The time between the end of Winter term and the start of Spring Term is anxiously awaited for many TRIO students as it signifies a start to warmer weather (sometimes) and a time of rest, relaxation, and resetting. However, for some students, spring break is a time to explore their interests, engage in their communities, and work towards their lifelong goals. Check out a couple of our TRIO students and their spring break adventures.
Simon Noble ‘27- Serving in the Community Through the Borderlands Program
This spring break, I went on the Borderlands program with nine other students, led by Fernando Contreras Flamand and Xavier Tavera Castro. Together we explored what life is really like in the borderlands region of Arizona and México, learned how various policies impact real people, and how various groups are working to help people despite those policies. Fernando told me about the program while it was still in the works, so I heard about it (and decided to apply) very early on in the process! This opportunity allowed me to hear real stories and achieve my goal of learning what I could do in my own community to help people negatively impacted by social injustices. It also strengthened my Spanish skills, which has been a big goal of mine since coming to Carleton!
Kaiqi Chen ‘29: Exploring Sustainability at Wolf Ridge
This spring break, I went on a CCCE trip to Wolf Ridge, an environmental learning center in Finland, MN. I learned about it through the CCCE email outreach. There, I volunteered at their organic farm where I learned about environmental stewardship and took part in their sustainability efforts by helping with composting and planting microgreens. I also participated in an environmental education class where I learned about Northwood mammals and saw the importance of agricultural and stewardship based service learning for youth. This hands-on experience has inspired me to research opportunities offered at Carleton such as the Sharing our Roots farm and arboretum fieldwork. I hope to also start taking environmental science classes next year so I’m really excited for that!
Paige Peters ‘29: Building Connections Across Language Barriers in Tecate, México
This spring break, I went to Tecate, México for a medical mission trip through an organization called GMMA (Global Medical Missions Alliance)! I learned so many amazing things from medical work, faith, and building connections despite language barriers! This opportunity helped me improve my Spanish, build adaptability in a variety of situations, and develop problem-solving skills, which will definitely help me in my future career and education!