to the pain of losing my loved ones due to violence stemming from the border, nor would I have to understand the sacrifices my parents made just for basic survival. I may be undocumented, and I may have crossed the border, but that is as far as similarities go. For everything else, I am fortunate.

The border itself is a state of violence and militarization. There is no other way to describe it. Terrace Park Cemetery in Holtville contains more than six hundred bodies of unidentified migrants who died crossing the border, and almost all the graves are unmarked or have names such as “John Doe” or “Jane Doe” engraved. The endless rows of gravestones were powerful images, reminding me that the victims of border violence also extend to their families, friends, and communities. Even today, some families will never know what happened to their loved ones.

In the border city of San Ysidro, which also serves the busiest port of entry in the country, the fence runs through neighborhoods, around backyards of residential homes, and behind commercial buildings. As we drove through the city, I noticed a shopping plaza called “The Plaza At the Border,” as if the border was a desirable attraction and a commodity for consumerism. As if placing an outlet mall next to the fence will diminish the reality of its impact on the mostly Latin@ population in San Ysidro. As if the border not only forces people to migrate between countries, but the border itself is also the physical displacement of people and families.

I will never understand the struggle of crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, but what I do understand is that the presence and effects of the border, both physically and symbolically, is expansive. The border is the reason why two pieces of the same land are arbitrarily divided, the reason why so many of the migrant population are undocumented, and the reason why I have not seen my father for 13 years. But to summarize my experience, I can definitely say that I left with even more questions to be answered and that the week-long memories would remain with me for a long time.

P.S. I’m pretty tired of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.

#ucialtbreak

Alternative Spring Break: Deconstructing the Cycle of Poverty - Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge

Participant Post: Anonymous

Today Mar 23, 2015.

It was the first time I’ve been in a food bank. We sorted out bread. Slice bread went in one section and non-slice bread went in the other. Mar 16 was the cutoff date for slice bread, and Mar 12 for the non-slice bread. We raised nearly 5000 lbs/meals. As a reward or to show their gratitude for our “sweatquity,” the bank gave us pen spoons. Before the food bank in LA, we went to a restore store in Norwalk. Here we listened to seminars about the history, myths, and background of Habitat for Humanity. My roommates are Jill & Carolina. I had cooking duty today and made spaghetti.

Today Mar 24, 2015.

We woke up at 7:15am. Then we went to the Restore store. Over here, we were given a tour of the store and the warehouse. First, we were divided into groups. Later, we did whatever we wanted. First, I worked with Tim in arranging furniture to make it appealing to sell. We used a special penny board dolly to more couches around. Jill helped decorate it with blankets & covered up the “beauty” marks. Next, I moved big china w/ Tim. We also rearranged lamps. I then ended up with the girls & we had to organize for Ms. K & Mr. L. We took it & separated & proportioned for families. This took the majority of the time. Then I helped with the fixing of rugs & then pushing office desks around. We moved light bulbs & I helped Joanne organize small rubber & metal objects in containers. I also moved chairs around. We sat on the couch, sighed relief, & went home. LK became ill. We had burritos & quesadilla.

Today Mar 25, 2015

We went to a house near bellflower. When we arrived there were painted houses and houses that were door less. We needed to do several things. There was a lot of dirt & no concrete nor pavement. My team consisted of me, LK, and Sonia. We were doing trench work all day and hollowing out part of the ground, and then cleaning up that dirt on the ground by shoveling it up. We also had to carry heavy tiles to the truck. Then we had to move doors inside the houses. It was physically demanding. In fact, I feel every day is getting harder and harder. My wrists nearly gave out when I had to move the tile up the truck, and when I was moving the wheelie for the tile, I and it fell over b/ it was too heavy, and because I was too weak. Also, I used a picket to break the hard clay mud. LK is recovered now.

Today Mar 26, 2015.

