Alternative Spring Break 2010

Today's the day before the big ASB presentation to the FSC community. Many of the students are running around preparing for it by distributing table fliers, making programs, composing videos, etc.

Looking back on the trip, I realize how much of an successful and impactful trip it was. Although it's been almost a month since we were in Washington D.C., the excitement and the enthusiasm about the trip is still there in all 18 students that went on the trip.



While working with Habitat, I learned so many new things I never knew before. I learned how to use power tools, how to hang dry wall, how to build a foundation of a house, and how to properly paint a room and ceiling. It was definitely an experience to remember.

I think one thing that can't be said enough is how amazing the students were during the entire trip. I think it's great how we had such a diverse group who easily bonded with one another. They were the reason the trip was so successful. I am so proud of each and every one of them for putting their all into the volunteer work - it was tough work! All 18 of them are so inspiring and I hope they all go on the trip next year. I want to personally thank Rachel and Steve for being my pillars during the trip. I would not have been able to keep it together without your help and guidance; you guys are amazing friends.

Angel Seto
Club Coordinator
Student Involvement and Leadership Development

wash out this tired notion that the best is yet to come

Finally, the weather we were enjoying almost 3 weeks ago during spring has reached us here in Framingham! It's hard to believe that 17 FSC college students and myself were working for Habitat for Humanity that long ago. It feels like it was just yesterday that we were all waking up at 6 am for our 8:15am start at the Habitat for Humanity site. As each day makes us all a little bit farther from our experience in D.C. it makes us that much fonder of all our experiences that I know we all cherished so much. Whether it was the site-seeing, our hard work on the Habitat homes, or complaining of foot and back aches on our final days- I have faith that each and every one of us will never forget what an absolutely amazing experience FSC's Alternative Spring Break '10 was. What a feeling of accomplishment we all felt throughout the week! Some of my favorite parts of the trip were definitely the work we did (siding, drywall, painting), meeting some new roommates of mine and Angel's back at the hostel, the Smithsonian/seeing myself as a neanderthal, motivational mailboxes, and definitely all the laughs we shared with one another (it was most certainly a week full of laughs for sure).

Looking back on my time down in Washington D.C, I really can't help but smile. Upon my arrival back to Massachusetts, I was immediately asked by family and friends how the trip was. Like Kendra, I could never quite put my experience into words- I just felt that whatever I was going to say just wouldn't put the trip to justice. I remember specifically talking to my mother a few hours after my return and as she asked how everything was, I had come to the realization I really didn't have many words. But I did tell her something like this: My trip was completely unforgettable, it wasn't just the fact that I had made new friends and did great work and saw Washington D.C., it was the feelings I had. It was an amazing feeling that after long hard days, we all still had the motivation to make the best of our experience with one another and see the city. We were tired, stressed, and at points definitely had enough of each other but it most definitely clicked in each and everyone of our heads that we would never be able to experience this same opportunity again; at the same capacity, with the same people, these moments..ever again. And that's something I will NEVER forget.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, Angel- for encouraging me to go as a late addition, and most importantly the ASBers themselves! I wouldn't change you all for anything- thanks for such a great week.

Love you,

Rachel Keir
Class of 2011

You would think that after three weeks being back in a routine, the desire to be hammering, sawing, and painting would have faded a little. However, the further away from trip the time goes, the more I want to be right back in D.C. continuously working on those homes. The alternative spring break was one of the most amazing experience I have ever had. I would do anything if I could go on a much longer trip doing the same thing. The group of kids that came on the trip were also great! I am thrilled to have made friendships with people who I would never had the opportunity to have, had I not gone on this trip. Everyone got along so well, and had so much to offer to making the trip GREAT!!
Aside from a little dehydration mishap, the trip was the some of the best six days I can remember.
The Americore workers who were on the site were awesome! they are doing something great out there, and I hope to one day follow in their foot steps.

I hope to do this trip again next year!

yours truly
Carolyn Damphousse

I could never replace you, I could never forget what it's like

Welcome back into the hectic swing of things. I am left daydreaming that the books in my hand were replaced with a paint brush or tape measure, and the pen in my hand was one of those Home Depot pencils that always were so hard to sharpen. Every time some asks me how the trip I was find myself fumbling around for the right words to describe the experience. Being able to put into words the feeling I had walking on the Habitat Site that soon began to feel like a second home, is so complex. I feel happy and sad, and proud at what we had accomplished yet left with a thirst for so much more. Getting ready to leave for the trip I remember wondering how I would feel upon returning. I was not prepared for this. I left D.C. with 19 close friends, a lifetime of memories, and my heart feels light and full at the same time. I fell so in love with the new experience, and care so deeply about all the people that went.

Being a part of building a house is something that is so indescribable. It makes you appreciate the small details that go into the job. It made me think of lucky I was to have a roof over my head, to have a family that could support me. It broke my heart that not everyone had the same thing. For the first two days, I did some painting outside. I was in my element with the sun shining down and a paint brush in my hand. The third day I took on the job of dry walling. I had a headache within moments from all the measurements and angles. I stared at Lauren baffled, and we began to laugh. By the end of the day we were close to experts! We had both entered something so far out of a comfort level and been able to accomplish and conquer the task at hand. I feel like that was the most important part of the trip was being able to roll with the punches. Entering into a realm of something unfamiliar became the norm for the trip: attempting to be a tourist in a place I knew next to nothing about, traveling on the Metro, living in a room full of boys that kept me up all hours of the night with sleep talking of world peace and snoring like a donkey, and being constantly surrounded with 19 other people.

