Down Time and an Inspiring Talk

This morning, we had some participants go to the SAC in the morning to work with the kids in the program. The group made banana pancakes with the kids. They also did a little arts and crafts by coloring the different vegetables and creating different salad bowls. In the mean time, I stayed back and helped with the filming of our digital story (which we are so excited to share with everyone once it is finished). After lunch, we met with Tammy, the director of the Family Child Care Food Program. Although her office is based in Huntington, she told us that she has traveled to some rural areas around the city of Huntington and that her conversations/meetings could go up closer to 3 hours. She started off her discussion with us by introducing the history of why family traditions are so significant in this area. Then, she explained to us what she does with the primary care providers to the kids. She definitely opened my eyes to the kids' perspective on food and nutrition. Her passion was very clear in her voice and the stories that she shared with us. I found her story very inspiring! As someone who usually puts others above herself, I drew a lot of connections between Tammy's story and my own. One of the many take aways for me from our conversation is how important it is to take care of myself first instead of always feeling the need to offer advice to others.

An unprivileged place

We went back to the Boys and Girls Club today to play with the children. I listened to the stories of these children, some of who talked about unfortunate things that have happened to them in the past. In our reflection on Tuesday evening, we learned about privilege. We realized that some people happen to more privilege than others based on a variety of circumstances (such as socioeconomic status and identity). For others, it is significantly harder to reach goals no matter how hard they try. For example, it is likely that I would be able to reach my goals much easier, on average, than these kids who have similar goals, simply because I come from a more privileged background. Although the children's stories came as a shock to me, going to the Boys and Girls Club made me realize that based on their circumstances, these kids think that their lifestyles and histories are just what they are and that there's nothing to do about it. It made me uncomfortable that they so unwillingly accepted something that shouldn't have to happen to anyone, much less a child.

In the end, this is unfortunate, and it shouldn't have to be like this. I've been to a Boys and Girls Club in a different location with higher tier staff and training, which makes an obvious difference in how kids enjoy the experience. But this facility in Huntington fosters the feelings of disinterest and indifference that are otherwise reinforced at home or school. While it makes me feel more fortunate that I grew up under privileged circumstances, it also makes me feel terribly sad for these children who have little guidance or supervision in such an unhealthy environment.

Monday funday

Hello!

So yesterday, was our first day of service. Prior to that, I did not know what to expect but I was very excited. Almost like getting ready for my first day of school! When we got there, we first went to the gym and played with the boys and girls. At first, it was not that many of then more and more kids showed up. I spent a lot of my time in the computer room, at a coloring station/table. While I was there, I was able to have conversations with a lot of the children and see them interact with each other. I learned a lot of the children come from big families. They also have a lot of energy! lol. Overall it was a great day :)

Marilyn

Welcoming with open arms

This last Sunday we had the opportunity to attend the church service of the church we are staying at this week, and I expected them to be welcoming to us, but the reception we received was incredible. From the moment we walked into the church everyone smiled and introduced themselves to us, rather than give us looks as "the outsiders" that I had been expecting. The pastor even discussed "gospitality", a combination of gospel and hospitality during the children's sermon and later talked about acceptance of everyone as a fundamental part of Christianity.

The welcome we received makes me very optimistic that church's in this area are incredibly active in this community, and while all of them may not be directly focused on child nutrition and obesity, they are certainly making an impact on Huntington.

Kids these days

I guess I haven't spent an extended period of time with middle school girls in a while, but today was an eye-opening experience for me. I spent the day at the Boys and Girls Club of Huntington and quickly attached to three girls, probably 12 years old. The girls seemed just like I did in middle school at first, trying to fit in but also having fun on their own. Then the conversation got deeper. The girls casually talked about having a parent in jail or getting suspended from school or even having classmates locked up. The topics came up so naturally and they shared openly about these issues that seemed so monumental to me. The trio were also much less naive that I was at their age, talking about boys and using language I didn't know the meaning of at 12. I was shocked at how fast they seemed to be growing up, but it was normal for them.

Today made me appreciate the world I've come from, the way I've grown up and the opportunities I've had. The positive influences in my life never felt as important as they did today. I am so grateful for the people who pointed me in the right direction and and the environment in which I was raised. I hope that in the few days I have the chance to interact with teenage girls at the Boys and Girls club that I can be at least one positive influence in their lives. They may not remember me or my name, but I hope they'll remember some of the things we've talked about and the good lessons I've tried to instill.