I had a muscle spasm at the grocery store for the ice cream. It links back to work at the construction site. I was working with Kyle & Tim. It was another day at the trenches. Today, was different b/c we could use the power tools, unfortunately, I was wearing shorts, so it felt like shrapnel was hitting my legs. I went at it a lot, this hole digging business, with the pickaxe & shovel. Eventually, I found the most efficient way was doing the “dentist” method, by unclogging concertedly w/ Tim clogging. It put strain on me that I also had to carry heavy piping. I think that contributed to this muscle spasm. I don’t think I’m cut out for this line of work & Kyle’s construction. He never finished college & survives off 30k a year. That is truly inspiring.

Personal Reflection

It’s been about a month since the trip ended. And I honestly can say who was when I left the trip stayed with me. Normally, when I go on brief mission trips like this one, the feeling only lingers for a couple days after the trip and then it dissipates. However, this trip was truly different and changed my life as I know it.

The people I met, the lives I helped change, and my own personal growth are just some of the many benefits of this trip. I can say it was truly an honor to serve amongst great people and to give back. I never thought I’d say this but I’m glad I got to go in and get my hands dirty in the mud. If I could do it again, I would do it 100 times over. There are some things in my life that you need to experience, and for me, this eye opening experience was it.

Every day I have dreams of what took place during this spring break. I continually visit the site to which I was positioned. And every time I find myself in that same hole, digging and digging. I wonder if it’s something, my mind or perhaps God telling me to go back and finish what I started. Could it be that I left a part of myself, an unfulfilled desire, that compels me to want to go back or could it be that ever since that faithful week, I’m just different now and this may be my calling? I can’t quite place my finger on it, but whatever it is, it is a wonderful feeling.

To end, I would like to say thank you Alternative Break team. Thank you Eric, Karb, LK, KC, Carolina, Jessica, Jillian, Joanne, Leticia, Sonia, Tiffany, and Tim. This trip is only possible because of the people. Whoever is reading this, I want to say if there was any hint of doubt of how to spend your spring break and whether or not this was worth the money, to that I proudly proclaim: YES.

-Anonymous

#uci alternative break

Alternative Spring Break: La Jolla Indian Reservation

In all honesty, going on spring break with 12 strangers for a week freaked me out since I am so so sooo incredibly shy. But now, I am more grateful than ever to have gone on this trip. I have learned so much about the Luiseno tribe's culture and drought-fighting strategies and it is literally the first day of the trip.

To start, Rob, who works with the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) office at the Luiseno tribe reservation, was there to greet us. He had an enthusiastic, welcoming energy -very similar to an eccentric uncle vibe (complete with the ponytail and everything). In fact, most of the tribal members introduced to us that day were all very welcoming and informative. Jimmy, one of the members of the tribe, gave us a taste of their culture and history. This brought me back to one of my anthropology classes. The main thing I remember from that class was that the Native Americans never really had control over their own narrative. (That includesPocahontas! Sorry, all you Disney fans) While the Natives were explaining their history, I was amazed that I had an opportunity to hear their narrative through their own voice and not just through a classroom or book. (I mean, how often can a person say, “Hey, I've been to an actual Native American reservation!”) I can't wait to see their cultural demonstration tomorrow.

Also, earlier, we helped the tribe out with their community park by weeding out the nonnative plants and planting some drought resistant plants like coastal sage scrub. If anything, it is tougher work than I had imagined – partly because I chose the wrong clothes for a hot spring day. Last quarter, I took an ecology class on vegetation that were native to California and other ecosystems like it. But again, it is one thing to see it on a PowerPoint lecture slide and another thing to be down in the dirt actually planting some of these vegetation. Throughout this, I just kept thinking about how I'm experiencing so many new things. Still, I am super excited to learn even more about the EPA's role here at the tribe and how they deal with the drought.

New experiences seemed to be the theme of today, and I cannot wait to see what is in store for us the rest of the week.

Sincerely,

Eleanore Estrada

#ucialtbreak

Alternative Spring Break: Deconstructing the Cycle of Poverty - Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge

(I apologize in advance if this reflection doesn’t exactly flow very well… I think I rambled quite a bit…)

Wow, I can’t believe it’s almost been a month already since Alternative Spring Break! Time truly does fly.

