I hope that this letter finds you well! I created this website to keep you updated on my spring break plans for this year. Rather than spending the week in Miami like most, I decided to do something constructive and positive with my time. Instead, I will be heading down to rural Trinidad, about 45 minutes from the capital city of Port of Spain, where I will be participating in an Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip. As the name suggests, ASB is an organization that provides students with a way to break from the stereotypical “24/7 party” that tends to occur during college vacations through alternative activities such as volunteering and promoting cultural awareness.
During the week of March 3-10, I will be traveling to the southwest coast of the rich and diverse island of Trinidad and Tobago to spread MY joy and to make a CHANGE. We frequently hear about Trinidad's Carnival, an extravagant and popular tradition for locals; however beyond the glitz and glamour associated with such festivities are countless families and children who need our help. Well – this Spring Break I hope to make a difference in the lives of Trinidad's children through my efforts to tutor and mentor the youth in a local elementary school. More specifically, we will be helping the children review material in preparation for tests, as well as refining basic reading skills. Living in rural Trinidad, these students have a limited scope, especially internationally, and the school is very excited to have such rare visitors. Despite the limited time we will have there, I know that my effort will be valuable and enriching not only for them, but for myself as well. After a full day of school, we will spend a good deal of time helping the students with homework and most importantly (in my opinion) acting as their friends, role models, and tutors.
I’ve hoped to take part in the alternative spring break program ever since learning about it last year. Combining my love for traveling, service and meeting new people, I knew this was an opportunity I HAD to take part in. After running a program that tutored underprivileged kids on a weekly basis in high school, I now understand the reward and uplifting experience one receives through service. Since many of the children lacked stability and role models, our presence was a tremendous benefit to their lives. At the same time, the children challenged me in ways I had never though of—it was truly a beautiful experience as I grew and developed with the children. I chose to go to Trinidad because I went to extend my services internationally. In addition, I want to not only offer my service, but learn about a new culture—and I think interaction with children would be a marvelous way to do so. Children have such an innocent and unbiased approach to life, so it would be great to discover a new place from such a perspective.
Lastly, a lot of time and an equal amount of resources are needed in order to make the trip possible. Any financial contribution (large or small) will be greatly appreciated, as ASB receives no funding from UVA. Your contribution will go towards deferring the cost of the trip for myself and for other volunteers in need of financial assistance. The cost for one person to participate is $1020, which mostly covers transportation and lodging. Following the trip I will be posting details and pictures about my experience on this website: http://eringoldson.blogspot.com/! Feel free to visit it now –I will be posting information about myself, the trip, etc. prior to my departure in March. I thank you for supporting me in each and every step of my life. - EG”
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the places that you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.”PLEASE NOTE: Your donation is tax-deductible. The tax number for Alternative Spring Break is 54-0485595. ASB exists financially under an umbrella alumni organization: University of Virginia Fund.
Please make checks payable to Alternative Spring Break and write Erin Goldson under the notes section of the check on the bottom left.Erin Goldson/1304 Preston Ave/Charlottesville, VA 22903
My email is eng6k@virginia.edu
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