Burnsville, North Carolina

(Left to Right: Jennifer Pavlovich, Stacy Johnson, Jennifer Grantham,
Katherine Hill-(Univ. Minister), Kimberly Osantowski)

ASB trip 2007:

Students had the opportunity to work with undocumented immigrants, a program which was initiated by a Jesuit Father Frank Reese, SJ and a Sister of Mercy Sister Peggy Verstege. The program is located in the Great Smokey Mountains of Appalachia. Burnsville, NC is located East of the Blue Ridge Parkway, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains located between Mount Mitchell (the highest point) and the city of Ashville. The students and I stayed in lovely home with members of Sacred Heart Parish. We worked beside Sister Peggy with undocumented women and children from Mexico. She was our guide and coordinator. Our mornings consisted of working with young children in order to prepare them to enter the school system and teaching their mothers English.We also worked with elementary studentsin orderto prepare them to receive the sacraments. This opportunity included learning about the histories and cultures of peoples who inhabit Appalachia; a tour of some of the Smokey Mountain sites; and to enjoy genuine Mexican food prepared by the women in the program for us each day. (Sr. Katherine)

"My experience in North Carolina is something that I'll never forget. I learned so much about different cultures. I learned more about myself. Most importantly, my experiences helped me to learn more about God and grow closer to Him. I'm very grateful to have had this opportunity."
- Jennifer Pavlovich-

"When going into Alternative Spring Break I was expecting to help others, but what I didn't realize was how much it would change me. This experience wasn't so much about helping others, but about growing as a person. This experience makes one realize how lucky they are and not to take things for granted."
-Stacy Johnson-

"When going on Alternative Spring Break it is like being immersed in a completely different world. It teaches you not to judge others because you do not know where they come from. It always teaches you to try and understand and learn about others instead of just agreeing with what others believe."
-Stacy Johnson-

For more information contact:
Sr. Katherine Hill
University Minister
Hillka@udmercy.edu
313-993-1560