Anyways, my name is Karen (one of three Karens on the trip, haha), or Karb, as my group now knows me as. This was my first and last Alternative Spring Break – I had wanted to participate in Alt Break for the longest time, and I finally got a chance to do so during my last year here at UC Irvine, which I’m incredibly thankful for.

I was interested in this particular trip, ‘Deconstructing the Cycle of Poverty - Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge,’ because poverty and homelessness are issues that I have a passion for. Service is something that feels right to me, almost like a calling. And I have always felt that through service you learn so much more about the world around you, the people you’re serving and the people you serve with – their stories, struggles and perspectives. It was interesting to me that I learned not only about deconstructing the cycle of poverty, as the title of the trip suggests, but also about what service truly means.

******

The trip we went on consisted of three different sites: the LA Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and the building site for the homes.

LA Food Bank

Volunteering at the LA Food Bank reminded me that hunger is still prevalent even when it isn’t as visible in our communities, especially in Orange County.

Journal excerpt: “A lot of teamwork and hard work became a force to be reckoned with. We made almost 5000 meals and served 7 out of 8 schools (11 boxes short of the 8th school)…so all in all, a very productive day. :) “

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

This was a really cool place for many reasons. If you don’t know what a ReStore is, it’s basically like a Home Depot, so things that people would need to furnish their homes (appliances, furniture, lights, table cloths, etc.) at 50% off retail prices. The items sold there were donated not only by individuals, but by even TV studios from their film sets. All the proceeds go into building more homes. Another cool thing is that it runs mostly through the help of volunteers. I believe there were only 4 paid staff at the ReStore.

Building Site

First off, I have great great great respect for those who work in construction, especially the people who build homes. I honestly had no idea that building a home was more than just building the physical home itself – it was all the little details too. Our very first day they had us (Joanne, Carolina, and I) digging trenches around the homes so they could install the electrical pipes. The next day I learned how to grout with Joanne. (If you think grouting tiles is easy, think again! Every time I look at the tiles in a bathroom, I remember how much work goes into them.) The last day I learned how to use a power tool (I think it was a chipper?) to remove concrete so they can connect the pipes with the house. I truly admired the people who were on site – we were there for only three days, but they were there every day. They were also very kind and patient with all of us. I hope we managed to help at least a little bit. And I hope that the families that live in these homes enjoy them. They were built with a lot of hope and love.

******

I really enjoyed the discussions we had on the activities we did that day, as well as on the articles we had to read. It was interesting because for certain group activities (e.g. the four corners activity) we might have had the same values but our experiences or even our interpretations of the question led us to be on opposite sides/corners of the room. And even when we had different answers to the questions, we found ourselves nodding along to the opposite perspectives because we realized we might not have thought of the question in that way – it was a very safe space to share our experiences and thoughts. (Thanks LK for creating such safe spaces for us!).

******

Although we were only together for five days, our group felt like family to me. I honestly didn’t think that in such a short amount of time that all of you would become so important to me. We come from different backgrounds (majors, years, and experiences) but our hearts came together for the purpose of making a difference. Just thinking that we all probably wouldn’t have had the chance to meet or interact with each other before this trip due to our different majors and years makes me feel that much more grateful for this opportunity. Here’s an excerpt from my trip journal: “[DAY 1: 3/24] I guess I just wanted to start out with how I am glad I’m on this trip with these group of people. With them there’s laughter and light and warmth. They’re a very good bunch to be around.” I wanted to thank each one of you (Karen Y., Joanne, Leti, Karen C., Tim, Eric, Jessica, Tiffany, Jillian, Sonia, and Carolina) for sharing your stories and the different parts of yourself throughout the trip.

#ucialtbreak

Alternative Spring Break: Critique of the Dreamer’s Movement

Participant Post: Maritza Y. Duran Alternative break was a very eye opening experience. Throughout my life time immigration has been a topic of discussion in my family since my family was a migratory family that followed crops by season. They would leave Zacatecas in April or May in order to come to the United States to work in agriculture. They would follow crops all over California, and sometimes all the way to Oregon. Despite of all this migration happening in my family, and watching my grandparents do this every year as a child there was a pivotal difference between my family and others: they had documents. I think this week set this privilege of being able to go back to Zacatecas very clear for me.

