The spring breaks of 2015 and 2016 brought some mixed feelings for me. As a freshman and sophomore, I was glad I just got to relax at home and be lazy for the week. But I was also jealous of the students who participated in Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trips. They seemed like a lot of work but I couldn’t deny that the students often returned with beaming smiles on their faces. Sometimes I feel like I’m not living up to my full potential when I don’t involve myself in my university and community. If I’m attending college just for myself – only thinking about my future – and not thinking about how I can help others, what is my experience in college worth? That is why when I became a junior, I told myself, “Shane, you need to go on an ASB trip.”
When I learned there was a Solar Spring Break trip I thought it was a perfect opportunity for me. I really enjoy helping others and it is well-suited with my electrical engineering major. Renewable energy is an important issue to me and applaud the work GRID Alternatives does. I’ve taken a few power-related classes in my undergraduate studies and I look forward to intersecting the background knowledge with working in the field.
Lastly, I cannot wait to have an unforgettable experience with the other students in this group. I know I am going to have the time of my life while in California. However, what really makes this trip special is knowing that our work will make the difference in many families’ lives.