Dispatches from a Habitat for Humanity build in North Carolina

March, 2012

Students offer final reflections on life-changing Alternative Break Trip

Habitat experience went well beyond building homes
By Chelsea LaManna, graduate student

I embarked on the elusive Habitat for Humanity trip to Chatham, N.C. expecting to work on a house, bond with some of the other members of the Quinnipiac community, and see a bit of North Carolina.

• Please click here to see photos from the trip.

What I didn’t expect, however, was that I wouldn’t begin working on the house until day four – and I was perfectly fine with that! I was able to participate in the true Habitat for Humanity experience, which involves far more than just building a house. The mélange of activities I performed included building picnic tables for a park in one of the communities, helping out at the Home Store, clearing trails to a pond in another community and finally working on the house.

I believe I got to see the best of everything Habitat had to offer, and this experience was amplified by the dedication of the Habitat staff and long-term volunteers in Chatham County.

What is evident from the pictures of the week is that Quinnipiac students did a ton of volunteer work. But what you can’t see is that we learned a lot. We didn’t just build, clean and paint things, we also left with valuable knowledge that wouldn’t have been possible without the devotion of those who were leading us.

We began each day with a theme, some sort of activity such as a song and a prompt that encouraged each of us to speak.

We ended each day in the same manner – a unified group, discussing our experiences of the day, encouraging us to process everything we did.

I believe that if it weren’t for Chatham Habitat being as wonderful as they were that my experiences would have been vastly different.

It is for this reason that I am more than willing and eager to nominate Chatham Habitat for the Collegiate Challenge Host Affiliate MVP Award and will be encouraging everyone else on the trip to do so as well, as I know that they feel as passionately as I do. Thank you Chatham Habitat!

Habitat build helped us to learn more about each other – hundreds of miles from campus
Carla Breccia ‘13

The opportunity to go on one of Quinnipiac’s Alternative Break Trips was something I was blessed to have.

I have learned so much about myself and my fellow peers as well as Chatham Habitat for Humanity.

Throughout the trip, we were given the opportunity to explore aspects of Habitat outside of the volunteer building.

Personally, I was able to help out at the Home Store, which is a main source of income for Habitat for Humanity. I had previously not known about this “re-store” and was so happy to see it because it made me appreciate how much Habitat truly does for those who they provide shelter to, as well as the surrounding communities. One item that stuck out to me at the home store was a refrigerator for $69!

My favorite aspect of the trip was truly getting to know my Quinnipiac peers.

I often lose myself in my school work and forget that a large part of the college experience is making new friends. This trip put me in a situation where I was placed with 18 other students and 1 trip leader who had a common purpose, but who I knew nothing about.

Each and every person who went on this trip is now near and dear to my heart; they understand something about me which most others don’t. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and have become truly inspired to continue my work with Habitat for Humanity!

Habitat trip confirms life’s plan
Tory Saba ‘12

My trip to North Carolina changed me in more ways than one.

Up until that week, I had been having lots of thoughts about my future after Quinnipiac, and I had been extremely nervous about what my future holds for me.

This trip completely confirmed for me what I am supposed to be doing with my life.

I will forever be involved with Habitat for Humanity. After the trip, I made the decision to apply for an Americorp position with Habitat for Humanity.

It is a scary decision to make, and an intimidating application process; however, I have more confidence than ever before to apply for Americorps. I am no longer nervous for my future, but excited!

Habitat trip inspires student
Jennifer Bellucci ‘14

If I could describe the Habitat for Humanity Alternative Spring Break Trip to North Carolina in one word, I would have to say “inspiring.”

The long-term volunteers we encountered on this trip were truly inspiring in the way they selflessly and tirelessly gave their time to build these houses for deserving and needing families.

Alongside these volunteers, I was also inspired by my fellow Quinnipiac students who selflessly gave up their spring break to build houses and work with Habitat.

While the work was hard, it was inspiring to see how the students accepted the challenge that comes with construction to help make a difference in other people’s lives.

Trip offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
Dan Callahan ‘12

There are no words that can adequately explain how great my experience with Habitat for Humanity has been.

The Alternative Spring Break Trip to North Carolina was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and coming from someone that was hesitant to go and didn’t buy the idea of a life-changing experience, that’s saying something.

Each time I see one of the other 19 people that I shared this experience with, we’ll be brought back to the week in March that changed our lives forever.

Trip gives student hope for the future
Emily Zwart ‘13

Overall, I was completely inspired by this trip.

We experienced so much more than just construction and volunteer work, but we met people with extraordinary stories whose lives were drastically different from ours, yet still the same.

I learned that your future is something to have hope in, rather than dread and that you will find amazing people no matter where you go.

Not only did the Quinnipiac students step up to the plate, but the long-term volunteers and leaders of the Pittsboro Affiliate really understood what is important in life.

Looking past what you see on the surface of places, people and experiences will lead to learning more about yourself, and the world around you than you would if you lived forever with a closed mind.