Through this week, I was able to see something so simple as a wall be a barrier. A barrier that is inhumane in what its real purpose is. Throughout this trip I had the constant thoughts of “who are we keeping out? or who are we really keeping in?” And at one point I couldn’t help but feel like this wall was a prison on both sides. A prison/wall that divides people, takes peoples lives, and is inhumane in every sense of its existence. In the ways in which a wall that was man made is a constant aggressor to human kind. And the ways in which the humans policing, enforcing and rebuilding this wall have no regards for those who are dying at their feet.

And throughout this week, all I could think to myself is that there is so much more that must be done. That there must be more people could be doing in order to stop these constant deaths. And just by luck, I was not one of the people crossing a border to attempt to give myself and my family a roof and food. That the desires of those crossing this wall are simply humane rights to live a healthy and safe life. And that should not be a crime or be punished with death.

#ucialtbreak

Alternative Spring Break: La Jolla Indian Reservation

Participant Post: Anonymous Monday, March 23rd 2015: (Day 1)

We’re all finally ready to sleep after a long first day at the reservation. We’re sitting in a circle on the floor, quietly scribbling down our thoughts into our journals, which is pretty relaxing. After doing a short activity and learning a bit more about the other team members, I’m glad to know that everyone is as excited as I am for the rest of this week.

This morning, I rushed to the grocery store on my bicycle to get some last-minute sunscreen lotion, which definitely came in handy later. When I was paying, the cashier smiled at me and said “It looks like you’re going on an adventure today!” She probably noticed my hiking boots and sleeping bag. After she wished me a fun and safe trip, I thanked her and continued on my way to school even more excited about today. When I finally arrived at the Cross-Cultural Center, all sweaty and out of breath, I was glad to see that I still had time to relax and even get breakfast from the Starbucks on campus. While waiting for the vans to arrive, I got to meet some of the students going on the other alternative spring break trips. Everyone I met seemed excited that they would be doing something meaningful and productive this spring break. It’s weird to think that I would’ve been sleeping through half of the interesting things we did today if I had just stayed home today.

After packing all of our bags into the trunks of two vans, our team split up and finally hit the road. In my van, had random conversations and played the game “20 questions” to pass the time. The ride wasn’t very long, but we made a few wrong turns before finally getting to the reservation, where we were welcomed by some of the friendliest people I have ever met. Everywhere we walked on the reservation, we were greeted by friendly strangers. When we first entered the community center, where we’ll be sleeping for the next few nights, I was surprised by how familiar the elementary school setting felt; it reminded me of my own school back when I was a kid. After unloading our things from the vans, we walked down to the bungalows, where the community officials and people from EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) work. Every worker listened to each of us introduce ourselves and then introduced his or herself to us and explained their job here on the reservation. It was nice to hear how concerned they all are with protecting the environment and making sure we learn a lot and enjoy our time while we are here. One of the natives, Jimmy, spoke about the Luiseno creation story (how his people believe they came to be) and explained some of their beliefs and traditions. They all answered our questions readily and even made jokes and light-hearted conversation, which made me feel even more welcomed.

After a quick lunch, we went down to the community park to help with a conservation project. For a few hours, we helped weed out some invasive plant species and plant some native ones, which is good for the wildlife who live there. It was hard work because the ground was tough to get under since it hadn’t been watered in so long. Rob, the non-native who first greeted us and showed us around, talked about how the abandoned park used to serve as a garden for the community and how he hoped to revive it to get people involved in growing their own food again. While working in the park, we met a few of the other non-natives who work on the reservation working on other conservation projects. Rob told us that there are non-natives on the reservation who work in education, environmental protection, and even domestic violence. It was interesting to hear how people try to make a difference in the lives of those on the reservation. Before leaving the park, our team took our first group photo together and it felt like we were old buddies and had already known each other for a long time even though it hasn’t even been 24 hours!

