SMC students spend break in Appalachia
KATIE MILLER
News Writer
Some tanned and some relaxed, but 10 Saint Mary's students spent their fall break in Appalachia in a service project sponsored by the SURV center.
The students traveled to Clintwood, Virginia, where they painted houses and mingled with Clintwood residents.
Everyday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the students painted a house in the Clintwood community that was in need of repair. After painting, they would often help clean the house and also speak with many of the residents.
"We met coal miners and a mountain singer," said Sister Linda Kors, director of volunteer service and the SURV center. According to Kors, the majority of Clintwood residents are somehow affected by coal mining.
While working, the students stayed in the Dorothy Baker house, which was located next to the church in Clintwood. Living and working together, students learned a lot more about each other.
"Our group came together really well. As a group, we hadn't known each other prior to the trip, but we bonded. We worked as a family," said Connor. "We spoke with a lot of people about the environment," said junior Shanna Connor. "Everyone was really friendly, we were immediately accepted," she said.
This is not time Saint Mary's students have served in the Appalachia program. According to Kors, in previous years, a Saint Mary's student from the area has acted as a tour guide for students.
"A sister of the Holy Cross was also a link to the housing project in Clintwood," Kors added.
"One of the highlights of the trip was comparing the house from our first day of work to the last. We transformed it into something beautiful," said freshman Jodie Badgley.
Students who participated also said they gained insight into a different way of life through their service.
"The planned activities were a lot of fun. We learned a lot about the local culture; how people there live in the past, present, and future," said Badgley.
"In college, it is very easy to get wrapped up in our world here without realizing what is out there," she said. "One day while we were painting, the homeowner got teary-eyed about the difference we were making in her life. It was very emotional."
Kors said she looks forward to future service projects. "Next semester, we'll go to Tennessee."
All News Stories for Wednesday, October 25, 2000
