DAY 1- Don't Believe Me Just Watch

DID SOMEONE SAY "ROAD TRIP?!!?!"

We are the UMD Alternative Breaks team that is headed to Knoxville, TN to spend spring break (March 15-21st) serving and learning about the issue of Domestic Violence.  We began our journey early Sunday morning (March 15th).  We woke up early, packed up the vans, and were headed on our way down south.

For some of us, this is the first time we have ever been to Tennessee.  For others, this is the first time we have been in a car for around 8 hours.  So needless to say- we were filled with excitement and anticipation!  We have been waiting for this experience to take place since October- and it was finally here!!

For those of you who are reading this and are geographically challenged (like myself)- here is a map of Tennessee.  Our drive primarily consisted of a diagonal cut, across the lovely state of Virginia, which (by the way) I had no idea would take over 6 hours.  Just another reminder that Maryland is a very small state.

After a few pit stops for food and gas, 80 sing-alongs to 'Uptown Funk,' and 500 miles later- we made it!

Our fearless leaders- Tommy and Raaheela!

Tennessee is also conveniently named the volunteer state- so it only seems suiting that we, as passionate and socially conscious students, spend the next six days truly diving into the social issue of Domestic Violence.  In doing this, we will also be meeting with many different community partners that are dedicated to this issue as well as take part in service activities surrounding this issue.

One thing many of us have heard is- "why are you going on this trip?"  For me- I have never hesitated to respond: "Because it's challenging."  Domestic Violence is one of the most difficult issues that our AB experiences deal with; which makes the Knoxville, TN experience a very powerful one.  Domestic Violence is often such a taboo issue that it can be overlooked, yet it is ubiquitous in our culture, in our societies, and even in our lived experiences.

For the next six days we are truly excited to dive into the complexities of this issue.  We want to constantly question and learn as much as we can while we are here.  Personally, I want to make the most of this valuable experience because what we learn here, in Knoxville, is something that I will take with me back to College Park and beyond.

Our Knoxville, TN team cannot wait to see what happens next and we're sure it will be incredible.

Don't believe us? JUST WATCH!