When we got back to the after-school center, our group split up into two again. Some of us stayed at the classroom to help the middle school kids with their homework and another group of us went with the elementary school kids on a small adventure to a local stream. “Doc”, an old geology professor from UC San Diego led the adventure walk with the Science Explorers who called themselves “The Poison Oak Crew”. Each student got a safety vest, a water bottle, a small field guide, and a specimen collection container. She even designated a special student the famous photographer of the day. It was refreshing and heartwarming to see all of their excitement, curiosity, and energy out on the walk. On the adventure walk, some of the kids caught water strider bugs and spiders in their specimen containers. After observing them and learning a bit about them from Doc, they each released their bugs back into the wild. During the walk, we also tasted mustard flowers and learned about some of the other plants we saw, including poison oak. When we got to the stream, Doc told us that it led to a large river where people on the campgrounds go rafting and tubing. This reservation, unlike others, makes its proceeds from their campgrounds rather than from a casino. Rob told us that they are building a zip lining attraction since they are worried about the direct effects the drought has been having on the river. Before they build the posts for the zip line, they have to conduct bird surveys to make sure that they aren’t destroying their habitats during construction. It’s great to know that they are trying to keep disturbance to wildlife at a minimum. Doc also told us a bit about the history of the river and how the Luiseno people had to fight for more than thirty years and how they even went all the way to the Supreme Court to fight for their rights to the river. She also showed us a cross in the ground by the stream where the man who led to their victory in the Supreme Court recently passed away.

When we met back up with the other group, some of the older kids sat with us and asked us questions about college. They asked a lot of questions about what to expect and how difficult it is. In return, we answered their questions with encouraging answers and asked them a few questions of our own. I thought it was awesome that so many of them are genuinely interested in science. It shouldn’t surprise me that the kids on the reservation aren’t very different than the kids I grew up with back home, but it did a little. It’s a shame to think that a lot of Native American students don’t continue onto higher education simply because they don’t think they can. I think Doc really makes a difference in this community because a lot of the kids I met seemed extremely curious and excited about learning.

Finally, we got to eat dinner. It wasn’t much, but it sure tasted good. As the cook-of-the-day was putting a quesadilla on my plate, it started to fall in slow motion so I reached out to catch it but I burnt my pinky on the pan instead. It hurt a little, but the quesadilla tasted so good that it made the minor burn totally worth it. After so much sweating that day, a quick shower felt nice and refreshing. I forgot to pack my sandals while rushing out this morning, but thankfully a team member let me borrow hers. As I was stepping out of the shower, I slipped on the tiles and fell flat on my side. It hurt a lot, but all I could do was laugh because my shower buddy couldn’t believe I had fallen. Just a little while ago, I had a huge headache, but another team member gave me some painkillers, which helped a lot. I think I got the headache from being from being out in the sun more than I’m used to and from my allergies that just started acting up. Despite all of these little mishaps that have happened to me today, I can still say that this was a fun and interesting day and far better than anything I would’ve done at home. Now I’m so exhausted and can’t wait to sleep in my sleeping bag on my military style cot, even though it smells like dust. I guess I’m excited because I know tomorrow will be even better!

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Alternative Spring Break: Deconstructing the Cycle of Poverty - Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge

Participant Post: Leti

Voluntourism, volunteer tourism can be harmful to developing nations, they focus on building homes and benefit from attending an exotic vacation. This term I learned by reading an article we discussed in my Alternative Break trip. It made me realize that there are individuals who are selfish by volunteering in developing nation for an entotic experience, they don’t focus on actually helping the people there. Instead some volunteer programs build homes or other projects that the people there are capable of doing themselves. The focus should be directed for long-term benefits such as educating orphans/children and teaching adults professional skills. I believe over the years we have forgotten the true purpose of volunteering: to actually improve the lives others by educating and building relationships with them. It shouldn’t be about taking pictures with orphans and showing off to others of this exceptional work or selfless act. I honestly believe that Habitat for Humanity has a great volunteer program and organization that improves the lives of people who will become life-long partners.