Thinking back on the trip I can't help but focus on the small things. The smile on everyone’s faces once we reached the work site, the uncontrollable laughs from exhaustion, a comforting hug or massage from a friend, and the desire I think we all have to do it all over again. In the face of it all not one of us said stop. There was an overall strength and craving of all involved to keep going, to work a little harder for a little bit longer. I loved how well everyone got along and how we all came to rely on each other for support weather it was a shoulder to nap on, or someone to listen to the aggravation of the day. We went from being awkward acquaintances to having honest and heartfelt friendships within the matter of days. One night on the way to the grocery store Steve, someone that without this trip I would have never had the pleasure of calling a friend, had said to me, "I feel like such a grown up. Leaving work and going to buy dinner for everyone." I smiled as I thought of how right he was. We had become a family caring for one another in every way possible.

This trip has had an intense impact on me, and changed me for the better. Despite the simple frustrations, the lack of sleep, the showers that were so cold it was close to painful, and the fact I was almost crushed by the doors on the Metro I would never change a thing. It all happened to help us learn and grow and I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it. Thanks to all of our sponsors, your donations made it all possible. Thanks to Adam and Angel for taking care of us all and ensuring everything went according to plan (for the most part haha). Julie Giebler, thanks for being my left arm! Thank you so much to all my new friends! It wouldn’t have been the same without you!!!! You have all taught me so much, and I could never thank you enough!

<3 always Kendra

These are the things that matter now, so sing along.

This past week has definitely made it onto my list of amazing life experiences.

I could not be happier with the result of this year’s Alternative Spring Break. As one of the trip leaders it became a bit stressful prior to the trip, finishing up last minute details. However, my time spent in DC, within close quarters to 19 of the most unique and crazy individuals, seemed to end faster than I had expected. I suppose that’s how good thing’s in life go, they fly by.

Two trains to the site was all it took for us to start up the work day. Breaking into different groups (priming, painting, dry walling, and so on) didn't take too long due to the groups' eagerness to work. My first work day was with an absolutely fantastic AmeriCorps/Habitat worker named Dana, who showed us the ropes to patching, caulking and priming the outside of the house. Kendra, Sam, Kalina and myself were pros by the end of the first day--completing an entire side of the house!

The following day, after a night of fun out with the group, our priming group was back to work on the other sides of the house. For some reason, I found work more enjoyable when up high in the air. Whenever I had the chance I was either up on a ladder, high on the scaffolding, or making my way up on the roof! (All of which made people nervous due to my spastic tendencies.) Lunch time came around and we all sat around a picnic table, cute right? It was a great opportunity to rave about all of our hard work done on our projects. No matter how tired we all were by lunch time, we all couldn't wait to get back to work!

After two days of priming, I had to give up my dreams of a professional caulker for the life of drywalling. Six of us were in a group with one of the Habitat workers named Bart. Kendra, Lauren, Rachel, Emily, Beth and I spend many hours laboring on the top floor of one of the houses. Bart told us that the average for new volunteers was around 5-6 pieces of drywall, and we were able to finish 19 - in one day! (He also told me that I have experience dry-waller techniques.) The following day we were a group of 4 dry-wallers and we finished 22 pieces, leaving only a small bit of the floor left to be finished!

I could go a lot more into detail about our work days and sightseeing, but I doubt I'd be able to explain all of the them in words. Even a picture would have difficulty describing the funny, outrageous and memorable moments of the trip. Thanks to much of the group for their light-heartedness and ability to make anyone and everyone laugh, at even the most exhausting of times. A few certain people were able to turn the trip into a musical number at any given moment. (I can recall a few songs from Rent and Wicked, and even Aladdin...I'm also impressed by the fact that they got other train-goers to join in singing!)

The Amtrak, the Hostel, the intense and random "T" rides, in my opinion the small parts of the giant picture that the ASB group was able to make. Habitat for Humanity allowed myself, along with the rest of the group, to be a part of something greater than expected. We helped provide a better life for entire families, which in return provided us with better sense of living.

Thank you Habitat for making our early 5:30am mornings and 5 hours of sleep SO worth it. Thank you donors and to all of those who helped with fundraising efforts. Thank you Adam and Angel for putting up with all of our shenanigans. Thanks Kendra for being an amazing co-team leader and, of course, a thanks to the other 16 students who made this trip so wonderful, all of whom I will never forget.

:)

Julie Giebler
Class of 2011

Who needs Cancun when you can have fun in D.C.?