March 16, 2012

Reflecting on a life-changing spring break experience

By Amelia Houghton ‘14

Nineteen students spent their spring break building houses and clearing brush with Habitat for Humanity in North Carolina.

I can’t adequately describe the emotions that came with last night’s reflection or the fact that this is our last day working with Habitat for Humanity in North Carolina.

Last night, we did a lot of bonding and opening up to each other and I think it really made us closer. We were all extremely emotional and motivated for the last day on the site.

Today, I was able to work on the house. I think it has been extremely rewarding to have the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of long-term volunteers, students from other schools and my peers from Quinnipiac.

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to work on the roof students from both Quinnipiac the University of New Hampshire.

Hammering was a lot more difficult than I had anticipated, but it got easier as I worked.

I was also able to do a lot of measuring and cutting which was an important job that required me to have confidence in what I was doing. In the afternoon, we participated in the Habitat Olympics in hammering and removing nails, wrapping extension cords, crawling and wheel-barreling, math, measuring and trivia. Our team came in second place but I definitely learned that I am a very good crawler and all of the students who played had a great time. I’m really glad we were able to participate.

Another amazing experience we had yesterday was getting to meet Carly, who we built a house for. She was so grateful, spirited and eager to talk with us. She even took a picture of those of us who had worked on the house to hang up on the wall when it is finished.

When you do work for Habitat, you don’t always meet the family or person who is going to own the house and it was an amazing opportunity to meet her and hear her story and how much the home meant to her and her daughter. I think it was amazing to think that what we gave in just one week is something which is a dream for her and her daughter.

At the end of the day, we went through the circle of students and volunteers, each saying what we learned, how they were changed over the trip or what they are thankful for. I think this was an amazing thing for everyone to hear.

This has truly been a life-changing experience for me which has exceeded any expectations I had of the trip.

While I came on this trip to take a bigger step in the service I do for others, I found that what I gained from the experience was so much more than that.

I have learned new skills and met so many amazing people.

I had the opportunity to get to know and talk with students from other schools who shared common interests with me and were equally as interested in hearing my story.

I had the opportunity to speak with some of the most inspiring and incredible volunteers from Habitat for Humanity and to experience a whole different culture than that in the Northeast.

This whole trip was a complete reality check from the “college bubble” and all my studying. This trip forced me to focus on having patience and to slow my pace to enjoy the things around me.

This trip also taught me about the work and patience it takes to get to know a person, that you actually have to listen to their story and invest in them and I have gained 19 new, amazing friends.

Although we are all different, we came for a common purpose and were supportive and motivating of each other.

This trip has reaffirmed that the small things in life make the biggest difference. What we accomplished in one week changed lives and I think that if we can progress like that as a generation, we can accomplish so much more.

I am so proud to be part of this group and wouldn’t have changed this experience at all.

There is no place or group I would have rather been with this spring break.

March 15, 2012

Students gain new experiences, insights

By Amelia Houghton ‘14

Several students worked with Chatham County Habitat for Humanity to clear a path through a wooded area in a neighborhood where there are three Habitat homes. Students cleared brush and removed stumps so the neighbors can walk from their homes to the nearby river. Other students visited neighborhoods to educate the community about Habitat’s mission and services available. (Photo by Amelia Houghton '12.)

I have learned new things and had exciting new experiences every day I have been here, which makes me sad that tomorrow is our last day here. This has been such an amazing trip and I am not prepared to end this incredible experience.

Today we split into three groups. My group went to Bear Creek to a previous Habitat for Humanity build location. We fixed up the house, cleared a trail to the creek and did some landscaping.

The first part of my day was spent with Laura and Carla from Quinnipiac and Joey from the University of New Hampshire, with whom I worked with on the first day at the site.

I finally got to pick up a hammer and do some work with tools, which was really exciting! The work was fun and our site leaders were patient and kind.

When we were finished working on the house, we helped to clear a trail to the creek using pitch forks, rakes and saws. Our final job of the day was helping move gravel from the street that was in the grass.

The best parts of the work day were definitely using the tools, working with new volunteers and experiencing a third aspect of Habitat. I am really thankful for all the opportunities I have had and excited to go back to the site tomorrow for construction.

We ended our day at the home of one of the volunteers.

He encouraged us to go rock-climbing, zip-lining, tightrope-walking and kayaking. I am extremely grateful that he invited us to come. We all had such a great time.

Seeing the way people live outside of the Northeast has been a truly eye-opening experience. Our group is extremely fortunate to have gotten the opportunity to meet the people we have and have done the things we have.

March 14, 2012

Students make a difference, one bookcase at a time

By Amelia Houghton ‘14

Students worked in the Habitat Home Stores painting shelves and organizing and cleaning the backroom on March 14. Revenue from the Chatham Habitat Home Stores totals $250,000 each year, enough to build three homes. (Photo by Lila Carney, assistant director of student media.)

Today was an extremely fun and exciting day because I got to see a lot more than just the work site and see more aspects of Habitat for Humanity.

