Spring Break Alternative: Living "Not Self, But Others" in Washington, DC

Article by Ferrum College student Sarah Patnaude.

As an alternative to spring break this year, Dr. Jan Nicholson Angle, Dr. Shannon Hardwicke and Ferrum College students Nicholas Padden, Sarah Patnaude, James Ridley, and Kaelyn Williams went to Washington, DC to learn more about Ferrum College's Methodist heritage and live out our motto, "Not Self, But Others."

Throughout the week, we attended social justice seminars at the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society. Topics of discussion focused on human trafficking, child advocacy, and poverty while weaving in the concepts of mercy and justice. Through devotions, films, speakers, activities, and discussion, we were challenged in our understanding of these issues and the effects they have on the individual as well as the community.

As our understanding deepened, our responsibilities came to light. In addition to brainstorming ways individuals, Ferrum College, and the community can extend God's grace to those in these circumstances and enact change to minimize the prevalence of the issues, we put our motto into action with a service project. On Thursday afternoon, we participated in Martha's Table "Joy Market", a program that provides meals to children and their families through a farmer's market style set up. This ensures that families have access to healthy food while still allowing them to have the feeling of freedom and independence as they make their way around the different stations.

Of course, the trip to our nation's capital wouldn't be complete unless we ate amazing food, had fun adventures on the Metro, and visited a historic landmark, Ford's Theater.

See additional photographs from the trip here.