In the past 6 days, I’ve probably only had 25 hours of sleep and so at 11:15 on a Saturday night, it’s actually considered late and I’m exhausted! (I can’t stand it! :) In the comfort of my own room, I’m in a completely different setting from what the past few days were like down in D.C. with the ASB GANG!!! I find myself wishing I was back down south, and if given the chance, I would definitely hop back on the train in no time! The trip was awesome; I’ve learned so many new and interesting skills, made some awesome friendships and got to help out individuals who I will probably never get the chance to meet, but are so deserving!
The trip itself was incredible! Rather than heading off to Cancun for spring break, a group of 18 kids including myself and 2 chaperones left on the Amtrak for the nation's capital to build a house with Habitat for Humanity. Eight hours later, after all the laughter, sightseeing, coloring and trips to the car of the train with food (we tried to keep those visits to a minimum on the first Amtrak ride…), we entered D.C.’s rush hour clutching to our bags, attempting to stick together and spent the night playing Uno and eating pizza in the “hostile.” Tuesday finally came and we made it to the site!!! I worked with Emily and Joey with the ICP Styrofoam blocks to set the house’s foundation and that night we all went to the Capital City brewery for some much needed chow then booked it down to the actual capital to snap some pics of the big dome. Wednesday was pretty similar and luckily we made it to the site on time after leaving our home away from home at the crack of dawn again…such a challenge!! I switched things up on this day and worked along the side and the roof of the house on the scaffold, but not for too long! That night was great, we went to the city and it was beautiful, the Memorials were awesome, especially with an expert tour guide like Joey!!!! I learned so much, like how the Lincoln Memorial was built by Egyptian slaves; and who knew, the White House had to be demolished in 1492 when Christopher Columbus came!!:) Thursday night was spent going around the shops in Georgetown; it was so pretty and reminded me of Northampton, MA, back towards home. During the day however, I spent time learning to drywall with Kendra, Julie, Beth, Emily and Rachel! This was definitely the trickiest task handed out; it’s super tedious and requires tremendous attention to detail! All week, even before we got to Habitat, I really wanted to paint, and Friday I finally got the chance to with Angel, Stephen and Joey! We spent most of the day singing our lungs out to whatever songs popped into our heads, massaging each other (only on breaks I swear!) and dabbling in some paint. Leaving the site was a little emotional, we had done all we could and put so much effort into the 6 houses, and yet they still weren’t finished. The process of building a house, now that I’ve been given this opportunity, has definitely been put into perspective; it is not something to be taken for granted. I remember being on site and contemplating the effort that was put into my own house, from setting the foundation to painting the ceilings! On a lighter note, after getting up from one last group picture at the site, the group and I left the HFH sign on the fence and rode the metro down to the national mall again, where we split up. While some went to the Museum of Natural History, I hit up the Museum of Art, ironically, after a long day of painting. After leaving the museums, we then went to the Hard Rock Café in D.C. to celebrate Angel’s birthday and there we learned it was possible for a group of 3 to scarf down an entire plate of nachos in less than 2 minutes!!:)
The trip was awesome. I think it was most successful because of the ease at which everyone got along! We shared so many hilarious and memorable moments that can only happen while living with the same 20 people 6 days straight. Whether it was watching someone fall asleep at the work site, writing down our secrets within the pages of a “Post Secret” novel in Urban Outfitters, receiving a new pair of shades off the street.... or just crying-laughing your eyes out at the organized/disorganized chaos and countless jokes, the Alternative Spring Break is something that none of us will forget and I’m so happy to be part of this group! It was wonderful! I can't wait for Spring Break 2011!! Thank you sponsors!!!!
-Lauren

A Fun-Filled Week of Work and Play!

The night before leaving for South Station was when I began to appreciate where I was going for the next 6 days. My spring break would be spent working eight hour days to help build affordable homes for people in need. I got excited.

Volunteering for Habitat for Humanity was very eye-opening and offered an amazing experience that will never be forgotten. I met such wonderful people who truly love what they are doing. While on the work site I gained several skills in painting that I am certain my dad will be very proud of me for :). I got to work with Randy and the “Ace Team” painting walls (and people), listening to music, and just having fun. Working at the Habitat site has provided me with so many lasting memories, not only with building a home but with my fellow volunteers. During our lunch breaks we would have so many laughs that sometimes tears would start to roll down my cheeks. The Jiffy John was also another interesting portion of what we encountered while working, by doing the “eeny meeny miny moe” on what stall would be the cleanest and sturdiest.

Learning how heartfelt the motivation is behind Habitat for Humanity makes me want to come back every March to give a helping hand. After each work day I really felt like I had accomplished something, allowing me to feel a sense of satisfaction.

After our long days of hard work, we would shower and jump on the hectic metro for a night out in the city. Washington D.C. is absolutely beautiful. Watching the sunset and seeing the monuments glow under the clear night sky was just breathe taking. I was in awe.

Although we all go to the same school, many of us had never spoken or even met before. This trip allowed us to bond as the “ASBers” and honestly created many new friendships. We now share several inside jokes that only the twenty of us will get to laugh out loud about. Listening to Stephen yell Adam (“Ahhum”), following a fascinating tour guided by Joey, or pretending it is Angel’s birthday at the Hard Rock, will always bring a smile to each of our faces.

I am so thankful that I was a part of this heartfelt experience. There is no other place I would’ve rather been this past week. At 10:32pm my eyes feel heavy and my body is frail, yet I have the odd desire to wake up at 5:30am and do it all over again :)

-Sarah

What An Experience...