Today, eleven other Quinnipiac students and I went to the Habitat home resale store, which runs essentially like a Goodwill or the Salvation Army store.

At the store, we helped sort, price and organize the donations people make. The items will then be resold at an affordable price.
We were able to walk around the stores and see how they function.

It was interesting to see everything at the Habitat Home Store because it is a main source of income for the Chatham chapter of Habitat for Humanity. We painted bookcases and got to meet and speak with the regular volunteers, which was a great opportunity.

The best parts of the day involved getting to know the volunteers, each other and the two girls working with our group from the University of New Hampshire.

It was an incredible experience to work in the home store because many of us thought we were only going to get to see one aspect of Habitat: building.

I think the best part of my day today was how nice all the volunteers were. They were all genuinely interested in us and our school and thankful that we came.

March 13, 2012

Students start working, get to know colleagues from other schools

By Amelia Houghton ‘14

Nineteen undergraduate and graduate students are spending their spring break building two houses and rehabilitating a third home for the Chatham County, N.C. Habitat for Humanity. They will be working through Friday before returning to our Mount Carmel Campus on Saturday evening. Here, students work on shelves for Habitat for Humanity. (Photo by Amelia Houghton '14.)

Today was an exciting day for Team Chatham as it was our first day on the worksite.

We had our first breakfast at Camp Royall this morning and then set out for the main worksite. We started with some nametags, introductions and orientation that focused primarily on safety on the worksite.

The site has three houses that are under construction, one which is being framed, one which is almost finished and another that is being renovated by Habitat for Humanity for a new. Also on the site is a “community house” where habitat offers tutoring for local children, holds required classes for future habitat homeowners and is the headquarters of the homeowners’ association.

To get started, we were split into groups for different tasks, one small group of four to work on some tasks, a group of nine to build picnic tables and the rest to work on the house in the framing stage. The groups consisted of students from different universities, which offered opportunities to meet people outside of Quinnipiac.

I was working with the small group of four, with three people from the University of New Hampshire.

I definitely took this as a challenge to get out of my comfort zone and to try and be very productive even away from the support of my team.

We worked on making a “pad,” or basically a flat area on inclined land to put in a heating unit next to the house. This job consisted of shoveling, wheel-barreling, raking and flattening the dirt into the area we wanted from the pile. This task was much more difficult than you would think because the dirt was the consistency of clay or mud and would stick and was very heavy.

We  moved to the community house for our next task. There, we worked to dry and stain a ramp and porch. Although the job was not quite as exciting as the power tools that some of the other groups were using, the students from UNH and I were able to talk about our schools and exchange stories, which was pretty interesting. Some locals also thanked us for what we were doing.

I think what was rewarding about working on the community house was that it is not just for a single family, but rather for the community.

One of the staff members showed us the inside of the community house, which was filled with pictures from the local children and also the activities which they had been working on in their classes. It was nice to see what actually goes on in the house we were working so hard on and to find out who it will benefit from our efforts. Overall, I was not impressed by the worksite today and hope to get to do some of the construction tomorrow and get my hands on some of those power tools.

Today was also fun because of some of the activities that we did after leaving the site as a group. It was definitely interesting to talk to other groups because it showed many of us how organized our program is as compared to the other teams’.

Today we reflected about persistence and as a team with a focus on our personal and team strengths and weaknesses. The reflection included a very fun scavenger hunt that required every team to work together at the end to solve the puzzle emphasizing that although there may be some friendly competition, our team must work together to be successful. Outside of our reflection group, we tried to do a lot of bonding through activities like basketball, knockout and other games before bed.

I was really glad to see that our group is continuing to move forward and get closer together today.

March 12, 2012

Quinnipiac team ready to get to work

By Lila Carney
Assistant Director of Student Media

Eighteen undergraduate students prepare for a week of house-building with adviser Lila Carney and graduate assistant Chelsea LaManna for Habitat for Humanity in Chatham County, N.C.

We’re here and ready to work! But the build doesn’t actually start until tomorrow so today we channeled all our energy toward getting settled in our new digs at Camp Royall and getting acquainted with Pittsboro, N.C.

We also had the opportunity to meet with David Snyder, resource development manager with Chatham County Habitat for Humanity. He talked to our students about just how important their work will be here over the next few days. He told the students that if all they do this week is build a home and have some fun, that’s great. But, he said he hopes all the students realize the larger impact of their work.

Snyder told us that once someone is able to buy a home through Habitat, it opens the door to lots of other opportunities that will make the homeowners’ lives and the lives of their families exponentially better.

Not only will the families have a home, but having a mortgage allows them to establish credit. Once they have credit, they’re able to get loans for other important things like cars and even college. That means they’ll be able to get to and from work reliably, they’ll be able to further their education and eventually get better paying jobs.

The neighborhood we’ll be working in used to be known as the Pittsboro Projects. Over the last few years, Chatham Habitat for Humanity has transformed that neighborhood and created a better place for everyone to live. We will be continuing the work in this neighborhood.

