Wow! What an amazing weekend filled with such passionate and inspiring students. This weekend, I had the privilege of attending an Alternative Break trip specifically planned for trip coordinators to prepare us for OUR own ABP trips this year. If there is one word that describes what the Alternative Break Program is: Life-changing. Here are a couple of highlights of this unforgettable college experience:

•   All of us walk around the UCF campus and talk to many people. Some of us either occasionally glance or smile as you "awkwardly" pass someone. Each and everyone of those people has a story. A story that speaks about their life, experiences and their views of society. I mean, think about it, YOU have a story. Most of us have 20+ years of life, and that is just ONE person. Can you imagine what everyone elses' stories are? Do you know the story of the person sitting right next to you at this very moment or that friend you talk to everyday? 

•   So many people you'll never get to know, but yet again, who do you actually know?

•   It's incredible how sometimes we all think we know ourselves very well. However, the ABP program makes you realize things about yourself you had NO idea about. Whether it be your hidden biases, social issues you are passionate about, and most importantly why you are the way you are and how it is reasonable and perfectly okay for others to be different.

•   Embrace diversity. Being different=unique=you.

• When you are in high school, the people who you surround yourself everyday are known as your friends. When you enter college, you start to question the foundation of your friendship with these individuals. When you join ABP, you learn about the qualities you like in a friend and what kind of friend you want to be for others.

         I am so excited for the change we are going make on the UCF community with our alternative breaks this year! Please consider signing up on knight connect! It is a college experience you will always remember and talk about years from now.