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience on the Alternative Spring Break trip to Washington D.C. to work with D.C. Habit for Humanity. I heard about the possibility earlier this semester and was not sure if it was something I wanted to commit to. However, after talking to a few individuals I decided to join the group two weeks before the departure date. For those who know me, this is not something I typically would do. I left for the trip still unsure of how it would be and I kept an open mind with no expectations whatsoever. I can honestly say that it was one of the best decisions that I’ve made in my life and it was quite literally a life changing experience. After working on the D.C. site for just one day and meeting many of the AmeriCorps volunteers, I was seriously contemplating joining AmeriCorps myself. That night I went home and looked up the program and I am currently researching all of my options. Now, five days later, I am still very much interested and I feel that joining this service program could be in my very near future. Had I not gone on this trip, I would never have even thought about the possibility. I am so happy that I took part in this opportunity and through this experience I met many new people and learned something about myself that I didn’t know before. Thank you FSC, my sponsors for this trip, the D.C. Habitat for Humanity/AmeriCorps Volunteers, and the trip leaders for this wonderful opportunity!

-Steve Whittemore
FSC, Class of 2010

Great Trip

Hello everyone, this is Adam,

I just wanted to say thanks to all the students for making this a fantastic kick off to a major program at FSC. You all really made this trip great. Thanks to all of our supporters at FSC, including the Alumni Foundation, Alumni Relations, Sodexho, and the students. Also, thank you to DC Habitat, DC Loftstel and the United Way of Tri-County. I will be putting up my video diary on youtube fairly soon, and I will be updating my AmeriCorps* blog with more info from the trip, which you can find at http://goldfarbmaccvista.blogspot.com/. There are other videos as well done by some of the students, and we will be creating one big documentary out of all the clips.

What is very exciting for me as an AmeriCorps*VISTA is to see the excitement in the students. Seeing all these college students so enthusiastic about nonprofit work makes me feel that I am in fact working myself out of a job. That is one of the first things we are told when we begin our service as a VISTA, and it is very exciting to see the potential in these students. They are ready to take up the mantle of this program and make it even better, and that is quite possibly the most rewarding part of my entire year of service with AmeriCorps*.

My position could only do so much on its own, and without the students enthusiasm and positivity, this program would not have happened. The reason why this trip was such a success was because all of the students and support from my partner Jen Leary, formerly at the United Way, the Alumni Foundation, Student Involvement, the college itself, and Angel for stepping up to be the FSC representative on this trip. In the years to come, the students will be taking the lead on this program, and I have faith that they will continue to improve this program each year.

Thanks again to everyone who has helped out, and remember it does not take much to make a difference.

Adam M. Goldfarb
MACC AmeriCorps*VISTA
Student Involvement and Leadership Development
Framingham State College
tel. 508-626-4615
fax. 508-626-4939

Captain's Log: Day 6

So yesterday at lunch we did something pretty fun that I'd like to share. It was called "Motivational Mailboxes" and basically gave everybody a chance to support each other and come together after the week of living and working together.

Angel gave us all white paper bags to decorate with our names, a favorite quote or lyric, pictures that described ourselves, etc. and then we each had to write a motivational or congratulatory message on a slip of paper for each person on the trip. Most were anonymous, but you could sign your name on the notes if you wanted to (I did!). We then put them in the "mailboxes" and ended up with 19 messages each from our fellow trip mates. It sounded lame to me at first, but it turned out to be pretty cool.

At the end of lunch we each explained the lyrics and quotes that we chose, and then got to read all of the messages that people wrote to us. There were a lot of inside jokes and memories about the trip and it felt good to read nice things that others had to say. Some of the ones I received are below.

"Joey, you don't know how happy I am that I got to meet you! You're so funny! Please continue to make people laugh. Also, you did an awesome job painting! See you at school!"

"Joey, like I said before I am SO glad you're here! You are my go-to person when I need some cheering up. You're amazing! I'm also grateful that you checked the porta-potties for me to see which one was cleanest! You're my favorite!"

"Joey, you made me laugh. I loved singing with you on the subway!"

It was also great to hear the thoughtful messages that everyone else on the trip received. Overall, it was a good way to spend lunch on our last workday and I think it's something I'll save for a while.

-Joey

Angel's Motivational Mailbox Messages

I'm far too tired to create a lengthy post so for now I will post the awesome comments I got in my motivational mailbox.

