Every year, Campus Ministry offers students a fun and rewarding opportunity to dedicate their spring break to service in a number of different communities through the Spring Break Experience (SBE).  I first heard about this program through my older brother, who went on a trip two years ago and had a great experience.  

I continued to hear about the program when I came to campus as a freshman.  Everyone who participated said they loved it, and those who had not wished they had. With these positive reviews, and the incentive of possibly participating in the summer two-week international immersions in following years, I decided to apply early in the fall semester.  

In October, I was informed that I had been accepted into the program, and a few weeks later met my group and learned that I would be traveling to Whiteriver, Arizona to work with the White River Apache Tribe on their reservation. This location is unique from the rest of the SBE locations because the majority of the focus is to be immersed in the Apache culture.

We spent months preparing for the trip, getting to know our group through community builders and meetings, and discussing issues surrounding reservation life. Going into the week, we knew about five things; we were staying on an Apache reservation, the Franciscan father we were staying with and his advisor were already praying for us and loved us, we would not have our phones and we were going to be living simply (no waste, pack lightly, and shower quickly and infrequently).   

We were strictly told to participate, not to anticipate. This allowed me to be completely present throughout the week with those we came in contact with and the stories they shared with us. Without the distractions of phones and the stress of plans, I was able to become an honorary member of the Apache tribe for a week and fully embrace the community around me.

SBE gave me the opportunity to gain a new perspective on global and national crises through the eyes of a group so often forgotten in our country today.  The love, hospitality, and openness of the Apache people as they shared their sacred traditions and beliefs as well as the harsh realities of reservation life and modern life’s effects on the environment.

In addition to the Apache people I was able to gain wonderful new friendships with the other St. Edward’s students in my group that I know will last a lifetime.  I would highly recommend SBE for anyone looking for a meaningful, eye opening experience.