1. Home
Penn State Scranton students pose outside of a schoolhouse in Puerto Rico

This semester, 16 students spent their spring break on a service trip to Puerto Rico, where they worked in several communities to help residents with clean-up and improvement efforts. Here, the group take time to pose for a group photo oustide one of the buildings they worked in.

Credit: Nikki Paolicelli
Three female students work on painting an outside garden wall

Students helped to beautify outdoor areas as well. These three students paint an outdoor garden wall on one of their work days in Puerto Rico.

Credit: Penn State
A female student paints a wall

Students worked on both indoor and outdoor projects during their week in Puerto Rico, and all said they experienced great satisfaction in being able to do something to help others.

Credit: Penn State
Male student clearing an outside area of overgrown weeds with a weed whacker

Students helped spruce up outdoor areas as well. Here, an area overgrown with weeds and vegetation gets a trimming.

Credit: Penn State
three students clean an outside wall

These three students work to clean an outside wall.

Credit: Penn State
Students pose for a group selfie outside

During their week in Puerto Rico on Alternative Spring Break, students made new friends and bonded through their experiences. Here, they pose with Interim Assistant Director of Student Services and Engagement Nikki Paolicelli for a group selfie.

Credit: Penn State

Penn State Scranton students make global impact in Puerto Rico

Scranton students spent their spring break this year in Puerto Rico for a service project aimed at supporting local residents and organizations.
By: Morgan Sewack

DUNMORE, Pa. – A group of Penn State Scranton students traveled to Luquillo, Puerto Rico during Penn State's spring break, where they took part in community service efforts as part of the campus' Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program.

The students volunteered in the local community, participating in various service projects aimed at supporting local residents and organizations.

Over 16 students worked in multiple communities restoring community centers, fixing sidewalks, working on future schoolhouses for children, cleaning up trash on the beach and digging trenches alongside hiking trails.

The experience provided many of the participants with an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zones and gain a new perspective on service, teamwork and cultural awareness.

Stepping outside of your comfort zone and forging lasting friendships

Delilah Jones, a first-year film production major, said the experience challenged her in unexpected ways. “I was uncertain about my ability to complete the trip because I’ve never done something so spontaneous like this,” she said. “With the help from everyone we were with and the community we were helping, it really pushed me through.”

In addition to helping communities in need, students also benefitted personally from the experience by forging strong connections and new friendships.

“I went on this trip not knowing anybody, but leaving this trip, I made so many new friends,” said Jayden Maher, a second-year animal science major. “Everyone made me feel so welcome, despite being in another country.”

Others said the trip offered perspective and a deeper appreciation for what they have.

“This trip helped me realize how much I take for granted,” said Ashley Reyes, a fourth-year information technology major. “I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to help others.”

Alexlania De La Rosa, a first-year psychology major, said the week-long service opportunity forced her out of her comfort zone -- in a good way.

“I feel like this trip made me realize how hard I can push myself and achieve, all while making new friends,” she said.

For some students, the trip marked their first time traveling independently.

“Towards the beginning of the trip, I was nervous because I’ve never been to Puerto Rico before and didn’t know anyone,” said Alexiana Alvarez, a second-year criminology major. “But as the trip went on, I feel like we all came together and bonded.”

Saige Duncan, a third-year psychology major, appreciated the chance to connect with others. “It’s hard for me to come out of my shell at times, but I’m so glad I did,” she said. “It allowed me to meet new people and create memories I’ll always remember.”

Deana Nieves, a third-year project and supply chain management major, was a returning ASB participant and said each trip offers new challenges and rewards. “I went on ASB before, so I had some idea of what to expect. However, I didn’t know many people on this trip, which concerned me at first, but we all came together as a team and made new friendships.”

Finding a balance between work and connection

“I came into this experience just thinking about how I was going to have a work-heavy attitude,” said Philippe Teyssonniere De Gramont, a second-year biomedical engineering major. “But it was definitely a lot of fun making friends and spending time in Puerto Rico together.”

Chris Voka, who is majoring in mechanical engineering, said the experience helped him grow socially. “I did enjoy meeting everybody, because I didn’t really know too many people on this trip at first,” he said. “I think what challenged me the most was going out and talking to people, because it’s something I’m not comfortable with most of the time.”

“I was originally anxious for this trip at first,” said Ivan Kayumov, a second-year cybersecurity major. “But once we got there and got into the role of things, I felt more relaxed than I thought I’d be.”

Leah Kellogg, a third-year student majoring in marketing and management, found inspiration in the work ethic of the local community. “The workers in that community inspired me so much,” she said. “They were waking up even earlier than we were to do things to better their own community.”

Student Brittny Francisco said the trip helped her form new connections that extended beyond the experience. “I enjoyed getting to spend time with people I had never even met before,” she said. “Now, coming back to campus, I just feel comfortable walking up to the friends I made on this trip and talking to them.”

Nikki Paolicelli, interim assistant director of student services and engagement and coordinator of student activities, accompanied the students on the trip and helped organize the experience.

“Although I love volunteering, and that fills my cup in many personal ways, being able to give students this experience and see them transform from start to finish is truly rewarding,” Paolicelli said. “I am so proud of all of them that went on this trip – they showed up every day and worked so hard.”

Advice for future students

Students were grateful to Penn State Scranton and to Paolicelli for the opportunity, with many agreeing that they would encourage others considering ASB to take part, saying: “Just do it. Step outside of your comfort zone and look at all the positive things you can accomplish.”

Alternative Spring Break

Penn State Scranton’s ASB allows participants to experience a fully immersive week-long service opportunity alongside fellow students and advisers.

ASB facilitates student-led service trips that focus on promoting social justice, fostering active citizenship and building community.

This volunteer service program, designed to encourage personal growth and reflection, provides opportunities for students to learn more about themselves, others, and the world around them through service to others.