News
Helping Hands: Alternative Spring Break in the Dominican Republic
April 13, 2017
When a group of 13 NYIT students arrived in the city of Carmonial in the Dominican Republic for Alternative Spring Break, they were told their itinerary would be changing. Instead of helping with house repairs, they would now help build a home for an elderly woman.
The students took the news in stride and immediately rolled up their sleeves and got to work. The service learning program (which also includes an Alternative Winter Break) is run by International and Experiential Education at NYIT in coordination with Bridges to Community, an international not-for-profit organization with a two-part mission to improve the lives of impoverished communities in developing countries through service trips, and to educate volunteers so that they become aware of the connections people share and help make a positive impact in the lives of others.
“I went on this trip because I wanted to experience something outside of my comfort zone and work with different personalities towards a greater cause,” said NYIT student Gianna D’Aloia.
For one week the group worked with locals to build a new home for a woman in need. Through this experience, they learned about another culture, witnessed first-hand the hardships members of the community face, and created lifelong bonds.
“The experience was life changing,” said D’Aloia. “I was able to see a side of myself I didn’t even know existed. I worked hard when I was needed, laughed, and made great friends. Most importantly I got to give back in a productive and helpful way.”
Apply for the next Alternative Break trip to the Dominican Republic (January 2018).
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NYIT student Hinali Shah with one of the local children.
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Student Robby O’Malley takes a break to have some fun with two local children.
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Students Katie Capobianco, Stefanie Campos, Melissa Mahadeo, Chanelle Sears, Robby O’Malley, and local Bridges to Community member, Victor, shovel gravel into wheelbarrows to create the cement.
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Students Yan Xu and Bryan Diaz strike a pose with a local child.
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Miranda VanOmmeran, senior advising specialist at the Advising and Enrichment Center at NYIT, hard at work.
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NYIT student Yan Xu takes some time to “horse around.”
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A work in progress: Some of the group members inside the unfinished house.
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Nailed it! Students Stefanie Campos, left, and Rebecca Wang.
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NYIT student Chanelle Sears poses with Jorge, a Bridges to Community leader, and a local woman.
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From left: NYIT students Hinali Shah and Yan Xu installing barbed wire.
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Miranda VanOmmeran (rear), and NYIT students Melissa Mahadeo and Chanelle Sears, with community youth center volunteer, Dan, preparing to shovel gravel into wheelbarrows.
Photos by NYIT student Gianna D'Aloia.
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