Alter
native Breaks, an organization that I first learned of my freshmen year here at George Mason University. I went to an information session and I have not looked back since. I went to Jamaica during winter break of 2012. It was truly an experience that I will never forget! During this trip, I was able to successfully step out of my comfort zone and do things I thought I would never experience. The most fulfilling aspect of this trip were the children we worked with. They did not have much, but were very appreciative of us being there to help them and donate school supplies. The country as a whole was kind and welcoming. They were all poor for the most part, but they cherished the smaller things in life, which was one of my main takeaways from the trip. “You never know what you have until its gone.” This is a quote commonly used in our society, but it speaks volumes. All of the things we take for granted here such as hot water, the people of Jamaica do not even have the luxury to experience it. I cherish everything I have in my life all because of one AB trip to Jamaica. I plan to continue to go on more trips to make a difference, as well as learn about myself in the process! 
February 26th, 2013 at 4:24 pm
What you said is totally true! We come from a very materialistic society, and it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle and prioritize all the wrong things. I think it’s helpful when you get to give back and see the other side of things sometimes. Most of the time in these scenarios, its we-the volunteers, who end up getting the real reward. It’s surprising to see what people with so little have to give to you.
February 26th, 2013 at 4:29 pm
I totally agree with your comment! we come from a very materialistic society and it is easy to get lost in the shuffle and prioritize all the wrong things. Sometimes it takes service projects with the less fortunate to be able to bring things back together. Many will be surprised because at the end, it’s not what you gave them but what they gave you that makes a huge impact.
February 27th, 2013 at 12:14 am
@Rcoda
~we come from a very materialistic society and it is easy to get lost in the shuffle!
‘We don’t see the world as it is, we see it as we are!’
It’s not that society is materialistic, but merely that you are, think about it. ‘What you focus on thrives, what you ignore vanishes.’
~Many will be surprised because at the end, it’s not what you gave them but what they gave you that makes a huge impact
It doesn’t matter what ‘you’ gain from it! People help other people to help them, not because of an end reward (which you say is apparently greater than any help you can give)!
‘No two people read the same blog post’
We both take something different from it, but I had to correct you on your incorrect motives!