At the middle of each semester a week-long break arrives. Students take advantage of 9 class-free days to go on vacation, put extra hours in at work, or begin those major projects with sooner-than-you-think deadlines. Some students, however, spend their time working for neither paycheck nor deadline, volunteering in needful communities and environments. More than just passing the day cleaning a building or mentoring children, Service Learning trips offer a profound experience in exchange for a brief physical journey.

During fall, spring, and summer breaks Aquinas sponsors various volunteer experiences all over the United States for relatively little cost. Groups of about 10 students are sent to each location with a faculty advisor, where they live and work in intense cooperation for just over one week. Each trip emphasizes something different, from nature to community to spirituality. Students effectively live out the four Dominican charisms of study, prayer, service and community as they connect, interact, and reflect on the significant impact they have on a place in a short period of time.

A common misconception of the service learning experience is that it requires “giving up” a break, but Shannon McEwen ’12, who volunteered at Acadia National Park in 2009, corrected this: “I don't consider it to be ‘giving-up’ my break. You do lose time to work on projects and homework but you gain so much more in the form of memories and friends.” Nick Signore, ‘12, who will be going on his fifth trip this spring, agreed with her. “I've been on four service trips so far - Maine [Acadia National Park] three times, Alabama once. I've never been on a trip that I didn't enjoy. Each trip is geared toward something different,” he said. “[They are] a great alternative to the traditional college spring break. Although you won't get to have the type of fun you would if you went somewhere like Panama City, there are so many other things you get to experience instead.”

Clearly an advocate of service learning by virtue of his dedication, Signore elaborated on his enthusiasm. “Service trips are a great opportunity to live out of your comfort zone and learn about yourself and grow in the process,” he said. In McEwen’s case, she wanted to combine volunteer experience with adventure and on the recommendation of her academic advisor, she chose Acadia. She had a practical reason for going. “I was interested in the governmental aspect of environmentalism,” she said, “and I had heard from other participants that you get to spend your free time exploring the various mountain paths.” Service learning trips are opportunities to explore not only a small community, but the country. “I've been able to travel to different corners of the country, to places I never dreamed of visiting all because of Service Learning trips,” affirmed Signore.

In the end, there is much to take away from the experience. “I was able to better understand what it takes to keep the parks up and running as well as many of the different careers that it offers,” McEwen said. Contrary to what one might expect, she found the most meaningful part of her trip to be the last day. “After we completed the project, we all had a strong sense of pride and accomplishment knowing what we did would allow more visitors access to the gardens.” For Signore the best part is the overall experience. “I've made so many new friends through the service trips, have seen the difference I've made in the lives of those I've worked with and have a lot that I've been able to add to my résumé as well,” he said.

During the 2012 spring break, Service Learning trips have taken students to the Christian Appalachian Project in Eastern Kentucky, the St. Peter Claver Church and School in New Orleans, and the Dominican Republic. In Kentucky students participate in WorkFest at Camp Caleb with other college and university students repairing and building homes for low-income families. In New Orleans, a new 2012 location, students work with an Edmundite community painting and cleaning community centers as well as tutoring K-8 students. In the Dominican Republic volunteers, who fundraised $15,000 for the trip and supplies this year, assist in medical clinics that tend to malnourished children.