A Revealing Conversation

We spent our whole day at the Boys and Girls Club today. It was a little awkward at first because there weren't that many kids, but after about twenty minutes we were able to get some games going in the gym. We used half the court for basketball, and in the other half we played freeze tag and then a surprisingly successful game of "Red Light Green Light" (to which I added a challenging "Blue Light" and "Purple Light"!). After a rushed lunch, the games disbanded and both kids and volunteers spread out more through the building. After playing outside on the jungle gym and with the tetherball pole, I spent most of the afternoon with the same three or four girls. We looked for bamboo among the straw, built straw houses and bird's nests, played tic tac toe, colored, played foosball, swung on the swings, and did gymnastics on the parallel bars. Most of the day was spent in unstructured, unsupervised play, in breaking facilities (excluding the playground) and with limited resources.

It was during this time that I had a really shocking conversation with one of the girls. She's only 8 years old, but what she's dealt with so far is far more than ANYone should have to face, much less someone as young as she is. She told me about how she's been the new kid in three different schools so far this year; how her family's been evicted from her old house, and can't return to get the rest of their stuff; about how her cousins live with the rest of her family now because their mom neglected them. She spoke about it all so matter-of-factly, just as if she were explaining a school project or something equally routine. After the conversation, we went right back playing house, or whatever we were doing at that time. That conversation revealed a lot about the community we were working with. Just realizing how tough some of the kids' lives are, how much they have to deal with at home, how much the odds are already stacked against them, reinforced how much they need and deserve a safe, enriching environment to spend their days in. It's frustrating to see how they don't really have that, at least during school vacations.

I know we can't fix anything in the three days that we'll spend there, but hopefully just having someone that happily plays with and patiently listens to them is helpful.

A Strong Sense of Community

Both our conversations with the churchgoers at Central Christian and our scavenger hunt through Huntington revealed a lot about the community we'll be working in and the resources they have access to. Overall, the city seems to fit the stereotype of a not-particularly-wealthy small town in the middle of nowhere. We were able to drive through most of it in about an hour, passing small houses next to empty lots and auto shops, mostly fast-food restaurants and chains interrupted by the occasional local establishment, lots of small specialist health practices and urgent care facilities, few spaces for public enjoyment, and no bus stops--if you live there without a car, you're pretty much stuck. One thing that struck me was, despite it being a beautifully sunny Sunday, there was almost no one outside. Based on all of those observations, it sounds like a pretty miserable place. But, the people we spoke with were so welcoming and seemed genuinely so happy--many of them had grown up here, found jobs here, raised a family here. The churches seems to build strong communities, and there are many of them. So perhaps being "stuck" is not the way the community members feel about living in Huntington. Culturally, they seem to have different values than those I'm used to being surrounded with and influenced by in a college setting and urban lifestyle--they value religion, routine, homemaking, family, neighborliness, and maintaining long-term connections. It's a strong community where people truly care about each other.

What a beautiful day...

Friendly faces. Smiles. Warmth. Hospitality.  This is what we were welcomed with upon meeting members of the Huntington community and church congregation. They made me, and I'm sure the rest of the squad, feel appreciated and wanted.  It was good seeing the faces of the community. The church service some of us attended was really nice and short.  The message of "who would Jesus deny?" was convicting  in the sense that no matter who you are, what you have been through or done, Jesus will still love and won't deny you.  FOOD. The potluck/lunch the congregation gave to us was wonderful and it was even more amazing to just interact and converse with the members.  They were really friendly and open.  The Huntington Hunt was fun! We were able to see most of the city such as what facilities and restaurants are available to the community; and even the local college.  The Hunt allowed me to see some of the similarities and differences of Huntington and College Park.  There are only a few grocery stores, vast amount of fast food restaurants and a lack of exercise facilities.  These were some of the factors we took into account when thinking about how/why obesity in this area may be an issue. The reflection activity was REAL. It's one thing to think and write about occurrences in your life but it's another to express them to others. It took some courage to express some aspects of my life but that was a part of me being vulnerable, which I'm trying to work on. Vulnerability brings closeness and connections; and I think that's great for our squad! :-) Looking forward to the rest of week!!!

Girls rule, boys drool

This morning we were graciously welcomed into the community by members of the church. It was such a great way to start the week and was really comforting since I do feel very far away from my home town. 