"Angel, thanks for being the mom figure."
"Angel, thank you for being amazing on the trip. You made me feel safe and it was easy to talk to you. You helped me feel better, and I know if you had not come, this trip would not have been worth coming on."
"Angel, you have been AWESOME with managing money! <3 Kalina"
"Angel - such a good job this trip turned out so well. I loved working with you <3 Kendra"
"Angel, you led us so well! Thanks for being the greatest!"
"Angel, this week was really stressful at times, and you seemed to keep your cool so the rest of us didn't go crazy. Thanks for putting up with us! and taking us to Georgetown!"
"Angel - you are the best - thanks for dragging me here. Love you! LYLAS"
"Angel - thank you so much for sitting in the hospital for me and making me feel better. You handled it well <3 always Carolyn :)"
"Thank you for being on this trip and keeping all of us sane. You are so nice and I'm glad I got to meet you :)"
"Angel, thanks for being so flexible and understanding."
"Angel - you've been a great chaperone this week. You're so understanding and did a great job with everyone. Our night out was fun, thanks for taking us. <3"
"Angel - glad we got to hang out in a more lax environment. You were a great leader and I'm happy we met. Keep up the great work at FSC!! :)"
"Angel - you are a fun loving person who knows how to have a good time. We shared some laughs and will continue working at SILD."
"Angel - you're such a good chaperone."
"Angel - was the best chaperone and loves watching Drumline with strangers."
"You are the best! Thank you for being the 'mom' on the trip! You're a great chaperone and I hope to go on another ASB with you!!"
"Angel - I'm so glad we got to spend so much time together. <3 Joey"
"Angel - you made this trip amazing, thanks =D"
"Angel, I'm so glad I got to know you better on this trip!! You're an awesome chaperone and painter! Thanks for making the trip fun! :)"

I love the ASB '10 group so much. They definitely worked so hard and made the trip worthwhile. I can't even express how much fun it has been working with them all. I could never imagine the trip without any of them. We are one big ASB family.

- Angel

There and back again

Well, we're on our way back to MA today. We left the hostel a little after 6 this morning in order to beat the rush of people coming to DC for the marathon and march. Now, we are sitting in Union Station waiting for our amtrak to come.

This week has been an amazing experience! We left Boston on Monday as strangers, and we came back friends. Everyone worked really well together and took care of each other. It was exhausting and invigorating at the same time.

It all started on Monday morning, waiting for the amtrak in South Station. I had a bagel fron Au Bon Pain. It was a delicious start to a great week.

Tuesday, Terrence and I worked with Justin to finish putting up insulation in one of the houses. We had to measure the yellow fiberglass insulation and cut it down to size. It was itchy at times, but that's all part of the job! We had to get creative to work around all sorts of pipes and tubes, shaving off layers of fiberglass and adding more in. Towards the end of the day we got to use a spray foam insulation. It comes in what looks like a spray paint can; you spray it through a small tube and it expands to fill in small gaps between the framework and the windows and doors. Later that night we went out to eat. By the end of the day, everyone was super tired.

For the next three days, I painted with Randy, Julie, Sarah, Rocco, and Nick. Randy was a great teacher! He made sure that we all understood what we were doing, and he made it wicked fun :-) I did mainly cutting, which consists of painting in the corners with a smaller brush. Later I got to do some rolling. We primed and painted the top coat on the walls and ceilings. Working fast, we were able to complete our floor with time to spare yesterday! Some of us sat outside in the sun; the weather was so beautiful :-)

On my travels this week, I have met 3 interesting strangers. They were all interested in history, just like I am! On Monday I sat next to an interesting lady from Arizona who talked about traveling around the world and going to graduate school. Later, I met a man who really appreciated DC for the history and suggested taking tours of other historical sites around the country in order to understand DC better. Then last night I sat next to a woman from MA on the metro. She had also been a history major in undergrad! It's amazing how many interesting conversations you can have by just talking to the person next to you.

So as I sit here in Union Station with my Au Bon Pain bagel for the second time this week, I think about going home to sleep in my own bed again, but also about remembering the wonderful time I had on my ASB trip to DC this week :-)

- Laura

My Spring Break!!

Hello All,

Well, we are at the train station waiting to board our train back to boston. I have had a great time on this trip. I never thought I would ever be putting up my own drywall and putting up the foundation to the house. Now I really appreciate the people who work with Habitat for Humanity, they work so hard and are offering their time and comfort for people who need it.

I also loved seeing the sights around Washington DC, I have never been here before and all of the building with all the history behind it was amazing to see! I am so excited to do this again!!

Emily

A Reflection

As I sit here at the amtrak station, tired and sore from the long week of work, I can't help but feel accomplished for the amount of work that the team has put in this week. We woke up before the sun each day and worked harder than ever to help out families who are in need. I learned so much this week, not just about building houses, but I was awakened to the communities that have much less than some of us our used to. There really are families out there that need the extra help! There are people who sleep on benches and there are people who sit on sidewalks and ask for change. It's saddening and I'm glad that I took my spring break to help make a difference even though it might feel small.
On a happier note, I had a great time and made many new friends. The twenty of us became so close over the past week, and it wasn't just because our sleeping space was tiny. We helped each other and worked together to reach the same goal and made life a little easier for several families. I feel we did a great job and I'm already excited for future trips. Fantastic job spring breakers!
--Terrence

All in a Weeks Work

Awake at 1:17am, on our last night here, I am now taking the time to reflect on our trip.

Our week started out with a long commute on the Amtrak, and by long, I mean an 8 hour ride. I don't think I've ever had to sit through something so unbearable. Though the sights were pretty to look at, and the train was relatively peaceful, 8 hours is a long time to be stuck in one place. Music, conversation, naps, and bracelets helped to pass the time, and after what seemed like the longest 8 hours of my life, we arrived in DC. Greeted by havoc and chaos, we quickly switched to an overpacked, rush hour Metro. Dragging all of our luggage behind, we made sure to stay close to one another in fear of being lost in the sea of people. The ride from the Amtrak to our stop is mostly a blur of being rushed and pushed around. Still dragging our luggage, we managed to make it to our stop. From there, we dragged everything we had on what soon became the worst walk I've ever experienced. When we finally arrived at the hostel, we were welcomed by the Staff and current guests. At first, I was anxious and nervous about staying here- the rooms were small, and we had no personal space. After a few days of adjusting though, I became more comfortable.