We’re so excited and can’t wait to get started!

March 12, 2012

Student grasps value of her work before she hammers her first nail

By Amelia Houghton ‘14

Eighteen students prepare for a week of house-building with Habitat for Humanity in Chatham County, North Carolina. (Photo by Lila Carney, assistant director of student media.)

Today was a great day, and somehow, even though yesterday’s ride was three times longer, today felt like a much longer day. We did so much and, most importantly, finally arrived in North Carolina!

We all cheered as we pulled into Camp Royall, our home away from home for the next week. I think many of us were pleasantly surprised by how nice the camp is. Among the amenities are soccer fields, Frisbee golf, a pond with boats, two dining halls and a playground.

We are sharing the camp with Providence College and the University of New Hampshire.

We had the opportunity to speak with some of the students from UNH and found them to be very friendly. I think many of us hope to spend some time meeting people from the other schools during our stay here.

Another great thing we were able to experience today was an orientation with a representative from the Chatham Habitat, David Snyder, when we first arrived.

He was able to tell us about the area, the campsite, and the Habitat chapter.

Some of the most valuable information he gave us included who we build and work for and also the value of our volunteer work. He told us that although Habitat for Humanity is commonly misconceived as a volunteer program that gives away houses to families for free, the families who receive the house must meet three main requirements:

1)      They must be in need of a home

2)      They must volunteer “sweat equity” or volunteer a required amount of hours through the organization

3)      They must have the ability to pay a 0 percent mortgage.

The other thing I took away from the conversation was that the collegiate challenge, the program through Habitat that brings college students to work with the organization, has made one of the biggest impacts on the success of the local chapter.

Snyder made us feel welcome in our new home and made us feel like what we are doing is something that really helps the greater Habitat for Humanity program.

Other highlights of the day included going to a fantastic BBQ restaurant where we tried hush puppies and assorted fried foods, exploring the University of North Carolina and shopping for groceries as a group.

These activities were all a lot of fun and allowed us to bond and become better organized.

Tonight’s reflection was really exciting. In the discussion, there was a lot of focus on getting to know each other better and also getting to know each other’s backgrounds. It was meaningful to discuss our pasts and then to discuss how the recipients of these houses are not just receiving simply shelter, but a home in which to have similar experiences and memories to those we have. I think that the point was that we are not building merely homes, but memories.

The most valuable thing that happened to me today, even better than the hush puppies and fried okra, was a discussion I had in the grocery store checkout line with someone from the area.

Imagine being at a relatively small grocery store on a Monday night when you see nearly 20 college students with more than a half dozen carts full of food pull up to the register.

I think that what you are imagining in your head is exactly what the lady in front of me was thinking: What on earth is going on? I explained to her that we are a group of college students from Quinnipiac University in Connecticut who came down to volunteer over spring break with Habitat for Humanity.

Her reaction was something I don’t think I can ever quite explain exactly.

As she put her hand on my shoulder, she said: “What you guys are doing here is incredible! People give young people a bad reputation but we we’re all young once and there are a lot of you who are doing some really great and impressive things. I really want you to tell your group that what you are doing is incredible and has a huge impact on our community.”

I don’t think anything on this trip will be close to as satisfying as hearing this woman thank us just for coming. We didn’t build her a house, she hadn’t worked with us and she had only just met me, but I think what she said had more impact on me than most things anyone has ever told me.

Just coming down to help meant so much to her because we came down to help her community. To know that what we are doing makes such a difference, is not something that always come with service, you never know how much of an affect you efforts will make, but hearing it from this total stranger will be something I will never forget.

March 12, 2012

Students develop a better appreciation of the work they are about to start

By Dan Callahan ’12

Eighteen students prepare for a week of house-building with Habitat for Humanity in Chatham County, North Carolina. (Photo by Dan Callahan '12.)

After a night in Virginia, we crossed over the North Carolina border and arrived safely in Pittsboro at Camp Royall, our home for the week. We were greeted by David Snyder, the resource development manager for the Chatham County Habitat for Humanity affiliate.

He spoke with us about Camp Royall, the surrounding area and the work we will be doing with Habitat for Humanity. The area is certainly small town America — although we are only a short drive from cities like Durham and Chapel Hill.

We ventured into Chapel Hill, did some shopping, some eating and visited the campus of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which is the kind of college campus you see in the movies.

I think most people think Habitat for Humanity is all about building homes for people.

However, first, potential homeowners are required to contribute 350 hours of work on their houses and others (called “sweat equity,”) and the ability to commit to paying off a 0 percent interest mortgage.

Habitat for Humanity improves lives in so many more ways. With a house comes a much more stable life, meaning no jumping from school to school. Also, owning a home means a person can establish credit. This affiliate was established in 1989 and has grown tremendously since.

Proof of the the many benefits of Habitat beyond a roof overhead, is the fact that many of the first recipients are the first in their family to attend college.

