ASB UCF 2009: First report!!

Alternative Spring Break (ASB) at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, FL gives students the opportunity to use their spring break to benefit society. UCF ASB places teams of students in communities around the nation to engage in community service and learn about significant social issues in locations such as New Orleans, Atlanta, Birmingham……and of course the Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue in Maryland!

The group of students that will be travelling up for the 2009 edition of ASB, led by Faculty Advisor Darren Skinner and student Site Leader Julie Primrose, are very excited to have this opportunity! They are a very diverse group of students but they all share the same passion for volunteering and of course, animals!

Darren completed his undergraduate degree in Education (Rollins College) and his Masters degree in the field of Educational Leadership (UCF). He has been an academic advisor/counselor and adjunct instructor for three years at the University of Central Florida with the office of First Year Advising and Exploration. This will be Darren’s fourth Alternative Spring Break in the Advisor capacity.

Having worked with students over the last few years, Darren really believes Alternative Spring Break gives students a chance to establish supportive relationships with peers and faculty, and helps students develop their holistic growth, as the team works toward a common goal of helping others.

Originally from England, Darren was recruited as a student athlete (soccer) and is still heavily involved in the game through playing and coaching in the Orlando area.

The student Site Leader for this trip, Julie Primrose, is a junior at UCF. She is an Advertising and Public Relations major and is minoring in both Marketing and Sociology. Julie is a Resident Assistant with the Department of Housing and Residence Life and is also involved with many clubs and activities on campus and has a real passion for volunteering in many different disciplines. This is her first year being involved with Alternative Spring Break, but she is very excited to get to the Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue and help us out in any way possible.

ASB is a great opportunity for the students at UCF and the students who will arrive here in March have been chosen for the trip by a very selective application process. These volunteers are the best UCF has to offer! They are passionate about helping others and we know they are very excited to come spend some time helping out at the MABCR for their Spring Break this March!