When the focus is not on conversation is when the best conversation takes place. Bradfield asked quietly. The question stopped her in her tracks and reminded her that life is more than checking off lists. Equally important are silence and meditation. Reflection, Bradfield says, cements hands-on learning experiences, hones leadership skills and turns students into teachers who can share with others not only what they've done, but also what it means.
Reflection also raises questions that beg for answers.
You can't treat it as an experiment. You have a responsibility to your agency and the people in it to do a good job. The program quickly won strong administrative, faculty and community acceptance. JMU's student-led Alternative Spring Break program offers 16 trips, with students traveling throughout the country and beyond. It received the 1998 Program of the Year Award from Break Away, the national organization that promotes community service by college students.