March 12, 2012

Students head south for a Habitat build

By Amelia Houghton ‘14

Eighteen students are spending Spring Break building homes with Habitat for Humanity in Chatham County, N.C. (Photo by Amelia Houghton '14.)

Yesterday 20 of us left Quinnipiac at 7 a.m. in two white 15-person passenger vans to work with Habitat for Humanity in Chatham County, North Carolina.

The drive took about nine hours to complete – and was surprisingly faster than I expected.

We watched license plates, asked each other icebreaker questions, listened to CDs we made for the and, of course, did quite a bit of napping along the way. We traveled through New York, New Jersey, Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The gradual increase in temperature was a great welcome.

We stayed at a Best Western in Richmond, Va., which led itself to a learning experience in itself.

Let me explain: On the trip, we have groups which lead our nightly reflections that are intended to help us to get to know each other better, share our experience and grow as leaders.

Yesterday’s leaders told us that the hotel was booked for the wrong night and that there was nowhere in the area for us to stay. We discussed ideas of what to do and, as a group, concluded we would get dinner and then continue south and call other hotels along the way until we found one where we could stay.

We only found out later that it was all a learning exercise intended to bring us together to collectively solve the problem. We were able to share common fears and develop common solutions.

We were then able to go to bed early after a long day of traveling.

This morning, we packed the van at 7 before sharing an exceptional continental breakfast at the hotel. We got a nice taste of the South with biscuits and gravy for breakfast – well some of us did. I stuck to a waffle – before starting out on a three-hour trip to Pittsburo, N.C.

I am looking forward to everyone getting a lot closer. I think we are all starting to get to know each other and I am sure it’s only going to get better from here. I guess that’s what a nine-hour car ride will do for a group of people.

Students build homes in Michigan

Mary Simeoli ’12 wrote a journal for the Quinnipiac Wire on her experiences building homes for Habitat for Humanity over Spring Break:

 

March 13, 2011
Day 1:

Today is the day! We’re off to great places — and we’re just getting started. Everyone is nervous and excited at the same time. I don’t think it’s hit everyone yet that we’re on our way, that the trip is finally ready to begin; we’re just one (really long) car ride away from a trip we’ve been preparing for, for months!

Everyone is impressed by Director of the Office of Community Service Vince Contrucci’s packing skills, but he’s an expert so none of us feel too bad.

Just one small bag is all he needed compared to our duffle bags, backpacks, sleeping bags and copious amounts of snacks — that’s right, we’ve packed enough of those to require the use of the word “copious.”  When everything and everyone was finally in a place, we set out: Battle Creek here we come!

It didn’t take long for the Battle Creek crew to open up – 12 hours in silence was never a possibility for us! The Battle Creek rap got its start; our play lists were rocking and sing-along-able. We sang, and danced, and chanted and some of us slept.

Our Day 1 destination: Youngstown, Ohio. We arrived at the Youngstown Best Western, and after a long day in the car, we were excited to get the chance to run around a little bit.

We were all starving as we walked over to Perkins, a family-style restaurant chain.

Right after we ordered our food, Vince left the table with a phone call – it was the hotel. A pipe burst in one of the girls’ rooms! We had just arrived and already there was stress and frustration == but how did we handle the news? Emily, Julia and Andrea were upset. All their stuff – their laptops, clothes, phones – would it be OK? We stayed positive though and came to the conclusion that until we knew how bad it was we couldn’t worry and that if some things were damaged, insurance would cover it and we could borrow plenty of things from each other.

It turns out there was no need to worry – the “burst” was all a part of Emily Z. and Andre’s reflection. The topic was about change and new places, how we progress and how we adjust to situations. What happens when the agenda changes unexpectedly? What happens when what we wanted or expected is no longer the case?

It was an amazing first reflection and a great way to end our first day away from QU.

 

March 14, 2011
Day 2:

Driving, driving, driving: Are we there yet? We piled back in the car this morning (only to momentarily pile back out at Dunkin’ Donuts,) and drove out of Ohio, in and out of Indiana and finally to Michigan. About 20 miles before the Indiana state line, we started getting antsy — sing-a-longs, games and movie-quoting just wasn’t enough! Are we there yet? We all wanted to know, but we all already knew the answer.

By the time we reached Michigan, everyone had quieted down a little bit. We were ready to get out of the car, we were ready to begin our trip and we were nervous about what we’d find in Battle Creek.

We finally arrive! Battle Creek, Mich., here we are! We turn onto Michigan Ave., and pull into a somewhat vacant lot to a building with no windows….ummmmm is this where we’re staying? Everyone put a brave face on and jumped out of the van. Whoops! Wrong address! Joke’s on us, we pile back into the van!

Then there it was, for real! The Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity Re-Store (the 3^rd largest in the state, as we had learned from our research projects!) We walked around the building and all of a sudden we’re in the office – “Right this way!” says Barbara – through two doors and several hallways — then all of a sudden a big kitchen with a huge table.