As we toured the town on our scavenger hunt, I thought it was a very interesting place. I felt there was a lot of disconnect in certain areas- especially having Marshall University being right there. Some parts of the town seemed really cute and put together, while other areas were run down and abandoned looking. Touring the town with our knowledge of the existing health problems, really made me think more about the underlying variables influencing these issues. 

Overall, today was a great day and I really enjoyed bonding with everyone on a deeper level. It really helped put everything into perspective that even though we all are fortunate enough to be students at college park, the life paths of how everyone got there are very different. 

I am looking forward to field day tomorrow and can't wait to actually get our service on! 

The Huntington Hunt

Hello from Huntington. Today started with a service at the church and a pizza lunch with the community. It was a great opportunity to meet some of the members of the church in the Huntington community. The people were extremely warm and welcoming and made us feel right at home.
In the afternoon, we split into teams to perform a scavenger hunt throughout the city. It allowed us to see the demographic of the town and more importantly the food availability and health options for the community. The area is a lot different than the community I grew up in. There are few grocery stores, and a large amount of fast food restaurants. A lot of the town was run down and there was a lot of poverty. I am looking forward to interacting with the community more throughout the week and seeing what other great people are here!

Day 1

Today's scavenger hunt gave me a realistic vision of Huntington. I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but this wasn't it. Huntington seems like a very small, secluded town. It's interesting how the town is so different from the Marshall University campus right nearby. It's similar to the vast difference between UMD's campus and the town of college park. While driving around, I noticed a lot of run down, abandoned buildings and houses- some seemed forgotten. The people we interacted with at the church were so welcoming and so happy to have us. Their hospitality and warmth was so nice. After reflection tonight I'm really looking forward to getting to know my group on a deeper level as we explore and help Huntington together this week. I'm so glad I came on this trip and it's only day two!

The Huntington games. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Hey! Obama here, I mean..."Hydroxide". I'm a junior bioengineering major and premed. I love acting and comedy, I'm also really into sports. *Now, let me be clear*... A few years ago my family and I decided to make the switch to a healthier life style, that has had a positive impact on us both physically and mentally. Ever since I've been health aware and wish to be able to share that with others. However I know that not everyone is able to afford that life style. I hope through this trip I'm able to positively affect other peoples' lives and I hope that I along with everyone I interact with, experience a life changing or dictating week. 
Believe in CHANGE in AMERICA. <---*insert wat meme here* 

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

Hello readers!

Lyss here (it's short for Ellyssa); I’m a junior, nutrition major at the University of Maryland.  I am currently on an alternative spring break trip in Huntington, West Virginia for the week.  I'm excited to work with the youth of this community on the importance of health and nutrition wellness.  I’m also looking forward to getting closer with my fellow peers, which also care about community nutrition and wellness, on this trip.  After watching the documentary, A Place at the Table, I’m fully realizing the extent to which my own country has food insecurity.  Presenting both the quantitative numbers and qualitative stories of the people effected by food insecurity further motivates me to help proactively stop this problem.  I’m anticipating this week will be rewarding in my growth as an individual and I can have an impact, even is small, on the children I’m working with.

Hello from Huntington!

Hi there,

My name is Linh, and I am the staff advisor for this alternative break trip. I am currently a graduate student in the Student Affairs concentration at the University of Maryland, College Park. I am from Vietnam and have been studying in the U.S. for about 10 years now. I love traveling, and I am passionate about experiential learning as a part of cross-border higher education. I have some background in nutrition from undergrad, and that's one of the many reasons I am SO excited for this trip and all of the community partners we will be working with. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us make this trip possible. Biggest shout outs to in the LCSL office and my cohort members :) Here's to 7 days of service, bonding, learning, and growing!

With love always,

Linh

"Knock, Knock"

Hey!! My name is Whitney. I'm a junior Kinesiology major at UMD and hoping to become an occupational therapist some day. For this AB trip I'm most excited about working with the kids and interacting with the Huntington community! I hope to walk away from this experience with a new mindset than the one I came in with!

Hey, Joanna here.

I'm a supply chain and marketing double major in the Robert H. Smith school of business in the University of Maryland.  I'm typically pretty quiet, but I would describe my mind to be louder than most.  I find it easier to express things when I've thought through them first.  I'm both a creative and logical thinker, and I work with multiple perspectives to get the results that benefit everyone.  I love participating in community service events, and I can see myself helping people in any future work I choose to partake in.  Even though I'm shy, I love being around company, and would also like to have the experience of stepping out of my comfort zone.  One of my biggest goals is to become more connected with people, and I think that's something I can really achieve with motivation and persistence.

