Sarah DeGirolamo spends winter break volunteering in New Orleans

2018 Mar 2

Sarah DeGirolamo of Strongsville was one of 39 caring Baldwin Wallace University students who dedicated their 2017 winter break to making a difference through the BW Alternative Break service program. The program facilitated four diverse community engagement projects with student volunteers traveling to San Antonio, New Orleans, Chicago and Providence, Rhode Island. Each experience was led by a BW student with a University faculty or staff adviser providing support.

DeGirolamo, a graduate of Strongsville Sr. High School majoring in public relations, volunteered for the alternative break experience in New Orleans and explored the issues of environmental justice and disaster prevention. The group partnered with Common Ground Relief, a community-initiated volunteer organization offering assistance, mutual aid and support for New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. The BW junior helped plant over 500 trees and prepare more than 800 trees for future planting by volunteer groups in the wetlands surrounding New Orleans. The students also had the opportunity to dine with local community leaders, visit Magazine Avenue and shop at an art market on Frenchmen Street.

The trip was led by BW student Kathryn Rider with support from staff adviser Devin Basile. DeGirolamo had this to say about the experience, "Louisiana loses a football field of wetlands every hour. I was grateful to have gotten my hands in the soil and serve with these amazing humans this past week."

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.