I was amazed that Habitat for Humanity does much more than give homes to low income families, the organization also has the families attend workshops to educate them in finance, and gain skills in managing their homes. That’s not all, families must also complete their “sweat hours” they need to volunteer in actually building their homes so they understand the work that goes into it and truly appreciate this amazing opportunity. This is a great organization and I am so glad that I was able to volunteer for them. My group and I volunteered in their retail store and in building a home. I loved the people in my group because we didn’t care about being heroes for others but we really cared about improving their lives. One of my favorite memories was the second to last day, we stayed for an extra hour than was expected on the site helping digging up trenches, drilling out concrete, painting, tiling, and having conversation with the staff. None of us wanted to go back and rest, we all had a mission of finishing our tasks, accomplishing a project that will benefit the soon to be home owners.

An important lesson I learned is that there is that to truly end the cycle of poverty, is for everyone to understand that educational opportunities should be available for everyone. Yes we have public education for all children, but not all district/schools have the same equal curriculum or opportunities for all students. Not only that but health care should be free to everyone as well, it shouldn’t be a long year process to obtain benefits. If people are sick and are unable to work then they have no employment, without employment they can’t have a home, without a home they aren’t able to apply for employment. This cycle is part of the poverty cycle I learned on my trip, it’s a bit more complex but you all get the overall image. In the end, people who are in poverty can’t get out without proper education.

Lastly, I like to thank my Alternative Break Coordinator Karen for making this trip possible. I know a lot of time was put into this trip and we are thankful for her dedication in making this an exceptional experience. In our last activity we were all connected by a ball of yarn and reflected back on our trip. We all realized how important it is to continue volunteering and reflect on why we are volunteering and who is benefiting from it.

-Leti

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Alternative Spring Break: Deconstructing the Cycle of Poverty: Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge

Participant post:

March 23, 2015. 7:33PM. Day 1.

You know, I never realized how bad the poverty was in LA. I never knew specific stories or intricate detail about the lives of people that live in LA. For me, the most shocking moment today was when Nicki Payton, one of the partners who is getting a house from Habitat for Humanity, expressed her story to us in such a calm, serene manner. As if it were normal for her. And then it hit me. It is normal. I didn’t know that there are great programs in LA to help with poverty and prevent starvation, and provide a roof over people’s heads. I know that if I was ever in one of those situations, I would know what to do. And I hate that people go through this. It saddens me, yet it also ignites my passion to help.

I’m glad I came on this trip.

March 24, 2015. 7:33PM. Day 2.

Time is going by so quickly. Today, we got to experience the first of volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, which consisted of adjusting and organizing the restore in Norwalk. There were more volunteers there than us: there were kids from different schools, people with disabilities, and even court-mandated people. I’m not going to lie: I don’t feel like I did much for the families because I was just at the restore, but I do feel like I helped in a small way.

I feel different this time around. I’m not doing this for community service for high school nor am I doing this because I am required to. I’m doing this because I want to make a difference in the lives of others. It makes me happy knowing that my presence, although miniscule at times, does make a difference, big or small.

March 25, 2015. 7:59PM. Day 3.

Another good day to be alive. Today was eye-opening. I experience the most hard labor in my life! Our task was to dig a trench that was five feet tall and two feet wide, which was such a struggle considering it my first time doing anything like it! It reminded me of my Papa Mel (my grandpa), when he would do labor like this in his front yard. My cousins would just watch in awe as he shoveled dirt back and forth. Now, I was the one scooping up dirt and picking out all the compacted dirt. It was about 85° outside. The sun was beaming on us, on our backs on face. There was dirt everywhere. On our clothes, faces, and body. It was unbelievable. I gained an appreciation for construction workers and the intense labor they have to do to construct structures like houses, buildings, bridges, etc. This program, Habitat for Humanity, really needs a lot of helping hands. I’m glad I came across this program. I’m glad I educated myself with the experience and knowledge so I can bring it back and continue helping others.

