Spring Break in Richmond

Spring Break in Richmond

April 6, 2012
An alternative spring break program immerses students in the issues confronting public education in the City of Richmond.
For some college students, spring break usually conjures up visions of carefree days spent at the beach. For others the best adventures are waiting in one’s own backyard.

“Don’t get me wrong. I would have enjoyed spending my time at the beach,” says Chelsea Metivier, ’13. “But this seemed so much more pertinent. It was an opportunity I didn’t want to pass up.”

Metivier is talking about an alternative spring break experience offered through the Bonner Center for Civic Education (CCE). Eight students spent one week immersed in study of a particular topic.

This year’s pilot program aimed to give students a better understanding of public education issues in the city of Richmond — best practices, challenges, and the development and impact of education policy.

“Education is one of our most popular areas in the CCE,” explains Adrienne Piazza, the program’s coordinator. “We decided that in our first year, we wanted to explore an issue area that would have a wide relevance to the students.” 

The eight students didn’t get much of a break. Each day was “jam-packed” as one described, with most days beginning early and ending late.

The group dove into the history and challenges facing Richmond’s public schools. They met with the city’s public school administrators. They heard from two of the University’s scholars — Drs. Tom Shields and John Moeser — on Richmond’s history of massive resistance, the Census, and reform efforts. And they gathered to talk with a handful of local teachers for whom they cooked dinner one night.

“A great part of being at the University is having a program like this alternative spring break,” explains Mariah Williams, ’14. “Because it allows you to create those connections outside the classroom and also meet people that you wouldn’t otherwise.”

Organizers also scheduled a series of field visits to both public and private schools around Richmond. Students gained insight into the differences and similarities in challenges faced by rural and urban schools. The evenings brought some time for the group to explore and engage with Richmond’s neighborhoods.

“The program puts you outside your comfort zone so that you can talk about these issues with other people who are passionate,” she adds. “It was great learning how we all bring something different to the group and come from different backgrounds.”

Williams says the program connected her with other students passionate about education — students like Metivier, a first-generation college student majoring in philosophy, politics, economics and law (PPEL).

Metivier can remember the “a-ha” moment sophomore year at the career center when she realized her passion for education. For her, the alternative spring break experience was a great way to connect her academic pursuits with future goals. Eventually, she wants to pursue graduate studies in education policy.

“I appreciate that the CCE saw there was a need and that students really had a passion for this,” Metivier says.  “I think that it’s pivotal in your undergrad career, regardless of what you’re studying, to see the connections to what you want to achieve.”