Working:
Each day we walked from our hostel, bright and early, to the Metro. From the Metro, we traveled to the Northeast section of DC. I realized while doing this that I don't ever want to have to rely on trains to get from place to place on a regular basis.

It was interesting to see the different stages the houses were at when we arrived. Knowing that I would be taking part in working on each one, I was excited to work each day. Staff, Students and Habitat workers quickly went from strangers, to a hard working team. Each day was something new- dry walling, painting, siding, and other construction tasks took place as the hours passed. Each project I worked on taught me something new. As I learned the proper way to do each job, I became more independent, and began finishing projects on my own. The days passed quickly, and by 2:30pm, I was able to see all that had been accomplished by the team.

Speaking of team...I was and still am surprised at just how well our group of people got along. We went from barely knowing eachother, to building friendships in just a matter of a few hours. We learned how to work well with one another, and soon, even ordinary things became fun. Each member of the group brought something positive to the table. I feel as if getting to know eachother came easy. Working side by side, we shared conversations, snacks, tools and even clothing (Nick, that shirt looked great on you). I feel as if I have been able to create several friendships that will last long after we return to Boston later on today.

Well, considering I only have a few hours to catch some sleep, I think its in my best interest to shut my computer and make an attempt. This week has certainly been filled with a serious lack of sleep. Hopefully I will be able to catch up on the train tomorrow, as each of the 8 long hours passes.

I believe this trip has been a great success. We have had a lot of fun, created some amazing memories, and succeeded in what we came to do. We worked for a great cause, and I would love to see another Habitat trip offered next spring break. Overall, this trip has been that of an unforgettable kind.

-Beth Roger

Captain's Log: Day Four

I wake up. It’s 6am and one of my roommates has just turned on the light in our windowless basement room, making me squint as I try to throw a hand up in front of my face to block out the light. “Oh, sorry,” she says, “I thought you said I could turn on the light in the morning.” She was right, I had said the night before that I wouldn’t mind if she turned on the light to get ready before I woke up, but it still caught me off guard. I made sure my alarm was still set for 6:15 and quickly fell back asleep.

I wake up. It’s 6:15. I haphazardly grab for my cell phone, hoping to catch the buzzing, vibrating mess before the “tropical rhythm” tone attempts to deafen everyone within a 5 mile radius. I grab for my pants and throw them on, then walk up to the kitchen for breakfast. Some people are throwing together PB&J sandwiches for lunch while a few others flip pancakes. I’m not a morning person, and begin to eat the granola bar that I brought with me from my room downstairs. It won’t be long before we all start walking the 8 blocks to the Metro Station, where we’ll cram like sardines into the lightning-fast carpeted boxes that make me homesick for Boston’s “T.”

I wake up. Someone’s shaking me and it takes me a minute to realize that it’s Emily, one of my best friends who also came on the trip. “Joey… Joey…” she keeps saying and I can’t figure out why. “It’s almost our stop.” We’re on the Metro and I see anxious eyes staring at me, wondering if I’ll wake up in time to get off at our stop. I immediately perk up, trying to hide that fact that I was obviously fast asleep. The doors slide open and we are met with a gust of wind that would take Mary Poppins to the moon and back.

Soon we are walking by a public middle school and an elementary school. I think back to our walk home the previous day, when a bunch of children at the basketball court had shouted, “Look! WHITE PEOPLE!” Today we see a man standing just beside a “DARE to keep this Community Drug Free” sign smoking marijuana. I try to dissociate myself from the situation, surprised at the sheer irony, but at the same time think to myself that this community could easily mirror any number of school districts back in Massachusetts. We cross the street a few more times and we’re at the work site: a neighborhood of about 25 duplexes, four of which are in various phases of construction.

Warm faces greet us as our group of 20 students sign-in and make name tags out of scraps of duct tape. It’s gloomy out, and a little chilly, but I know from experience that by 10 or 11 the sun will be beating down full-force, coaxing diligent volunteers out of their sweatshirts and jackets. I’m working with Darcy today, who works through AmeriCorps and has been on this specific site since September. She is patient, encouraging, and good at her job. Together, our small sub-group hangs most of the dry wall in an unusually shaped basement closet.

I sneak into a storage trailer during lunch and read about the family that’s going to live in the house that we’re working on. It’s a mom, a dad, and their five kids. The short bios next to each of their pictures make them real for me. Two parents who work hard to make ends meet, volunteering on weekends. Kids trying hard in school, setting career goals, and still making time for family. For them, this house is a dream come true. I think about how so many other families need help too. I suddenly feel so grateful for my own house, my own family. I feel grateful for the houses that my friends have. So many houses, so many families, everything that goes into it. It’s overwhelming.

