Condom Crusading and Subway Exploring

Quote of the Day

“Take my condoms.” – David

“Okay” – Everyone

And that was how our first service day went (for some of us, at least). Today, we volunteered at the ASCNYC (not ASBNYC, which is us). ASCNYC is a non-profit organization based in New York that is committed to helping people affected by chronic illnesses, specifically HIV/AIDS. The three main facets of the organization are healthcare management, peer-to-peer education, and harm reduction and substance abuse services. There, we split up into three groups (serving lunch to clients, making hygiene/safe sex kits, and outreach. From the stories, we would say the outreach group had the most interesting experience. They handed out safe-sex kits on the street of New York City. People were generally hesitant to ask for these kits, which is understandable considering the stigma that surrounds sex/ HIV/ AIDS. This was clearly evident as indicated by the high levels of “stank face” received by some of the older passersby (and the Bible Crusaders). Also, Fun fact of the day: Apparently, three years ago, having more than three condoms on your person in NYC was illegal because they classified you as a “sex worker.” However, if we approached people with the kits, a majority of them ended up taking them – only because it was for their sons, of course. This shows that these kits are something that is necessary, something everyone needs. And the only thing that keeps them from openly accepting is the surrounding stigma. Overall, the group gave out 250 kits. Now that sure is a lot of safe sex amirite? Lolololololololololol.

After we finished volunteering relatively early, our trip leaders told us to get lost… in NYC. Just kidding, they told us to let them know where we were going first. Our group decided to explore the High Line, which is an old train track turned into a park. We spent about 2 hours in the park and another 2 navigating the subways back and forth. However, in between those two periods, we visited the Chelsea market and had a bunch of gelato, which was super-duper wonderful. I even got a secret present from Fat Witch bakery for our trip-mate, Valery – shhhhhhhh….

After we got back, we ate some super-duper amazing pasta (thanks Hannah and Fatima). Then we came upstairs and started writing this monstrosity. I hope you’re happy now.

Peace out home dawgz.

Anjali and David

Hey everyone, my name is Fatima and I am a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park. I love sports and as a result, I am majoring in Kinesiology. After undergrad, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in Public Health. I think this trip is relevant to what I want to do in my future because I love to help others. Populations that are diagnosed with HIV/AIDS is something I am not familiar, so I am eager to see what this experience has to offer in order for me to learn and grow!

Saturday was an interesting day to say the least. On a rainy day, we pack our bags to New York to be welcomed by rain, traffic and tremendous confusion. After hours of traveling on the infamous NY subway system, we reached our destination at the Jan Hus Presbyterian Church. The church staff welcomed us with open arms and greeted us with direction. After endless walking, Jan Hus had a surprise in store for us – five more flights of stairs. All members including myself, finally found relief when we entered the place we were calling home for the week. Eager and curious, we explored our surroundings and learned more about the building located at 531 E 74th Street. Our real first bonding event, was paired up with famous New York style pizza in a variety of yummy toppings. The end of this welcoming dinner marked our first day in the city that never sleeps.

Meet Stephen! :)

Hi! My name is Stephen. I am currently a junior who is majoring in general biology. I am interested in pursuing a career in dentistry. In my spare time, I like to practice playing piano and attend classical concerts on campus. I am very excited to go to New York and interact with HIV/AIDS patients while meeting community needs and learning about and building upon community assets.

Meet Crissy! :)

Hello, my name is Janeila (Crissy) Benjamin. I am a sophomore Animal Science major. I love being around animals, especially kittens, and I enjoy traveling and learning about new cultures. I hope to continue my love of traveling and learning through this alternative spring break trip. I want to learn more about HIV/AIDS and how I can help spread knowledge about these diseases to help society.

Meet Anjali! :)

Hey, my name is Anjali! I am a freshman Government and Politics major in the Justice and Legal Thought Scholars Program. I am from Waldorf, MD, which is located in Charles County. Originally, I was born (and lived for nine years) in Ottawa, Canada. On campus, I am part of the University Student Judiciary. In my spare time, I love to read mystery novels and watch TV shows, like Castle and Hawaii Five-O (and, my guilty pleasure, The Voice). I am very excited to participate in my first Alternative Breaks Trip! It will give me an opportunity to explore subjects outside of my major as well as meet wonderful new people!

Meet Celeste! :)

Celeste Witting is a sophomore psychology and biochemistry major at the University of Maryland, College Park. She is involved with Alpha Phi Omega co-ed service fraternity, where she is the vice president. She is excited to be joining Maryland Images tour guides, as well as finishing up her requirements for the Scholars program. She volunteers at George Washington Hospital University Hospital. In her free time, she loves snowboarding, watching movies, exploring D.C., and spending time with dogs whenever possible. She can't wait to go to New York with her Alternative Break group to work with the HIV/AIDS community.

Meet Daniel!

Hi everyone!  This is Daniel.  I am the Assistant Director for Assessment, Communication, and Administration in the Adele H. Stamp Student Union-Center for Campus Life.  A long title for a  busy job.  Before this position, I spent 6 years working in Leadership and Community Service-Learning here in The Stamp, coordinating leadership courses and the Minor in Leadership Studies. Before that, I had many years in Res Life here at Maryland, at the University of Texas, and at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I went to the University of Georgia for my undergrad degree in advertising, got my masters at Indiana University in College Student Personnel Administration (CSPA), and my PhD here at Maryland (in CSP), so I'm a Bulldog/Hoosier/Terp, with some Illini and Longhorn tossed in there.  I live in Adams Morgan in the district and love living there - you can find me at movies, watching General Hospital, or playing bocce ball (I am the commissioner for my league of 350 people).  I can't wait to spend a week with y'all in NYC!  I'll be flying to you on Saturday from Chicago.