This would be our home away from home for the next week. We go upstairs after unloading the van to find comfy chairs, a conference table, ping-pong, foosball, a pinball machine and tons of space. Eight tall-backed chairs make a circle around the old TV – a perfect place for reflections!

All of us agree that we’re by far the luckiest group! This place is amazing, and nothing like any of us expected! We have a room for the girls and the boys and tons of space to put our mattresses! Living in the lap of volunteer luxury, we are so blessed. We had anticipated sleeping in barns, or on wrestling mats – this facility far far exceeded any expectations we had!

Andre and Andrea made dinner – stir-fry and homemade egg roles! After we all ate dinner and everyone was showered, we sat down for our second reflection activity. Sarah and Emily D. hosted the reflection tonight. It was all about beginnings and arrivals. Starting a new journey in a new place. I was really impressed how open everyone was to sharing their experiences – hard times, fun times, good memories and bad memories. Each story we told gave way to different beginnings and endings we had experienced. We’re all nervous for tomorrow but we’re so excited! No matter what we know we’ll be there for each other.

 

March 15, 2011
Day 3, Work Day 1

Work Day One is finally here! After a good night sleep we were all up early and ready to go! We were all downstairs and finishing breakfast around 8 a.m. when Dirk and Mike came in. Mike is the Construction Coordinator for the Battle Creek Area Habitat and he’ll be our guide over the next week! He’ll be with us on all of our jobs, and showing us the ropes. Dirk and Mike are both incredible guys and the whole QU team really took to them right away. They’ve committed their lives and give their time to this amazing organization and as Habitat’s newest volunteers it’s truly amazing to see their passion for the work they do. We piled back into the van ready to start but having absolutely no idea what to expect….

Four or five on dry wall, two add metal corners, four more mudding…we arrived at our first property, only a few blocks away from the Battle Creek Welcome Center, hoped out and thrown right into work! Team drywall spent almost a half hour trying to set up the ladder in order to start putting drywall up on the ceiling. It was a slow start and I think we were all worried that the rest of the day would follow in that way but boy were we wrong! Once we started getting the hang of it time really flew! Before we knew it, it was time to head back to the Welcome Center for lunch! By the end of the day the ceiling was up and the downstairs walls were almost completely mudded and taped – the whole crew was covered in dust, mud, dirt, and work chips but I don’t think we could have been happier! There’s something very rewarding about using your hands this ways, especially when you know the work your doing is helping to change someone’s life.

The quotation from Dr. Seuss, “A person’s a person no matter how small” comes to mind – no matter how little our job seems, it’s still helping, we’re still contributing, and it feels incredible.

 

March 16, 2011

Day 4, Work Day 2

 

Work Day Number Two was off to the same start – up early but this time with a special treat! Spence made us all breakfast! Blueberry pancakes, eggs, and sausage – he told us they were going to feed us so they could work us harder and we were all okay with that! The “regulars” as they’re called in the office, that is the regular volunteers, only work on Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays, so we were going to be alone at the house today with Mike and Spence, which meant we had a lot of work to do!

We piled in the van…again…and today the work came a little more natural to everyone. We picked up our drills, hammers, and mud and went right to work!

Spence is an amazing person. He’s 72 and has the energy of a teenager. He’s full of fun and jokes but he’s also an amazing teacher. He let’s us try and make mistakes…only to make us try again. He’s incredibly patient and reassuring, and his love for what he does really shows. I think what we like best about our work is that we don’t feel in the way or like the staff is just keeping us busy – this organization runs on volunteers and the little time we are here means a lot of help for them. We have real meaningful work we’re doing, and we’re making a difference in the projects that we’re working on.

After two full days of work, the stress of school, the exams waiting for us when we return – all of those things were left at the door – we weren’t students or roommates or members of club for this week, there was no drama or stress – it was the 11 of us, our own new little family, our work, and our new friends.

After a full day’s work, the mudders had moved to the upstairs rooms, and the ceiling of the back room was completely dry-walled and the walls were halfway done.

 

 

March 17, 2011

Day 5, Work Day 3

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! How do you celebrate St. Patty’s? By insulating a roof of course! Off to a new property today with Mike and Spence! We drove about a half hour to our site this morning to a new property right outside of Battle Creek.

Today’s project: we’re adding venting boards to the upstairs of the house along the ceiling and boards to the beams in order to add several more inches of insulation. Andre and Emily Z. worked on beginning the insulation process on the back wall by fitting blue board to the wall and foaming the cracks. Emily D., Sarah, Denny, Andrea, and I worked on add the pink vents to the ceiling. Ryan, Julia, Nelly and Mike added the boards to the ceiling beams. Cutting, drilling, driving, foaming.

This was new work for us, but we were all excited to gain more experience in any way we could! The weather today was beautiful almost 70 degrees – instead of eating at the Welcome Center like we have for the past few days, we packed our lunches and ate on the house lawn and enjoyed the sun.

