Spring Break and Social Change
Over spring break 2014, Joyce LaLonde (AS/PC ’17) went to San Francisco with a group of Syracuse University students and staff members. As preparation for the trip, the group studied the world of Christian hegemony and the lives of the oppressed. Then, in San Francisco, they volunteered at Glide Memorial to learn more about the history, people, and participants in the over ninety-four foundation programs. The group served meals to the hundreds, met with people who ran some of the programs at the center, and attended programs such as “Speak Out”, a safe space for all to come and say what was on their mind in their lives.
The experience redefined civic engagement for Joyce who had this to say about her experience: “Day in and day out, I met some of the most miraculous people. Some were a true testament to radical inclusivity and unconditional love. Some were a true testament to the strength within each of us and the beauty of perseverance. Each person enriched my life, as I hope that I did the same for them…. The point of civic engagement is not about me. It is not about what I have done or how wonderful I am. It is about doors being opened. At Glide, doors were literally opened to all people. At a Catholic church we visited around noon, there were hundreds of homeless people sleeping in the pews.”
Spring Break 2014 helped Joyce grow as a person and as a contributor to society, and it also taught her that engagement is a never-ending process.