March 26, 2015. 7:07PM. Day 4.

Today was a little bit easier than yesterday. Jillian and I painted doors, took a break, and then I painted more doors with Leti. A thought that came across my mind while painting was: it’s crazy to think how much time and effort and money and supplies go into constructing a house. It makes me really appreciate my house back home and makes me gain respect to those workers who work day in and day out, rain or shine, on houses. I really admire my fellow peers on this trip. I’ve learned something new from each one of them, and it makes me realize how fortunate I am to be here, partaking in this awesome service project.

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Alternative Spring Break: Deconstructing the Cycle of Poverty: Habitat for Humanity Collegiate Challenge

Participant Post: Jessica Zamora

My name is Jessica Zamora, and I’m a second year Psychology and Social Behavior major. While I previously believed I would minor in Political Science or minor/double major in Criminology, Law & Society, I now believe I have finally found the right minor (I wish I could triple minor!), and this trip, along with some recent classes and revelations, is what helped me decide that I want to minor in Public Health. When I first stumbled across the application for Alternative Spring Break, it definitely struck my interest. As someone looking to get into numerous aspects of social work (also counseling psychology), an opportunity like this seemed not only like a good learning experience for me, but also a good way to give back to my community, get more involved, and meet awesome people. As an L.A. County native, I don’t think I ever realized the extent to which poverty and issues related to it (healthcare, hunger, etc.) are so prevalent. While I personally come from a lower-income household from a very diverse area, I know I’ve still been fortunate to have grown up the way I have, even if my family has struggled. Along with that, Habitat for Humanity has always been a nonprofit organization that I’ve known about, and I knew this would give me an opportunity to learn more about it while trying to make a difference in the lives of those who are helped by the organization.

After attending the workshops and programs leading up to the actual trip, I already knew that I liked my group and the activities we were doing. Then, when I got the schedule for the trip, I became even more excited, but I was still unsure of what to really expect. On the first day we had our orientation at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Norwalk, and I definitely learned a lot about the organization, and I got a better sense of what we would be doing this week. After that we worked at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and that’s when it hit me that I never realized what a big issue real hunger is in my own community. Honestly, from this point on in the trip I knew this would be a learning experience for me in ways I hadn't imagined. The next day we worked at the ReStore all day, and it was a lot of physical labor. I didn’t realize how much went into maintaining a nonprofit organization, and I was beginning to appreciate the services offered by Habitat for Humanity even more. The next few days after that consisted of us working on the actual Habitat for Humanity building sites, and it was full of even more physical labor. However, beyond digging out trenches in the scorching sun, carrying heavy objects, and doing other tasks like that, I was beginning to learn how important volunteers really are for a nonprofit organization such as this and how important even the amount of work we did that week was. As well, we were bonding with the staff and other volunteers there, and it honestly warmed my heart to remember that there are such good-hearted and spirited people in this world still. After days of intense physical labor, I also gained a new appreciation for construction workers and people in similar labor forces and everyone involved in nonprofit organizations. It also really made me realize how lucky I’ve been compared to so many other people, and how much I want to give back to the community. This reminded me of how important passion, care, equality, and support for one another are in this world, and I will continue to carry that forward with me.