After lunch all the girls walked down the street to this little place called Alice’s Diner, we were all looking for a restroom – a place to wash up since the house didn’t have walls, let alone plumbing. We all expected the usual “Sorry, customers only” – we were covered in dirt, mud, orange foam and dust, no wallets in site even to buy a soda. But, that wasn’t how we were greeted – “Of Course, right this way!” We sat down at the counter and began talking to the two women who were working – one, both children are in the Marine Corps; the other, her daughter is still in high school. They asked us where were where from, what we were doing. “We’re here for spring break, we’re working on the house down the street with the Battle Creek Habitat…” we answered.

And then something we’ll never forget – “You all have a door straight to heaven.”

Not only did we not know this women, not only were we from out of town, not only did we come in all dirty and ask to use their bathroom – but we were greeted with warmth and kindness.

One of our group goals for the trip was to connect to the people and the community and I think we all realized today that we’ve done that. Mike, Spence, Dirk, and all the other volunteers, the homeowners – these were our friends. We all felt a little closer to Battle Creek today.

 

March 18, 2011

Day 6, Work Day 4

Our last work day in Battle Creek. It doesn’t seem real. Can the trip be over already?

This morning we went to our third site – a burnt down garage in Battle Creek. It was in a neighborhood that has several other Habitat properties. Not only was it dangerous but it was detrimental to the clean-up efforts of Habitat.

While Habitat cannot restore all of the houses that might need it, even though they would love to, the idea is that when a house in a rundown neighborhood is rehabbed, the owner of the property takes pride in their new home. They cut the grass, clean up garbage and plant flowers. The idea is that their neighbors then see how nice the house looks and begin to take more pride in their own property and therefore the neighborhood – little by little; the neighborhood improves in both image and in its sense of community.

With this property burned down, it takes away from the cleanliness of the area and discourages this pride. A small idea, but it really does have a big impact. Mike told me that sometimes, H4H offers to even just repaint surrounding houses to help spruce them up or helps neighbors of the property they’re working on clean up garbage in their yards. A little bit goes a long way in getting people in the community to join in.

This afternoon after lunch we went back to the summerset property. As the only volunteers there today, and it being our last work day, everyone felt the pressure to have a great work day – this was our last chance to give to Battle Creek, a community we have come to love.

All but one small half wall, which had the heating vent in it, was dry-walled; all of the first floor walls had been mudded and taped, the bathroom dry-walled and corners put up on every beam and doorway. Holes had been patched and insulation began to be put up outside to prepare for the new beige siding.

We clean our tools, pack the truck and head outside for one last power quack (Team Michigan’s own high-five call).

It was time for our final goodbye. Goodbyes to the house, and goodbyes to Mike.

Right before we set off for the van and got our final high-five send off from Mike, he said “Can I say a prayer for you guys? Would you mind if I did that?” We all stood in a circle, right there, dirty clothes, mud on hands and face, and bowed our heads. Again, Mike proves to be one of the most kind-hearted men we’ve ever met. His kind and thoughtful words touched our hearts.

We piled in for the last time.

Tonight while Julia, Nelly and Mike make dinner we’ll be cleaning the few rooms that have been our house for the last week. We have to mop and dust, clean the bathrooms. Everyone has picked their jobs – we promised the staff we’d leave the Welcome Center even cleaner than we found it.

We plan on pulling out tomorrow at 6 a.m., everyone’s getting ready and anxious about our 12 hour drive back, no one wants to leave.

 

March 19, 2011

Day 7

The wheels on the van go round and round, round and round.

We pulled out of the gate this morning at 6 a.m., Battle Creek was still dark, we were up and out at least two hours before the sun.

We piled into the car, with all of our stuff that had seemed to double during the week, I hoped into the driver seat, Vince with his trusty map and the rest of the team almost immediately fell back asleep!

We stop for coffee and then for lunch. Bathroom breaks, and snacks.

By the end of the ride we were all a little stir-crazy: “GET ME OUT OF HERE”

We were back in New York and then Connecticut before we knew it, pulling on to Whitney Avenue and we listen to the same song pulling into QU as we listened to pulling out almost a week ago.

“Waving Flag” plays with the volume turned all the way up, we were banging out the beat of the music on the walls and ceiling of the van, clapping, singing. This was the culmination of our entire trip. This was our new home-away-from-home family. We all feel a little heavy getting out of the van; our trip is over.

The trip to Battle Creek is over, but something else is just beginning. We can all feel it.

 

Peace, Love, Habitat.

Team Michigan, 2011

 

 

 

 

Students make a difference one nail at a time

By Tracy Najarian

The past couple of days here have been full of hope, laughter and community.

Tracy Diamond and Tracy Najarian work on the roof of one of the four homes in Alabama Quinnipiac students are involved with building. (Photo by Jen Walts, '10, 11.)

After our first day on the work site, we were even more energized and pumped up to “do work” on not one, but four Habitat homes.  Throughout the week, we’ve coined the term “do work” as our team motto.  Not only are we doing work in a physical way, but the phrase encourages us to reflect on why we’re here.

