There is no doubt that I am an advocate for getting involved in the community. The benefits are endless- gaining experience, meeting interesting people, learning about yourself and your surrounding environment. It’s a two way street, you are contributing to something greater whether it’s the University or the community and vice 
versa. I can honestly say that being involved on and off campus has been the most rewarding part of my entire University career. Yes, obtaining my degree was the reason I came to Ryerson, but ultimately what made it the most gratifying experience of all, was the knowledge and insight I gained outside the classroom.
It’s really hard to convey excitement, wonder, amazement, euphoria, and a tiny bit of yearning via technology. Truthfully, it’s the only way I can accurately describe how I feel about being abroad. Yes, traveling, I LOVE TRAVELING- and this is why you should too!
Two years ago I joined Alternative Spring Break Ryerson- a student run non-profit group I think YOU should consider joining no matter what year you’re in…here’s how I felt just days before departing on a trip I truly will never forget! It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it surely is a unique opportunity at Ryerson worth knowing about.
August 20, 2010
“You know that indescribable feeling you get about the arrival of a specific day—a special event, a birthday, a holiday… or in my case, a trip across seas to a place so utterly unfamiliar to me. Somewhere I can’t quite picture in my head, yet I’ve built up a level of excitement around it’s arrival because of how unreachable and strange it seems that it will be called my home for fifteen days. It’s that feeling that everyone has experienced that is so unusual that not one, two or ten words can accurately describe it. That day when you can finally say “ONE MORE SLEEP!!” even though in reality you know you will be tossing and turning all night long.
My name is Emma Brazier and I am one of the ever-so-fortunate team members of ASB’s Project Peru 2010. I along with many other students at Ryerson were intrigued with the group called Alternative Spring Break and up until I was lucky enough to be chosen to participate, had no idea what the group had to offer. Yes, I knew I wanted the full circle experience of traveling abroad, but I had no concept of what kind of adventure I was about to embark on. This unique and inspiring experience I am still trying to wrap my head around began three months ago when twelve strangers came together for the same cause. The relationships I’ve gained with the other members of the team continue to get stronger week after week…the endless amount of times I’ve laughed so hard I’ve felt delusional, unable to focus, or when we tried to learn Spanish and it went in one ear and out the other (maybe it was just me….). This is what brings the twelve of us together. After every meeting we have, no matter how tired and drained I feel, I’m reminded of how lucky I am to be apart of a group of individuals so dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate about life. Being a part of ASB has not only made the anticipation of traveling to Peru that much more worthwhile, it has made me realize just what hard- working, wholehearted, generous individuals can make happen in such a short amount of time”
For those of you reading this who are thinking about traveling, who know it is something you have always wanted to do but may be unsure, scared or intimidated as I once was, know that it will only take one trip anywhere, and you will be hooked for life. You’ll forever have an itch, urge and yearning for that next adventure- I know I sure do!
If you’re interested in finding out more about Alternative Spring Break and how you can be apart of it, visit their website at http://asbryerson.tumblr.com/. I can guarantee you won’t regret it.
