By Nico Machlitt
STAFF WRITER
Over spring break, while some students were lying on the beach or starting their latest Netflix marathon, thirteen students were doing something very different that hit close to home.
Hofstra University’s Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter went to Sussex County, Delaware to work on two homes for the duration of spring break.
This was all part of Habitat for Humanity’s Collegiate Challenge. The students learned new skills, framing walls, learning to caulk and hanging doors for the homes. The students also learned a lot about themselves, whether it was getting over an initial shyness at meeting new people or enlarging their creative potential.
The University’s Habitat for Humanity chapter was co-founded by Megan Kennedy and George Calvo two years ago. They decided to take part in the Collegiate Challenge because they both felt passionately about giving back and making a difference in the community.
Freshman Asia Baez did not know what to expect for her first Habitat for Humanity trip.
“I knew what the build days were like, but I had no idea how close I would get with the people that I went with and how much I would be able to connect the experience with my own life,” said Baez.
“It’s a great way to meet other people and learn more about yourself. I learned a lot about myself. I learned to not be afraid of power tools and [to] let my guard down a little,” said junior Jamie Bleznick. “It helped making new friends and meeting new people and inspiring others.”
Calvo spoke about how rewarding it was working with Habitat for Humanity’s partner families. These are families who are receiving a home from the Habitat organization and who are also required to help work on other homes.
“When you get to work with the families you are building for … they are always so appreciative of what you are doing for them,” Calvo said. “This house that you are building is going to change the rest of their lives, the rest of their family’s lives. It’s going to give their children an opportunity to grow up in a safe environment, to grow out of the cycle of poverty, to grow as young individuals.“
Calvo said he also enjoyed the group bonding that came at the end of the day.
“When we all talk and everyone says how much the trip has changed them, that was the most rewarding part for me,” Calvo said.
The group offered a resounding “yes” when asked if they’d do it again.
“There is something to be said about hard manual labor. It kind of feels good,” said iunior Katie Navarino. “Sometimes it just hits you when you are painting a wall that this is going to be a little boy’s room one day.”
