PERSPECTIVE: Learning to live one day at a time

As a second-semester senior, completing job applications, resumés and cover letters often consumes my nights. During the day, I stress about receiving a call about interviews as well as having to complete my day-to-day work. Needless to say, I could taste escape as spring break approached.

Unlike most college students, I confirmed my spring break plans in September. My friends Arianna and Zhandra, the program managers for Alternative Spring Breaks, chose me as the public relations and advertising chair for the program through Boston University’s Community Service Center. And after spending my last two spring breaks doing ASB, I jumped at the chance.

This year, I chose to travel to Greenville, S.C. Most students would not want to sit in a van for 22 consecutive hours, but I enjoyed the ride &- the bonding experience is one of the best parts of the trip. And on the way to Greenville, my 10 fellow Greenville-bound ASBers threw question after question at each other.

The van consisted of an eclectic group of students and one chaperone. Together, the 11 of us made a trip down south full of laughter. Actually, I think I gained five years on my life.
When we arrived in Greenville, we sought out our housing for the week. We spent our nights in the All Saints Center of Christ’s Church. We classified the center as the “StuVi 2 of churches.” It had a Wii room, a lounge with two HD/TVs, a full-size basketball court and a comfortably home-y sleeping space. No wonder it was Christ’s Church. To say the least, we were occupied. For instance, we replaced the ASB staple downtime game of mafia with Mario Kart.

We spent our week at two different service sites. In the morning we would go to Project Host, a soup kitchen, and in the afternoons, Frazee Dream Center, an after-school program for under resourced children in Greenville.

The volunteers at the soup kitchen were easily the nicest people to work with. They were happy that their service helps those less fortunate. At Project Host, smiles never left the faces of each of the volunteers, especially when serving the food. I was lucky enough to serve the soup one day, and those on the receiving end were so grateful for the generosity of the volunteer staff. I honestly haven’t heard so many “thank yous” in my life.

When I handed the soup to a man who walked into Project Host, I asked him, “How are you today?” He replied with a giant smile fixated upon his face, “I am just happy to be alive.” My heart had a sad attack, but at the same time I knew I was making an impact.

At the Frazee Dream Center, we played games with the children, read books and helped them complete their homework. Each day, the kids would run off the bus and into our arms, literally. It’s crazy to see how such small amount of time spent with these kids could really influence their lives, and by the end of the week, the some kids were crying because they didn’t want us to go.

One particular child I worked with gave me his home address. I cannot wait to write him a letter and send a BU sweatshirt. I only wish I could be there when he opens it. And who knows, maybe the sweatshirt will motivate him to work hard enough to attend BU.

All in all, the week went too quickly. During the van ride back, I stared out the window thinking about the impact this trip had made. Not only did we leave an impression on the community, but our own lives changed as well. Everything I worried about before ASB seemed so minute. Who cares if I have to fill out some paperwork? Some of the people I met during the trip worry about surviving each day. Some didn’t know how they would eat or where they would sleep, while others didn’t have the proper guidance at home or even just someone to play a game with them.

I really can’t complain about my problems, especially after this experience. Instead, I should appreciate how fortunate I am to lead the life I live. Thank you, ASB, for yet another life-changing experience.

&-&- Dan Chizzoniti, CAS “10