At lunch, picnic tables between houses fill with our group as well as the other Habitat volunteers. I anxiously wait as Adam, our group leader, brings out the sandwiches. I’m hoping for PB&SJ (peanut butter and strawberry jam – it’s my favorite). People talk about what they’re doing for the day, though for some it’s evident. Paint-smeared overalls or stained hands/hair means either painting or priming. Powdery hair or clothing = hanging drywall. Sunburn = working outside. Utility belt = drywall, framing, trimming, or siding (if no powdery hair, assume framing etc.).

The walk back to the Metro is like a zombie parade. Dirtied white people out of their element, marching solemnly through an impoverished neighborhood. We get to the Metro and this time the ride seems ten times longer. After what feels like ages, we emerge at the Petworth station and come out of the subway to see a cat fight between two teenage girls on the street. Instead of stopping them, onlookers egg them on. I think to myself: leave before it gets worse. I look to Angel, the other group leader, and she is already leading us away at a brisk pace. We walk past now-bustling barber shops, hair salons, and convenience stores.

We pass by the Wendy’s where I stopped to pee the day before, frustrated and confused that a “token” was required to use the bathroom. Kendra, my firend, jumps to the front of the line and frantically shouts “we need a bathroom token, how much?” thrusting a handful of money into the cashier’s face. The cashier was taken aback by the urgency in our question. He smiles, and says amused, “You don’t need to pay to use the bathroom.” We got the tiny glistening coins and seconds later the emergency was over. An ambulance screamed past outside and we continue the few blocks back to the hostel. Showers, food, and naps filled the minds of every group member. Exhausted, yet fulfilled, another work day has come to pass.

-Joey

WOW what a busy week!

March 15, 2010.
Up at 5 am. I went through Framingham to get on to I-90. I got into Boston and got lost, with no surprise. It was raining the entire time, so I could not see stuff clearly. I got to South Station, to the bus station which was the wrong one. I walked over to the train terminal. We hung out in the terminal for almost an hour. We took pictures and I listened to people talk. We were boarded early, with Terrance and Laura sitting to my right. The train started moving at 8:15. My plan was to do homework for the next 8 hours. Worked on Drama paper until 10:30. I could not read any more because I feel sick. Took a ten minute break and then started working again. Every now and then I look out the window and see the ocean, or flooded parking lots. Ate from what I brought with me. Got off the train, but someone left their phone on the train so we had to wait. We then went on to the red line train which was packed, with all of our stuff. We had to switch trains and then walk blocks to get to the hostel, with all of our stuff. We ordered pizza. After we ate I did the dishes and we palyed a game of UNO. I then went to bed.
Tuesday
Up around 5. I then went out side to call mom. I hung out side until people came out, so I ran in and got my water bottle. We walked back to the train, took two trains and walked several blocks to the site. At the site, we broke up and did different tasks. I got to paint with Sarah, Rocco, and Nick. We painted fast and are faster then schedualed. we ate lunch and went back to paint. We went back to the train and back to the hostel. I took a shower to get some of the paint off and am now typing this. We went out to eat, but i felt sick on the train. i then realized i needed motion sickness pills for the train ride.
Wednesday
Got up a little late. We ate cerial because our cooks that morning slept in. we went to the site via train and I again got to work with Randy and Laura and the others. We got tons of painting done, and for lunch there were many sandwhiches and chips and stuff. We finished early and then carried drywall into one of the houses. It was really heavy and broke easily if dropped or stepped on. I was really tired after this. We headed back to the hostel and ate pasta. Around 6:30 we left and went to see DC at night. On the train we sang Disney songs and then another group of teens came and started singing a song when we finish ours. We joined in and we all enjoyed it. Once at the mall we walked to the Washington monument. It was amazing at night. The same goes for the WWII memorial. I had never seen any of these at night and it was almost breathtaking. The most beautiful part was seeing the light Washington monument as a reflection in the pool. Sadly the Vietnam and Korean War monuments were not as beautiful at night as they are in daylight. When we started to head back I realized I was wicked tired. The subway station we had taken was closed and we walked to another one. Once back at the hostel I passed out.
Thursday
I got up at five and started to make pancakes. Laura helped, and we realized it was insanely slow cooking and that we both were tired. We kept up with the dishes we made and we made the sandwiches for lunch. We took off to the sight and got there a little late. Our group again painted, but Randy eventually limited the area I could do, because there was not enough stuff for everyone to do for both today and tomorrow. I cleaned out the paint brushes and Laura wound up joining me. After work we went back to the hostel. I showered and wrote this. Some people are going out to shop, but I decided not to go. I gave Angel (our group leader) money so that if she saw a large sweet shirt tie-died with DC on it.

- Julie C

wacky wednesday in Washington D.C.

Today was a crazy good time. First at habitat I was able to prime and sand walls in one of the houses. It was a great time. Randy was my leader and he was great. He was extremely friendly and great at showing us exactly what we needed to do. Then once we were done painting a ton of dry wall came in that we had to stock. I was wearing a long sleeve black shirt and I was dying, but Sam was a great friend and lent me her short sleeve shirt. Granted it was tight and a v-neck shirt it got the job done. LOL. Thanks again Sam.
Later that night we went to the National Mall. Carolyn and I went for a run through it. It was a beautiful site and I loved the World War 2 Memorial. We had a great run and a great mutual friendship was formed. Well at least I think one was. D.C. has been a great experience and I am so glad I decided to go on this alternative spring break trip. Thanks again Steve for pushing me to go. Thanks also to Angel and Adam for giving me the chance to come.

