Georgia Gwinnett College students took part in Alternative Spring Break activities, according to a Mar. 16 announcement from the college. More than 70 students chose to spend their break volunteering with various organizations and learning about community impact.
The program offers students a chance to engage with communities and gain new perspectives outside of their usual routines. JP Peters, assistant director of student outreach and service at Georgia Gwinnett College, said, “It’s more than service. It’s an opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones, connect with communities and return with a deeper understanding of the world around them.”
Students volunteered at several locations in and around Lawrenceville, including Just People Inc., which provides programs for adults with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and head injuries. Yamil Castillo, a sophomore participant, said, “This is my second year volunteering, and I really enjoyed it. They have villages where residents have the chance to live together and build independence. It’s kind of like a college experience.”
Dr. Tonya Millsap, known as Dr. Tonya to residents at Just People Inc., joined the organization after retiring from teaching five years ago. She said, “I’m a developmental disability professional, so I wear many hats here, and I’m in charge of the continuing education program. I like seeing college students get more comfortable and warm up to the special needs community.”
Kayanna Johnson, another sophomore who learned about the opportunity through her anthropology class taught by Dr. MaryBeth Chrostowsky, said she wanted to volunteer because giving back is something she is passionate about: “We were doing kinship charts, and Dr. Chrostowsky mentioned Alternative Spring Break,” Johnson said. “I followed up with her in January and signed up. I wanted to find different places where I could volunteer and give back to my community.”
In addition to local projects in Lawrenceville such as work at Rowen Foundation, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Downtown Lawrenceville initiatives and Treetop Quest Gwinnett exploration activities, groups also volunteered in Asheville (North Carolina), Myrtle Beach (South Carolina), Clarkston (Georgia), Mobile (Alabama), Richmond (Virginia), and Walland (Tennessee).
The program highlights how college breaks can be used for service learning experiences that benefit both students and communities.
