Destinee Siebe spends spring break 2017 volunteering in Clarkston, Ga.

2017 May 31

Destinee Siebe of Louisville was among 35 compassionate Baldwin Wallace University students who gave up spring break week to make a difference through BW's Alternative Break service program. The program facilitated five diverse experiences with student volunteers traveling to Clarkston, Ga., New Orleans, New York, Washington and Wheeling, W.Va. Each experience was led by a BW student with support from a University faculty or staff adviser.

Siebe, a graduate of Dupont Manual Magnet High School majoring in music history and literature, volunteered to take part in the alternative break experience in Clarkston, Ga. The outreach focused on human rights and refugee resettlement. Students partnered with Something New, an organization with the goal of providing a week of alternative living that catapults participants into a lifetime of purpose and motivates them to reach their own potential and dreams. The BW junior also visited the Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta. The trip was led by BW student Matthew Roetter with support from staff adviser Julie Payner.

The BW Alternative Break service program provides students with opportunities to make a difference, travel to another area, learn new skills and meet people with similar interests. Participants commit to a six-week, pre-trip curriculum including issue education, organization orientation, team building and a full-day retreat on social justice and cultural competency. Alternative Break is one of many community service programs organized by the David & Frances Brain Center for Community Engagement to support BW's mission of empowering students to become contributing, compassionate citizens. Community groups interested in partnering with BW can contact the Center at 440-826-2403 or BrainCenter@bw.edu.