Just like the above photo shows, Sarina always had my back throughout the trip, as every AB trip leader should.
It was January 2012 during Mason’s winter break. I was taking my first ever flight, first time out of the country, and my first ever Alternative Break trip. However, I was not nervous at all. This was all because of one of my amazing trip leaders, Sarina Stephenson. She was constantly checking on me, providing me with anything I may need, and words of encouragement when I began to feel anxious during the flight and in the country of Jamaica itself. It was wonderful to see how one person could ease your mind so much. She was constantly telling me to step out of my comfort zone and in some instances, I did. Others, not so much. Sarina tells me, “this is how I treat participants on all trips. You want them to be comfortable at all times because if I was a participant, I would want my leaders to do the same.” If anybody wants to know what an ideal leader is for AB, Sarina is that leader. She has led several trips during her undergrad career at GMU and is on the path to success. Sarina does not hesitate to let you know how AB strengthened her leadership in all aspects of her life because she is prepared for whatever situation may come her way and knows how to handle it in a calm and responsible fashionable. She will be graduating next month so we need a new leader to step up and fulfill her shoes. It won’t be an easy task, but who is up for the challenge?!
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