ABST stands for “Alternative Break Service Trip”. Gannon’s Center for Social Concerns conducts many of these trips annually, during spring break and after graduation, that have an emphasis on student leadership and service around the world throughout a variety of different communities. This program is based on four pillars: service, simplicity, community, and reflection. As per Center for Social Concerns, these immersions help with “…broadening participants’ worldviews and fostering global citizenship through service and relationship-building with neighbors across our human family.”

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Honors students take on ABSTs

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I had the chance to speak to four different honors students about their experience with the ABST program during their spring break. All four of the students went to different locations, both international and domestic, and had done this for the first time.

 

 

Chloe Adiutori—Detriot, Michigan

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Chloe Adiutori, a freshman, traveled to Detroit, Michigan during her spring break. According to the Center for Social Concerns, this ABST focuses on “…food security, sustainable food systems, urban agriculture, racial and economic justice.” In Detroit, the group worked closely with an urban farm called Earthworks where they helped to create beds for future plants, seeding, pruning, and shifting compost. After this experience, Chloe said that the experience “…really opened my eyes towards food deserts and food security in major cities, and how locally produced food is beneficial in not only sustaining a community but also maintaining the local economy.” She also mentioned that the experience had sparked a passion for gardening and hopes to start a garden at home where she can be more conscious about her food and diet.

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Scott Zanella—San Lucas, Guatemala

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Scott Zanella, a freshman, traveled to San Lucas, Guatemala during his spring break. According to the Center for Social Concerns, this ABST focuses on “…community and economic development, and cross-cultural exchange in indigenous communities.” In San Lucas, the group worked to build more homes for the community by laying foundation, building walls, and painting the walls. Additionally, they also worked to level a field that could be used in the future to prepare coffee, which fuel their local economy. Scott also mentions that his group had the chance to hand wash their own clothes and make tortillas, which is something he never thought he would have to do. Scott says that Guatemala “…was really beautiful in both a scenic and cultural sense”, and that he has benefitted from this experience immensely. Scott says, “I think I benefitted mainly from experiencing these people’s lifestyles first-hand. Everyone knows that third world poverty is a thing, but to see it closely is totally different. I got to work closely with this community and grow to love the people within it despite their lackluster lifestyle, which I think is really important for the attainment for a more diversified mindset.

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Ella Rasper—Ontario, Canada

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Ella Rasper, a freshman, traveled to Ontario, Canada during her spring break. According to the Center for Social Concerns, this ABST focuses on “…dignity for and community-building with individuals with and without disabilities.” In Ontario, the group lived in Hamilton’s L’Arche community, a home for people with and without intellectual disabilities where they can live and grow together. Additionally, the group slept and ate with the people of the L’Arche community, and even participated in many events with them. Ella said, “I had an amazing time…and I do not regret signing up.” She said that this trip was eye-opening for her and it showed her a lot of current issues, including ableism and how people think less of the members of the community. Also, she mentions how the members of this community will always have an everlasting impact on her life.