Twenty-one trips, 19 cities, one week and a world of difference. For  Alternative Spartan Breaks, this was what was planned to give 183 participants and 42 site leaders the chance to volunteer around the U.S.

As a student who went on one of the trips this spring break, I can honestly say it was one of my favorite experiences I have had so far with MSU.

I knew I wanted to do an alternative spring break sometime in my college career because I had done a similar one in high school. However, this trip was different in a number of ways from my previous experience.

My group drove to New Orleans and worked for a non-profit organization called  lowernine.org. The organization works with families and residents of the Lower Ninth Ward to rebuild their homes from  Hurricane Katrina in 2005. So far they have re-built about 70 homes for these residents because the Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood was hit hardest from the levee breaches due to their closeness to the Industrial Canal.

After driving 17 hours and arriving to the house where the volunteers were going to stay, I’m pretty sure the entire group was having culture shock. The neighborhood was a bit run down and most of us were unsure of whether it was a safe place to stay. However, as the week progressed and we talked to the people around the neighborhood, we all learned that not only was it safe, but that the residents were so grateful we were there to help their neighborhoods get back to normal.

Staining and assembling an entire kitchen cabinet, demolishing a wall for more space and painting the side of a house were just some of the things our group worked on. Not only was it rewarding knowing that residents would benefit from our work, but it was fun. The people who run the organization and the crew leaders who helped us with projects on the house are dedicated to helping residents return home. Their passion and commitment to getting work done was apparent throughout the week.

Although volunteering for lowernine.org was the main reason everyone was there, experiencing the New Orleans culture and Mardi Gras atmosphere was something I particularly enjoyed. The authentic music, delicious food and celebration in the city from the various beads and energizing parades were vivacious. Even though there is still much to do to rebuild the neighborhoods, the attitudes of all the people we met were always positive. I could tell residents were proud of their city, which made me want to work harder to do my part and rebuild it.

I have to say, the other student participants on the trip are what I think added to the spontaneity, fun and overall experience. When going to group meetings before the trip, I was a bit nervous because I wasn’t sure if these people would like me or what it would be like going on a road trip with 11 strangers. After working, driving, eating, living together and doing almost everything as a group, it’s hard to believe that I became so close with a group of people who I had never met before. Looking back on the trip, I believe our willingness to volunteer and help in any way possible was something that made it easy for us to become friends. Every person brought something fun and unique to the group which made everything we did an adventure.

Yes, there were a few bumps in the trip, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Thank you ASB for making this trip possible, thank you New Orleans, and specifically the residents of the Lower Ninth Ward, for welcoming us into your lives and thank you to my new friends who made this trip unforgettable.

Christine LaRouere is a State News reporter. Reach her at clarouere@statenews.com