By ABBY BRAVO
Editor-in-Chief
Saint Rose students took time out of their spring break to travel to Washington D.C. on a service trip with the offices of community service and spiritual life to combat homelessness and food insecurity in the nation’s capital. There were 13 students in total accompanied by six faculty members, trip organizers Joan Horgan, director of spiritual life, and Niamaya Canady, assistant director of community service, included.
While this trip isn’t new, it had taken a short hiatus due to the pandemic. This trip, being the twenty-fourth of its kind, had some roadblocks along the way with winter weather as well as changes within the organizations. Sign-up processes looked different, volunteer organizations were taking smaller groups, and there were less volunteers in general due to COVID-19.
This time, students worked with many new organizations as well as some old ones. Martha’s Table, a returning organization, was a huge contributor to their volunteer work with programs like Martha’s Outfitters, McKenna’s Wagon, and Maycroft Market, where students were given many different opportunities and work environments. Other organizations include Charlie’s Place, which the group has also worked with in the past, Bread for the City, Capital Area Food Bank, and Capital Hill United Methodist Church.
Out of these locations, McKenna’s Wagon was a favorite as it was one of the only opportunities that students got to directly interact with and help people. Four students at a time were able to go in a van and drive to multiple scheduled locations to give out food to those in need. Pre-made bags and hot meals were transported from Martha’s Table to these locations every single day.
“Going to McKenna’s Wagon and seeing the level of community and seeing the level of kindness they have for each other… it was really moving,” said Elle Petrucco, a senior history major at the College.
Outside of their volunteer work, students were preparing to speak to congressional leaders both in the Senate and the House, about issues surrounding food insecurity and homelessness as well as share their personal stories. Students were split up into three groups and each prepared to meet with one of three congresspeople. These three were Albany representative Paul Tonko, and the offices of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer.
“I think it’s really exciting to see students exercising their voice in our governing processes,” said John Dion, a business professor at the College and trip chaperone. Dion was able to accompany the group that spoke with Congressman Tonko.
“A very powerful moment was having the opportunity to speak on behalf of others who are unable to express their struggles. Even if the change is minimal, it gives me greater faith that it will come about someday,” wrote Lamiya Farid, a junior at Saint Rose, in an email.
The issues being discussed were not unfamiliar to many of the students on the trip. “A majority of the folks in our group had some history with the very issue we were there to talk about… the distinctive piece was how courageous people were about sharing their stories for a cause,” said Joan Horgan, director of spiritual life, and trip founder.
“We hope that every trip brings up more than just the satisfaction of service, we hope that it gets people thinking and wondering about how they can bring some of that home,” said Horgan.
That message was well received within this group as students were inspired to continue the work here in Albany.
“The resources we saw in Washington, D.C., is something we hope to see here in Albany, I believe, thanks to the increased awareness this trip has generated,” wrote Farid.
“I think that when we are in college we end up in a bubble, and community service can be a way for us to get out in the world and really do something good,” said Petrucco.
The students came together with a fiery passion to help those in need, and it was seen by many throughout the week. “I couldn’t be more proud of our students… I feel proud to have been devoted to the students having this experience for this many years and to keep being able to do it,” said Horgan.
The community that was created during the trip was something highlighted by a lot of attendees.
“I think it’s really rare that we find a group of people that are as diverse as us, but also get along and are able to mesh together so well. I think everybody brought a different perspective… It made the whole trip,” said Petrucco.
Shalom Place, a hostel in Washington D.C. was home for the students for the week, and everyone came together to make it feel like one.
“The sense of community that I felt as we were preparing a meal, as a family, was really special,” said Dion.
There was a lot of love for both Horgan and Canady for putting this trip together, and many students plan on promoting the trip as well as going on it again if they are able.
“It’s not something that you’re going to get from doing it with someone else besides Joan, she’s done this trip so many times and she knows how to put it together like nobody else does,” said Petrucco.
There are a lot of different places that could be on the table for future trips that are in the planning process. “Joan and Niamaya are always looking to strengthen the trip,” said Dion.
No matter where the next alternate break trip brings Saint Rose students, the importance of service and advocacy will be at the forefront.
“The most meaningful lives that we can have will be some version of any one of us putting our life towards something that betters somebody else’s life,” said Horgan. “When we don’t do that we’re going to wonder why life feels a little empty,” she added.
