Students 'Dive Into Durham'
Spring break spent in service and learning with local agencies
This spring break the hot destination for nine Duke students was here in Durham, as part of a five-day service program "Dive Into Durham."
Coordinated by Duke's Office of Student Community Volunteer Programs, the program had students volunteer with organizations such as Genesis Home, the SEEDS community garden, and Duke Habitat for Humanity.
By introducing a variety of volunteer opportunities, the Office of Student and Community Volunteer Programs hoped to spark students' interest in longer-term service commitments.
In addition to direct service at sites, students spoke with leaders of community service centers. One of the major topics of conversation was the role of Duke students in Durham.
"Despite our rivalry with UNC, there should be more collaboration between the two institutions to serve the community," said sophomore Lauren Vernon. "Even if it has to be limited to non-basketball season."
Sadha Gupta, another sophomore, suggested that transportation between campus and service sites has been the biggest obstacle for Duke students interested in volunteering in the community.
Kim Shaw, executive director of the Volunteer Center of Durham, showed how her agency attempted to facilitate volunteer efforts using a computerized matching system whereby students' skills and experiences can be plugged to fill the needs of specific non-profit agencies.
Service wasn't the only means of "diving" into Durham: Through the program, students got a look of what Durham has to offer beyond Brightleaf Square. They rode the Bull City Connector between service sites, and for some students it was the first time using the free transit service linking campus to downtown Durham.
After viewing the documentary "A Portrait of Durham" and participating in formal and informal discussions about "things to do" in Durham, volunteers said they could imagine a new way to relate to their current home.
"Durham is not just the city where Duke happens to be, but the city I will be living in for four years," said Dive Into Durham participant Michelle Chua. "I don't want to graduate knowing nothing about Durham, but rather to break the Duke bubble and fully embrace the city as a member of this community. I hope more of my fellow Dukies will join me."