New Friends, New Places, Real Impact: Spring Break With Purpose

March 24, 2026

Instead of heading to the beach for spring break, 41 Dallas College students spent their vacation making a difference, through the Alternative Spring Break program. The students traveled to new communities, rolled up their sleeves for hands-on service projects and built lasting connections along the way. The experience offered fresh perspectives while helping students form friendships and memories that will stay with them for years to come.

Thirty-three of those students traveled to Donie, Waco, Houston and Galveston, while eight students traveled to Donie and Waco, only.

Two students, Aniya Robertson and Harp, wrote about their experiences. Read about their Spring Break below.

Aniya Robertson

My Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip was an experience I will never forget. I went into the trip only knowing a few people, but I was excited for the opportunity to meet new ones. From the start, everyone was friendly and welcoming. We introduced ourselves, shared interests, and quickly built connections as we boarded the bus and began our journey.

New Connections and New Perspectives

Our first stop was in Donie, Texas, where we worked in a garden. It was extremely cold and windy, which made planting difficult, but the experience was still meaningful.  From there, we traveled to Waco, where we participated in a virtual panel with students from Brazil. They shared how food insecurity impacts their communities and how they overcome challenges such as natural disasters. Hearing their stories gave me a new perspective on global issues.

While in Waco, we also visited Baylor University and learned about leadership opportunities. Another highlight was the Dr Pepper Museum, where we explored the history behind the famous drink. Later, we spent time together at Main Event, where we played laser tag and bowling. At first, I struggled with bowling, but I ended up placing second, reminding me that improvement takes patience.

Culture and Community

Next, we traveled to Houston, where we volunteered at the Houston Food Bank. This was my favorite part of the trip because it felt rewarding to give back to the community. The system they used made it easy to organize and distribute food, and we were able to help provide 13,000 pounds of food, the equivalent of about 11,000 meals. Knowing we made that kind of impact was inspiring.

We also visited the Houston Museum of Natural Science, where I especially enjoyed the dinosaur exhibits. Later, we had meaningful conversations about culture and community, including how different groups support one another.

The trip continued in Galveston, where we participated in a beach cleanup. Although we later dealt with bug bites while planting grass at Galveston Island State Park, learning the importance of a good environment for wildlife was a unique and memorable experience.

Moments of Growth and Lasting Memories

Outside of volunteering, we spent time bonding through activities like visiting Pleasure Pier, swimming and playing games at the hotel. These moments allowed me to form genuine friendships and step out of my comfort zone.

Although the trip was not perfect, I learned the importance of focusing on the positive and surrounding myself with people who uplift me. By the end of the trip, I had created lasting memories, gained new perspectives and grown as a person.

Overall, my ASB trip was both fun and meaningful. It taught me about service, resilience and the value of connection, making it an experience I will always carry with me.

Jhustin Harp

This year, I chose to participate in Dallas College’s Alternative Spring Break because I wanted to give back to communities across Texas while also learning more about the needs people face in different areas. I hoped the experience would allow me to grow personally, meet new people and see how service can truly make a difference.

Opportunities To Serve

Our trip took us to several cities, including Waco, Galveston and Houston. Each place gave us a new perspective and new opportunities to serve. Throughout the trip, we participated in activities that focused on helping communities, supporting local organizations and learning more about the challenges people face. Whether volunteering, collaborating on projects or learning from community leaders, every day brought something new.

One of the things that stood out to me the most was how quickly our group bonded. Many of us started the trip as strangers, but by the end we felt like a team. Working side by side with other students who also cared about service made the experience even more meaningful. It reminded me that when people come together with a shared purpose, they can accomplish a lot.

Small Acts, Big Impact

One moment that stands out the most happened during one of our service activities when I realized that even small acts of service can make a big impact. Sometimes it’s easy to think that change has to be something huge, but during this trip I learned that showing up, helping out and being present can mean a lot to the people and communities you serve.

Another important part of the experience was learning about the communities we visited. Each city had its own story and its own challenges, and hearing about those experiences helped me understand the importance of community support and service. It reminded me that there are many ways people can help improve the lives of others, and sometimes it simply starts with being willing to listen and learn.

One of the biggest things I learned during this trip is the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone. Alternative Spring Break pushed me to try new things, meet new people and see different perspectives. It helped me realize that service is not just something you do once — it can become a mindset and a lifestyle.

 

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