One of my biggest features is that I'm an artist.  I find it relatively easy and enjoyable to express myself through art and writing.  I hope to meet people who can sympathize with my passion. 

Day 1 !

Hey guys it's Olivia! I am currently in my senior year and I am spending last spring break with some awesome Terps in West Virginia striving to improve Child Wellness. During our first reflection talk we opened up so much, which enabled me to see the great people that make up the University of Maryland body. I look forward to making a difference that will change the West Virginia community and University of Maryland campus!

Hi! My name is Clara and I am a junior dietetics major at UMD. I am super excited about being in Huntington for spring break. I cannot wait to meet new people and make new friends.  I am hoping to learn a lot this week through helping others and forming new friendships. This week will be a great adventure!

-Clara Ehrman

Hey everyone!

My name is Angela Zalesak and I am a junior Kinesiology major. I am very passionate about fitness and health so this trip really stood out to me as another opportunity to get engaged in this area in some type way, and hopefully make a difference. I have never been to West Virginia before or anywhere in the area so this week is already an adventure. I am excited to work with children and engage them in some sort of physical activity and just have all sorts of fun. On a deeper level, this trip will really be an eyeopening experience for me that hopefully will last forever.

I am really looking forward to this week and can't wait to get started!

-Angela

Marilyn's Post

Hello World!

My name is Marilyn and I am a junior Behavioral and Community Health Major at UMD! (Best school ever). I am excited for this Alternative Spring because I love working with children and I am passionate about the issues discussed. I believe that children are the future and so any and all time invested into their well-being is of great importance. It can only benefit the larger society. I am enjoying my time so far as this is the first night here. I've learned a lot about the people on my trip and I'm excited to be spending this week with them! :) We've played lots of games and talked about things that are important to us. The drive here was long but not bad at all - maybe except for the rain that we had to drive but it was cool. I honestly do not know what to expect when we go do service work but I'll see how it goes and report back to you all! Hope you enjoyed reading this so far. Got church in am. See you.

Marilyn

Tali Cohen's Introduction

I'm Tali Cohen, a sophomore Studio Art and Secondary Education double major. Having grown up with a dietitian for a mother, I've always loved cooking and healthy eating, but it wasn't until I got much older that I realized how lucky I was to always have that option and access. Since coming to the University of Maryland, I've become really interested in food justice, community nutrition, and sustainable urban agriculture. On this trip, I'm excited to begin learning, from our service partners in Huntington, about how to create a food just world.

Hi everyone!

My name is Ben Cornwell and I am a junior Physiology and Neurobiology and Business Management double major. I am really excited for my second ASB experience to Huntington, WVA! I'm looking forward to meeting lots of new people both through our community partners and all the other participants on the trip. I hope to be able to gain a better understanding of the many different components of child health care and obesity, and how I can hopefully impact children in the future as an aspiring pediatrician.

I'm so excited!

Hi! I'm Tessa, a sophomore Broadcast Journalism major and I'm very excited to be embarking on my first Alternative Break Experience! I've never been to West Virginia before so I'm interested in learning about the culture and people of Huntington. I really enjoy working with younger kids, so I'm looking forward to interacting with all ages at our different community partner sites. I can't wait to make new friends on this trip :)

Alan's Intro Post!

My name is Alan Skolnik. I'm a senior Biology/Psychology double major who is interested in entering the field of medicine. My interests include racquetball, soccer, music, movies, and hanging out with friends. I'm so excited to be participating in the Spring 2015 Alternative Breaks trip to Huntington, West Virginia! I hope to contribute as much as I possibly can to improve the condition of this wonderful community and become a more enlightened, understanding person in process!

Greetings from Huntington, WV!

My name is Michael Tzeng and I am one of the experience leaders for this alternative breaks experience. I am a senior pursuing a double-degree in biochemistry and biology. I am very excited for this experience because I am very passionate about the issues of childhood health and nutrition. After watching the documentary, A Place at the Table, I was surprised at how large of an issue childhood hunger really was in this country. I was also interested in the links that the documentary made between hunger and obesity in children. It showed that these issues were interconnected and had widespread effects. I was also surprised at how the government was creating legislation to address this issue. After watching this, I was motivated to learn more about the legislation addressing these issues. Overall, I am very excited for my final alternative breaks experience as an undergraduate student. I hope that I can make a lasting impression on others and participate in memorable experiences.