Only two weeks after Katarina Zambanini, a Senior at Penn State Berks, participated in Penn State’s 46 hour Dance MaraTHON (affectionately known as THON), she was on the move again. It was spring break, and while many college students went home and relaxed, Katie participated in Penn State Berks’ Alternative Spring break.
This Spring break took Katie, along with nine other students and two advisors, across the Atlantic Ocean. They would spend their spring break in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
While in Ireland they worked with “Youth Works,” a nonprofit organization whose mission is to create a safe environment for youth to take on responsibility. While in Belfast, the Penn State students taught Youth Works members about American culture, while also learning about the Irish culture through their members.
The students also worked serving meals to the homeless. They began with making the lunches and then actually walking around Belfast handing out fruit, sandwiches, tea and coffee to them.
During the day, the students had the opportunity to tour areas of Northern Ireland. They took on the challenge of Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge and enjoyed Giant’s Causeway. They explored the Belfast Castle and its beautiful garden. The group enjoyed tea/coffee and conversation with the Lord Mayor of Belfast. The Penn State Students viewed the murals on the walls and buildings of Belfast and left their mark in Ireland by signing the peace wall.
To further their exploration of Irish culture, the group had the opportunity to visit multiple churches, two of which included St. Peter Immaculata Church in Belfast and St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.
The week was a memorable experience for the entire Penn State Group. Katie said the country was beautiful and she enjoyed working with the children. Through social media Katie is now able to stay in contact with her new Irish friends!
