Jacob Jensen Participates in Spring Break Service Trip to Atlanta

2018 Apr 26

Jacob Jensen , a senior business major from Badger , and nine other Buena Vista University (BVU) students participated in an AWOL (Alternative Week of Off-site Learning) trip to Atlanta during spring break, enabling them to volunteer their time and service with a focus on human trafficking.

The participants served with a variety of causes, including 4Sarah, a faith-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower change in the life direction of women and girls who are victims of sex trafficking by offering a holistic approach.

Throughout the week, the group had the opportunity to interact with women who have been trafficked and with victims who are currently in the industry that need additional assistance escaping.

Advisors for this experience were Mike Walker, university counselor for BVU's Office of Student Affairs; and Brittany Garling, assistant professor of education at BVU.

This year marked BVU's 20th AWOL experience, which has led to more than 760 volunteers worldwide and an estimated 36,060 hours of service - furthering its mission to immerse students in different cultures, heighten social awareness, and advocate life-long social action through service on a local, regional, and international level.

"AWOL provides students with a glimpse of the world that many people do not get to see," said Dr. Ashley Farmer-Hanson, assistant dean for student life and director of civic engagement. "They see people at their most vulnerable stages in life and work alongside of them. These individuals let us in to their world to learn more about their community, social justice issues, and to provide us with a new outlook on life."

Three AWOL trips took place this year, with more than 25 BVU students, faculty and staff participating. The other trips focused on sustainable social and economic development in Los Fierros, Nicaragua ,and tackling hunger and food sustainability in Waco, Texas.