The Quinnipiac Bobcats are not the only workers on our site in Phenix City.  With over 100 volunteers at the site, it can be overwhelming with all of the hands that want to work for the same mission.  Yesterday, another QU student and I were determined to shingle a roof on one of the houses.  We felt invigorated and driven to climb up the ladder and make our mark on that home.

Staring at lonely nails, hammers and shingles was pretty overwhelming.  We asked for help from the other volunteers working on the roof.  They taught us the interesting art of shingling, and we understood the task at hand.  Despite the mental obstacle of being so high from the comfort of the ground, the excitement of putting a roof over a family really pushed us to put our hearts into our hard work.

I am so proud of my team for keeping spirits high, smiles wide, and attitudes positive so that we can offer service in an incredible way.  Not only did we shingle a roof or build a house, but we are providing a family a home to grow in.

Quinnipiac students get to work in Alabama

By Jen Walts ’10, ’11
Graduate assistant and trip co-organizer

The Quinnipiac team walks down a street of homes built by Habitat for Humanity volunteers on its way to the four houses under construction. (Photo by Jen Walts '10, 11.)

The sound of hammers is still echoing in my head after our first day on the work site. A day our team had been looking forward to has set quite the expectations for the rest of our work week.

Polite commands from our site coordinator were directed to our team members: “Go grab three 2×6 studs, and don’t forget to make them flush!”

I was forced to quickly recall some construction terminology and get to work.  Russell County Habitat for Humanity has been incredible to work with, and I’m simply amazed by their organization and dedication to community improvements.

I’ve served on several trips geared toward humanitarian efforts, but there’s something unique about the energy and commitment of Habitat volunteers.  Working alongside volunteers from Canada, Massachusetts, New York and Kentucky, Quinnipiac University’s Alternative Break Trip team has really brought some positive energy to the volunteer group as a whole.

Quinnipiac students have lead “power claps” after morning speeches from our site coordinator, and I think it’s about to become a routine energizer for our fellow volunteers.

Tracy Najarian, Chloe St. Rose and Tory Saba work on the roof of one of the houses. (Photo by Jen Walts '10, '11.)

On the site, we work with the other 100 Collegiate Challenge volunteers, Phenix City community volunteers and the Habitat coordinators and construction workers.

After an intense day of manual labor, you might imagine our fatigue got the best of our team’s morale.

However, our spirits were extremely high on day one, and I can honestly say most of our smiles and laughter are a general reflection of how welcoming and generous the community of Phenix City has been so far.

Not only are the southern twangs a bit catchy, but the free meals at local churches have provided us with some of the most interesting and rewarding conversations with members of this community.

The amount of “thank you’s” we received on our first day is very telling of how impactful this experience really is.  It feels odd to be thanked when we’re provided with so much here, and the amount of thanks we have for this community will certainly grow throughout the week.

Travis Moran puts together tresses. (Photo by Jen Walts '10, '11.)

The greatest thank you I received today was from a woman named Mary who pointed at one of the houses and told us it would be hers upon its completion.  I had just finished hammering in a few nails on the exterior walking of that same house.

A few team members and I stood with Mary and watched our fellow volunteers build the roof of her future home.

Check out more photos and details in our continuously updated Facebook album.

Heading to Alabama

By Anna Barczak ’11 and Jen Walts ’10, 11

Quinnipiac students join hands in South Carolina when en route to building four houses in Alabama on March 13. (Photo by trip leader Jen Walts, '10, '11.)

After 24 hours of driving south, it’s time for lights out in a college gymnasium filled with 100 volunteers and “comfortable” cots.

Our team has finally had time to settle in and reflect on our two-day adventure.  So, how did we pass the time all the way to Phenix City, Ala., from Bobcat nation?  The journey seems like a bit of a blur with some minor blunders and enthusiastic ice breakers at every rest stop.

Through New York, New Jersey, West Virginia and South Carolina, heads turned as our team stood outside several drive-thru’s chanting and singing songs.  There’s nothing like a hands-in cheer to bring the team’s spirits up before getting back on the road.

As we traveled further south, more strangers questioned our crazy rest stop antics.  It may have seemed we were a little eccentric as we danced through the parking lots, but we intrigued a few people to ask what our excitement was all about.  Our team members were eager to share our mission with anyone who asked.

There is something to be said about students who persevere in such an enthusiastic way.  Despite hours of traffic jams, two crammed vans and the angst of arriving at our final destination, it seems that these student leaders have a special perspective on getting there.  These past two days of traveling were just the beginning of our service experience in Alabama.

Each new day will present obstacles, and we’ll be challenged to think in new ways, remain positive and remember our goals.  We’ve accomplished our goal of physically getting here, but it’s time to re-energize and remember that getting there should encompass the mission of our service: to be selfless, to share our stories, and to inspire others to join in service.

Check out more photos and details in our continuously updated Facebook album.