-Nick Magliozzi

P.S. Rachel Keir is amazing woman and I am so pumped that we will be doing Wet Feet Retreat together.

Washington, D.C. Transit System: Friend or Foe?

It was midday and we had finally reached our destination! We were aboard our first ever ride on the lovely below ground railroad we like to call a subway and I was so thrilled about our destination that I forgot the most important rule of riding the subway-hold on to something at all times while the train is in motion so that you do not fall on the eloquently carpeted floor of the train car. Falling is a dreadful way to get hurt that no one wants to endure, but sometimes we all just have "one of those days." So as I fell I noticed no physical pain upon landing on that hard, fuzzy, carpted surface, however I did take notice of the gorgeous detail in the sweatpants on the legs that I happened to fall directly between. OOPS! The good news is that these legs did not belong to some grungy DC hobo I had never met before but to one of the members of my group who was very forgiving. As I arose from my trumendous fall I told myself to remeber to grab hold of the handles located around me in quite literally every direction imaginable so I would not tumble to the floor as the train sped incredibly fast en route to our stop. As I reminded myself of the existence of said poles I was greeted by the warm hospitality of a PLEASENT DC local who said, "I know sometimes we all forget, but try to remember, dear, that you're not the only one riding the metro..." As I stood there processing the statement I did not know whether to stare her down or ask her for tea once we reached her stop. After all, she had degraded me in the kindest tone of voice I had heard since my eight hour ride on the amtrack which consisted of lots of bad food served to us by an admittedly grungy food service worker, and some soothing knitting. Regardless, I did not respond to the woman's incredibly unnecessary comment but just waited for my stop in silence and enjoyed the fact that were all there, safe in DC!!!!

And so the train comes to a stop. And as the door opens we are greeted by the most astonishing stampeed of DCers I have ever seen in life. It was quite litterally an underground people jam. As we pushed our way through the roars of city dwellers shouting, "What's the hold up?" as though they were not certain that we were in an underground jungle of mayhem, we nearly lost our fingers to the 40948 pound bags we were carrying in our hands. Upon reaching the city (finally above ground!) we kicked the rats and other underground critters that strangely resembled unborn humans down the escalators steps and marched drudgingly (oh yes, still with those bags ;)) to the hostel.

Upon arriving to the hostel we were greeted by its lovely staff and asked to hand them our identification cards as they assigned us to our rooms. We arrived in our rooms and were perplexed as to where these sandbags we had carried with us for what seemed like three lifetimes would go as there was about a foot of room for us to move around between beds. The inhabitants of the room seemed to take kindly to our presence as well. So as we plopped our luggage on our beds (its home for the majority of the trip) we took in the majestic comfort that had been granted to us and basked in the glory of our investment for this exceptional living space. After this brief but deeply needed moment of awe, we were called down to be informed on the rules of our living space. Oh yes, we were well on our way to an enjoyable spring break and we could not have felt so optomistic had it not been for our first experience in the Transit System.
-Stephen

Captain’s Log: Day 1

Of all the train trips I’ve taken, this is by far the first. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but it’s pretty nice so far (though we only just left the station). It’s pretty much like a plane only the seats are larger and much more comfortable. It’s also much quieter than most planes I’ve been on. There is supposed to be wi-fi but it’s not working right now so I’ll probably end up posting this later on.

I’m excited for the trip and can’t wait for the week ahead. It’s raining right now and it will probably be raining in D.C. when we get down there, but the rest of the week is supposed to be gorgeous spring weather. I know a few of the people that are on the trip and I’m looking forward to getting to know the others. It shouldn’t be hard since we’ll be living, working, and sight-seeing together all week!

What most interested me about the trip from the start was the opportunity to do something on Spring Break that meant something more than just a vacation. I was excited to hear that an “alternative” spring break trip was being arranged and I signed up even before the destination was decided. I did some work with Habitat in middle school and I’m really glad we ended up doing some work with them. On top of that, D.C. is someplace I’ve always wanted to visit and from what I hear it will be amazing!

I’m falling asleep now but I’ll keep posting throughout the week. I’m so grateful to everyone that donated money and effort to make this trip happen and I know that the needy families who need homes are so grateful as well.

-Joey

Framingham State College Alternative Break

Hello everyone,

This is the first of what will be many entries of the Framingham State College's Alternative Spring Break program of 2010. A group of 18 students accompanied by Adam Goldfarb, MACC AmeriCorps*VISTA and Angel Seto, Framingham State College Club Coordinator, will be going to Washington D.C. to work with Habitat for Humanity from March 15 to March 20. This is the kickoff of what we are hoping will be a lasting program at FSC for years to come. If anyone out there has any questions about the Alternative Spring Break program at FSC, or just service in general, please stop by the Office of Student involvement and Leadership Development in CC510 where you can sit down and have all your questions answered. Keep an eye out for new posts as we get closer to our departure, and we will be updating this in DC as well. So keep informed and remember it is very easy to get involved.

- Adam