A silhouetted man walks the beach.
Mandie Reish, a freshman from Littleton, Colorado and an animal and veterinary sciences major, is just one of the many students who will be participating in one of the alternative break trips in the upcoming week. As a freshman, this will be her first time participating in an alternative break. Mandie will be taking part in the sustainability trip that will be leaving for sunny San Diego bright and early Saturday morning at 3 a.m.
She was originally interested in participating in the trip that will be going to Utah to work with an animal sanctuary, but that trip was full. However, she is excited to be going to San Diego instead.
“It’s a chance to help a different community. Plus it’s in California and by the beach. Perfect for spring break,” she says. “I also think that it’s something different because most people don’t do this sort of thing.”
The trip will not consist entirely of sunbathing and relaxation, however, as those participating will be working to restore and clean up beaches and natural reserves in the surrounding areas.
While Mandie does not have any particular interests in sustainability, she does believe it is an important topic and that people need to find ways to be more sustainable.
As for what she hopes to take away from this experience? Friendship and a better understanding of what she can do in her own community.
“I hope to make some new friends and gain more insight into what I can do to help my community,” Mandie said.
By going on this trip, she is not only hoping to help the sustainability efforts in California, but she is also that it will have an impact on her life in the future.
“It’s something that can have a lasting impact on San Diego and on me,” Mandie said.
Keep checking in to meet more alternative breakers and to see how the crew does as they venture out to San Diego!
