My Experience

A week full of volunteering activities, exploring Buffalo, lots of fun, meeting new and interesting people, making friends... all these and more happened at ASB.

Initially, Alternative Spring Break, for me, was just another opportunity to do volunteering. I had not expected or foreseen that I would make friends with people. In general, I am an introvert. I am not very open to people quickly. Added to it, I was the only Master's student except Lindsey who was a co-leader of the team. So, I was sort of prepared to be lonely. But cheers to the group, I was so much involved in it that by the end of the week I was actually surprised that I made friendship with them. The team was very good and the best I have seen till date for any kind of volunteering. The team members were very active and helpful and were always prepared and ready for new assignments. It was great fun working with them. Underline my words, Terri and Lindsey were awesome team leaders and were great positive role-models.

Each of the organizations that we visited were unique in itself and provided us with enriching experience. Habitat, Buffalo ReUse, University Heights Collaborative, People, Inc, Compeer, City Mission and Junior Achievement.. all of these taught me a new meaning of volunteering. It was fun and great learning opportunity. The people who worked for these organizations did noble job and were yet humble. I salute the people who work here.

In the process of volunteering, I discovered Buffalo. Till now, Buffalo, for me, was limited to the area around school and home. But ASB gave me a chance to explore Buffalo. I feel more connected to this place than ever before. We dined in good restaurants and visited some nice places. Buffalo is indeed a city of Good Neighbors :)

Through ASB, I realized a lot of things. Ilearned that I am so much more privileged than many others, and I have the ability to help them. In the midst of all pains and problems, people in the organizations like People, Inc, City Mission and Junior Achievement laugh, help others and be happy for what they have. I learned a whole new perspective about volunteering. Even a small help sometimes means so much. At People, Inc., we did not do anything except cook brunch and play with the senior citizens there. Yet, the ladies were so thankful for us. It didn't take much effort in doing this. Still, it meant so much to them. Now I know that even a small help can make a difference. There is so much more than this, that I learned at ASB. I can't find words to express them. All I know for sure now, is that, I will do volunteering more than ever and will take all possible opportunities that come along my way.

Thanks to ASB. I truely Achieved - Served and Believed in ASB. The memories of the week, beautiful they are, will be with me for a long time.