Experience of a Lifetime By Chelsie Smith

I first heard about this trip in my sociology class. As the applications were being passed around all I could think about was what an amazing experience this would be. I always see things I want to do and yet I never take a step towards accomplishing them. I always come up with some sort of excuse, but this time I pushed that block in my mind aside because I would never know unless I tried. Constantly, I am dreaming of traveling and experiencing something other than the small town that I have grown up. I can’t wait to experience a new culture and learn more about other people and places. It is just still so surreal to me. I can’t believe that I am actually leaving my hometown and experiencing something new. I’m also very excited to serve others because I feel like there is a joy that comes along with it that is irreplaceable. I also think that it is the best way to become immersed with the culture and the people. I can’t wait to go because I know it will be the biggest and most beneficial trip I have ever been on. I can’t wait to share our story with you all!

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Unforgettable Experience By Soledad Dominguez

There are so many reasons why I am excited for this trip to Sonora, Mexico. I always love meeting new people and I think by exploring social and cultural issues is a great way. This helps many of us with becoming leaders of our community and everywhere we are. Serving people means a lot to me. I hope I am able to appreciate things even more on this trip. Since I am bilingual I hope I am able to help others communicate. I want to also increase my public speaking abilities as well as working with others I don’t really know. I also want to familiarize myself more with the Mexican culture. Maybe I will see things I have not seen before and I will dearly enjoy that. I always loved doing community service even during my high school years. I want to be able to hear other’s stories and experiences as well as tell others mine and what changed my life. We are surrounded by so many bad things happening around the world that I feel that experiencing these types of things helps us see life a little better. I am filled with joy in being able to travel with a group of people that all are willing to serve and learn about another culture. I hope we can all get together and make a difference in a short amount of time.  sol (1)

Let the adventure BEGIN!!!! By Vince Alcon

Hello wonderful world!! I am the ever-so-fabulous Vince Alcon from Westminster, CO but, originally from the Philippine Islands. A little bit more about me, I am a nursing student at Adams State University, always up to laugh and love to learn/immerse myself in different cultures. Being around people is my hobby, I am what you call an extreme extrovert! I will try anything 3 times or more before I form an opinion about it.

I am so excited to be a part of this Alternative Spring Break (ASB) experience. Last year through ASB, I was fortunate enough to visit Mexicali, MX. There we did some service, had a LOT of  fun, but most importantly, learned about border issues.  This was the biggest thing I took away from this trip; the reality of having these borders and the injustice it has caused many people. Going to Senora, MX, on this year’s ASB experience, I want to explore how the border issues have affected different regions away from the border. Mexicali was right on the border so these issues were much more prominent. It will be interesting to see the effects of these issues further away from the border.

I would be lying if I said that was the only reason why I am participating on this trip. I am also excited about having some real tacos! Plus, getting to know new people excites me and being in a different country with new surroundings and a different culture is going to be an amazing experience, I can feel it in my bones!!! I look forward to get to know my fellow colleagues on this trip and also reflect on my life and who I am.

“We must take adventures in order to know where we truly belong”

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ASB 2016 Experience to Sonora, MX By Elena Arredondo

Culture is the driving force that influences a variety of people. Ideals of art, music, and religion are all influences in life that not only distinguish different forms of beauty, but also challenge creativity and acceptance. I have traveled to different states, and have learned of different forms of culture that have been altered to fit new styles as people from other countries move to the states.  My experiences in other states have not only altered my perspectives on life, but have also given me a chance to become more open-minded and accepting of others’ journeys. This trip to Bahia de Kino, Sonora, Mexico will be my first time out of the country.  I hope to learn more about the people and what their hopes, dreams, and beliefs are. I think this experience will not only allow me to see the differences between countries, but may also highlight some of the ways I can better help not only my community, but eventually the world.  I am excited and nervous about this new step because I will be experiencing a lot of firsts, but I am positive this experience will build my character and be a fun learning experience!Elena