Moses Addai (2018-2019 ASB Alumnus)
Project: Disaster Relief Assistance in Puerto Rico
For every decision I now make, I try to analyze and predict the unintended consequence it may have on people around me.
Q: What was the most memorable or impactful experience in Alternative Spring Break (ASB)?
A: My most memorable experience was with Semillitas de Amor when we conducted a community census in Guaraguao Abajo for survivors of Hurricane Maria. We visited an elderly woman in her 60s whose house was heavily damaged by the hurricane. Her husband had become bedridden as his health declined following an infection he contracted from the effects of Hurricane Maria. She stated that the status of her house was not good and she needed to make major upgrades on the roof and other infrastructure. But she had limited resources, and that placed her in a dilemma: use the money to upgrade her house or take care of her husband’s health. Her story touched my heart, and it made me realize how natural disasters can put people in extremely difficult situations.
Q: Has your experience in ASB translated to your current endeavors (personally, academically, or in your career) and if so, how?
A: My ASB experience has motivated my subsequent decisions in all aspects of my life. For every decision I now make, I try to analyze and predict the unintended consequence it may have on people around me. In Puerto Rico, I met residents who passed up receiving relief funds from FEMA in order to ensure that those funds can assist and benefit others from low-income communities. This has inspired me to make sacrifices whenever I can to help people who do not have as many resources as I do to help them through tough times.
Q: What is the greatest takeaway from your experience?
A: The little effort we can make to help people goes a long way. After we repaired a building in Carolina, the owner of the building expressed heartfelt joy for our help. That positive energy alone from her reignited my passion for serving my community.
Q: What would you say to students considering the ASB program?
A: To students considering ASB, I would say the program is one of my best experiences so far and definitely worth the time and energy. I strongly recommend you apply in order to have the life-changing experience it offers.