Essence Joe, Participant

My name is Essence Joe and I recently transferred from Middlesex county college located in New Jersey to the University of Maryland. I plan on majoring in microbiology or ecology and eventually do graduate studies in epidemiology, which deals with the distribution and control of diseases. 

This is my first alternative break trip and I'm especially excited, because I will have the opportunity to explore the Native American culture beyond books and movies. I've always had an interest in their culture and the people, to the point where I spent two hours watching a movie about lacrosse, because Native Americans inspired it. It should be an exciting experience to walk in the shoes of the Lakota Native Americans for a week and I hope to gain a new insight about their people that I can share with others.

Collin Stanhope, Experience Leader

Hello! My name is Collin and I am one of the experience leaders for this ASB Pine Ridge, SD trip.
I am a psychology and family science double major. In addition to Alternative Breaks, I am also involved with Help Center, the peer-counseling hotline on UMD's campus and the christian group OneU on campus. I am also a Paratransit Specialist for Shuttle-UM.

I am very interested in adoption and parenting dynamics. I'm also interested in relieving poverty and understanding a lot of social issues which directly and indirectly affect families. In the future, I hope to get a Masters in Social Work and further become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker to work with a variety of groups related to the topics I mentioned.

In the past, I have been to two Native American reservations but I have never been with Alternative Breaks and I have never gone to Pine Ridge, South Dakota specifically. I am excited for the chance to learn from them and hear their personal stories. Last year I was a participant for the Philadelphia, Urban Education trip and I am thankful for the opportunity to grow and be a leader for a trip this year.

Lindsey Ganey, Participant

Hi! My name is Lindsey and I am a junior Behavioral and Community Health major in the School of Public Health. I am from College Park, Maryland so my commute on a good day is three minutes. I am currently a CIVICUS Associate and an intern at Well Mother, Well Baby, a program with the organization A Wider Circle. This is my second service trip with the university but my first AB trip. I am hoping to gain a new perspective on a culture entirely different from my own. I look forward to working alongside the Lakota people once we are in South Dakota. My interests include mozzarella sticks and everything bagels.

Samantha Reilly, Participant

My name is Sam Reilly and I'm a freshman journalism major here at UMD. On campus I'm a part of the Equestrian Team, The Diamondback, and Partners in Print. I'm extremely excited to go on my first AB trip! I've been on service trips before, but I can't wait to learn more about the Lakota nation and issues regarding personal identities. I love reading, writing, running, and eating!

Julie Himelstein, Participant

My name is Julie Himelstein I am a senior at UMD double majoring in anthropology and communication studies. I commute from Baltimore, MD and this is my first time going on an ASB trip. I am interested in learning about under represented cultures such as Native American communities and how they are treated in addition to different ways to bring awareness to their societies. I also find their culture intriguing and look forward to learning more about their history, customs and traditions.