While the actually community service work we did was a great experience, the best and most unexpected parts of this experience were how much I learned, not just about myself but about everything, and how much I came to love everyone I was working with. While meeting all of the staff, volunteers, partner families with Habitat for Humanity, and everyone else on the trip, our group itself really bonded as well. Despite being awake since nearly 5am and on the go until nearly 10pm, everyone was always in a positive mood and ready to put in hard work. I honestly enjoyed every single part of this trip because of the people I was with. Through the actually community service work, car rides, cooking, cleaning, the article discussions and teambuilding activities every night, random talks, etc, I feel like I truly bonded with each and every single person in my group. As well, I enjoyed the activities we did every night a lot more than I expected. While I’m generally a talkative and opinionated person, I’m not always vocal with my thoughts, but I, even to my own surprise, felt very comfortable with this group of people who were strangers not too long before this week. I absolutely loved exploring the controversial topics and even learning about myself (like my values and positions on things), and I loved how much everyone was willing to open up about themselves as well. Every night I enjoyed reading the interesting and eye-opening articles, and then reflecting and discussing them and doing the activities for the following hours. After physically exhausting yet fun days, the evenings were full of more fun and emotions as we were laughing, holding back tears, reevaluating ourselves, and just bonding in general. As each day passed, I was becoming more attached to everyone around me, and I began to feel more bittersweet about the week approaching its end. Through spending a physically, mentally, and emotionally intense week together, I came to have so much love for everyone. To hear all of the personal stories and opinions, to see everyone working together with such passion and determination, and everyone bonding every moment of the day, was truly beautiful.

I am honestly never one to cry, but during our final activity after we finished working Friday afternoon, I just couldn’t hold back the tears. I learned so much through all of my experiences on this trip, and it has honestly made me more excited about my future because I want to work with so many different types of people and for so many causes (nonprofit organizations, therapy, mental health services, advocating, general public welfare, underrepresented communities, etc.), and the week not only gave me some experience with career aspects I would consider, but it honestly restored some of my previously lost faith in humanity. As dramatic as this sounds, I feel like I came out of this trip a different and better person, and I’m excited to continue to give back in various ways, get more involved on campus (and in the Cross Cultural Center) and also with the organizations we worked with, and to continue growing as a person. As well, I came out of this trip with a new group of friends I can call my Alterative Spring Break family, and for all of these reasons, I will forever cherish and be grateful for this experience.

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Addressing Poverty’s Impact on Families - Participant Post

Most programs such as Alternative Break are perhaps indirectly designed to induce a “life-changing,” somewhat cathartic experience. On the contrary, I’ve reevaluated that presumption and rather characterize it as one that inevitably forces the participants to engage in an intensive process of self-reflection. Regardless of whether you are somehow familiar with the socioeconomic environment or ceaseless list of problematic circumstances regarding poverty, Alt Break is a particularly unique experience on its own. Even if the participant is prepared to share and openly engage a group in an in-depth discussion, the topics and situations addressed require a degree of emotional investment. After the trip, I can genuinely say I underwent a process of personal reevaluation. While reading articles or watching news reports regarding homelessness may have somewhat prepared me for the trip, seeing with your own the eyes the extent of the problem is a profoundly a separate experience. I had the opportunity to speak with folks who were homeless and my mind was vastly opened enabling me to perceive according to a series of firsthand accounts how deeply the homeless population was affected, especially on varying levels. Perhaps the most important lesson I learned was to avoid utilizing the experiences of these individuals and their lives as a form of personal inspiration or motivation to be grateful and appreciate the privileges I possess. Instead of volunteering selfishly as oxymoronic as that may sound, I endeavored to help others selflessly, demonstrating a concern more towards temporarily alleviating their condition in any possible way, shape, or form I could. In the process, I was able to perceive the flawed nature regarding the stigma against homelessness. In actuality, among the homeless population there is a significant presence of self-sufficient and intelligent individuals who grasp the world with clarity and deeper understanding than most. I hold them in high esteem and cherish my time hearing them openly share their thoughts and feelings. Despite being overwhelmed and managing an infinite number of tasks, my group leader was especially helpful and even when many of the participants including myself became ill she came to our rescue. I am especially grateful to have met Caroline and am humbled by her wisdom and advice. When you are living so closely with a group of people who by another circumstances never likely to meet - something quite special happens. I would say my group initially struggled finding a dynamic but eventually we certainly found our way. Each and every individual contributed their collection of life experiences and brought into the mix their perspectives to the conversation. I will most likely never forget this trip and since returning have definitely looked at my life and questioned my values, future goals, and where I am heading so I can definitely thank the program for providing with the valuable mind frame. I believe anyone who takes part in the program will benefit greatly and undergo new and unfamiliar challenges but come out a stronger, more self-assured individual.

- Diego

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