Spring break is a time for most people to relax, unwind, and seek new experiences. In partnership with Georgia Tech Civic Engagement, Alternative Service Break (ASB) provides an opportunity for students to build connections and develop new perspectives through acts of community service. Georgia Tech employees can volunteer their time as a chaperone for ASC. Jalen Smith, Administrative Services Center business intel developer, initially passed on the invitation to participate with ASB. Once he learned that the program still needed a chaperone, he decided to get involved and challenge himself to do something new.
The Spring 2025 ASB trip took Smith to the boroughs of New York City, where he and eight students engaged with local organizations and their efforts to address a variety of social issues. Over the course of the week, they delivered meals to homebound residents, assisted at a food pantry by sorting and fulfilling grocery orders, helped prepare and serve meals at a soup kitchen, and supported a community center distributing clothing and toiletries to families in need.
Smith is no stranger to community service. Prior to this trip, he has volunteered at the Institute and with local service organizations in his local community. Going on the ASB trip reminded him of the social issues that remained persistent here in Georgia and the role that everyday people can play in solving them. Smith said, “I feel like getting exposure from an event such as this one where we were in another state allows people to think of ideas that they can bring back home to help their communities as well.”
Aside from invigorating his commitment to community service, serving as a student chaperone also deepened Smith’s sense of responsibility and leadership. He admired the willingness of the students to engage with community service and said “More than anything, I was happy that the students decided to do this because really they gave up their spring break to participate in an opportunity to give back to others.”
Throughout the trip, Smith learned to value the way that others worked, even if it was different from his own approach to solving problems. He realized that the will of individuals to work together towards a shared end goal is what makes teamwork successful, and he hopes to carry this idea with him to the workplace and beyond.
We can all take a cue from Smith and remember that giving back can start right here, right now. Whether it is through joining a future ASB trip or finding a way to contribute to the local community, Jalen’s experience is a reminder that community service is a powerful way to connect with others and even learn more about ourselves.