It’s the week before school starts and instead of packing for her first day of school, first-year UofL student Stevelle Anderson was kayaking down the Chicago River, braving a capsize to clean up trash.

“We had a quick demo on how to kayak at the dock and after I started paddling, I quickly got the hang of it. However, when I was collecting trash, I felt something brush up on me, presumably a spider and started freaking out and capsized,” said Anderson, a student in the School of Public Health. “Luckily a friend nearby helped me get back on. Even though I did fall, it was still a great first experience I never would’ve had if not for the ASB service trip.”

This summer, the Office of Service Learning and Civic Engagement led six UofL students on a five-day alternative service break (ASB) trip to Chicago. Unlike typical vacations, ASB programs prioritize direct service and addressing the specific needs of local communities.

“Students are expected to approach the experience with flexibility, a servant-leadership mindset and a willingness to step outside their comfort zone,” said Alarah Gillum, UofL’s community engagement specialist.

The students worked with two organizations: one focused on environmental justice and another on housing justice.

The first site, Urban Rivers, a nonprofit focused on restoring city waterways, introduced students to grassroots efforts using floating piers to reintroduce natural habitats. Located on the Chicago River’s Wild Mile, the floating dock, made of recycled materials, provides shelter for fish, animals and insects.

Urban Rivers staff taught the students how to kayak, and they then set out on the Chicago River, collecting trash along the way.

“This experience was eye-opening and transformative,” said Isaiah Cruz, a first-year biology student in the College of Arts and Sciences. “The trip made me realize how much is out there in the world and how complex it is. Working with Urban Rivers, I was able to see how people are working to clean the river and make it a place of growth for the community.”

The second site, Ignite Promise, serving over 500 unaccompanied youth, introduced students to the causes and consequences of youth homelessness in Chicago. UofL students volunteered at Belfort House, a transitional shelter, by weeding, cleaning and decorating rooms.

“Seeing how Ignite was able to house kids from across the country was also very interesting, I loved learning about how they undertake their mission and the steps they take to ensure that the youth go into society with the skills needed to be successful,” said Cruz. “This trip made me realize I want to work closer with legislation so that projects like these can be supported instead of restricted.” 

One of the biggest treats for students was the ability to connect with alumni. The University Alumni Center arranged a meeting with Bri Salsman ’08, an author and certified life coach. When Salsman learned about the students’ visit to Chicago, she eagerly agreed to not only meet with the students, but to also volunteer alongside them.  

“Having worked in higher ed in the early part of my career, it’s always a treat to get to interact with college students,” Salsman said. “When I learned they planned to serve the community, and I couldn’t help but serve alongside them. We shared meals, exchanged stories, and helped improve the living conditions of neighbors getting on their feet.”

Students interested in serving locally alongside other students can sign up now for the Office of Service Learning and Civic Engagement’s first West End Weekend, Nov. 9-10, 2024, in the Portland neighborhood West End Weekends are a local opportunity for students to volunteer in their own community. Students will stay on campus but be transported to service sites in the West End of Louisville, working with non-profits on Saturday and Sunday.

The next out-of-state trip for ASB will be to Flagstaff, Arizona in March. Applications are due Jan. 15.

For more information, follow @UofL_SLCE on Instagram.