William Anastasiadis spends spring break volunteering in Miami

2018 Apr 18

William Anastasiadis of Berea was one of 41 kindhearted Baldwin Wallace University students who dedicated their 2018 spring break to making a difference through the BW Alternative Break service program. The program facilitated five diverse community engagement projects with student volunteers traveling to Waco, Texas; Clarkston, Georgia; San Francisco; Miami; and Washington. Each experience was led by a BW student with a University faculty or staff adviser providing support.

Anastasiadis, a graduate of Warren G. Harding High School majoring in neuroscience psychology and psychology, volunteered to take part in the alternative break experience in Miami. The outreach was in partnership with the Life of Freedom Center, where the group explored the issue of child and young adult sex trafficking. Through seminars and workshops, the BW senior gained prevention intervention and advocacy skills. Additionally, the group partnered with Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit organization that provides weeklong, cost-free vacations to kids with life-threatening illnesses and their families. They helped with attractions such as Ms. Merry's Enchanted Tea Party, JJ Express Train and the Ice Cream Palace.

Students also had the opportunity to sightsee around Miami Beach and visit the Disney Springs shopping complex. Anastasiadis also served as the trip leader with support from professor Dr. Lisa Green. Anastasiadis found volunteering at the Give Kids the World Village tea party especially rewarding, stating, "These kids may not be able to ever live a functional life, but it was my job and moral duty to make them as happy and excited as possible."

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.