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Every Alternative Breaks service trip consists of 12 diverse individuals :
Estrada was invited by the Alternative Breaks team to participate as an alumni mentor for one of the program ’ s many trips , a chance to roll up his sleeves and really be a part of the impact . “ I ’ ve always been impressed by the experiences and lessons learned that are shared by the students . I thought that I should maybe go and see it firsthand ,” recalls Estrada . “ I was fortunate enough to be asked to join Project Appalachia .”
Over spring break of 2016 , Alternative Breaks students partnered with the nonprofit Appalachia Service Project to provide volunteer service to those in need in the most impoverished areas of Appalachia . The team helped provide relief for residents whose homes were in danger of flooding due to torrential rains and poor drainage systems . The team was so efficient that they finished their first project early and went on to help with a carpentry project for another nearby family in need .
“ We all really appreciated having Mike there and hearing his perspective on things ,” says Alana Young , Marshall ' 18 , one of the trip ' s two student service leaders . “ He was extremely supportive and insightful . He really took us under his wing .”
The Alternative Breaks experience is designed so that the impact of the work stays not only with those served , but also with
those making the difference . It is dedicated to creating globally conscious , active citizens who commit to lifelong service well beyond their time at UC San Diego . As part of the trips , students reflect daily on what they ’ ve learned from their project , with the goal of keeping alive the spirt of giving back long after the experience concludes .
Together , the Appalachia group reflected on their work and the issues of poverty and social inequality that they witnessed .
And they also shared several bottles of hot sauce . So far from his home in Southern California , Estrada made sure to equip the team with a necessity in the field . “ Before we got to our destination , I insisted that we pull over at a market to get a bottle of hot sauce . It made me very popular ,” he says . “ We shared that bottle at every single meal and ended up buying a few others .”
According to Young , Estrada earned a new nickname —“ Mike Cholula ”— for his favorite brand of hot sauce . But more than a new moniker , Estrada gained an out-of-the-box life experience , one that made a profound impact on him , his fellow Breakers , and the many people they will help in the future .
Learn more about Alternative Breaks at UC San Diego at alternativebreaksatucsd . org or contact abatucsd @ gmail . com to take part .
A COMMUNITY ADVISOR serves as a resource for the entire team . Alumni are encouraged to reconnect and lend real-world experience to the team .
TWO STUDENT SERVICE LEADERS handle the trip logistics and lead educational meetings exploring the social issue to be addressed .
NINE PARTICIPANTS made up of students and alumni provide different perspectives as the group performs service projects .
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