The Spire

Brendan Taylor ‘24

Guest Writer

Spring Break Immersion (oftentimes abbreviated SBIP) has been a popular program among Holy Cross students since 1968, when the first students began to travel to Appalachia to learn about and spend time with underserved communities. Since then, Spring Break Immersion has expanded from the Appalachian region to sites all across the United States; centered around disability rights, sustainability, food insecurity, systematic racism, poverty, and many others. 

Spring Break Immersion is a program where students from all class years may spend their Spring Break with people who live under different circumstances than many here at Holy Cross are used to. The goal of these trips is not necessarily to “help” anyone in these communities, but to simply spend time with them and be vulnerable to their experiences. It is only through listening to others and being there to directly experience their daily lives that we can truly be “people for and with others,” which the Jesuit motto calls us to do. 

For many, participating in a Spring Break Immersion trip may seem daunting. Not only is it during Spring Break – where many students would like to go home after a busy few weeks or travel somewhere warm to escape the ugly New England March weather – you also travel to an unfamiliar community, likely with many group members you do not know well. However, for anyone who has participated in Spring Break Immersion, the experience is completely worth it. Senior SBIP Leader Mary Grace Roohan ’24 says, “I think the memories you create with the community and your group are so special and unique.” She adds, “I encourage anyone who is wanting to learn more about themselves, others and their communities to participate as you will truly be a better person.” 

After returning from a Spring Break Immersion trip, it is not an understatement that you will come back to campus with a new perspective on those with different lives and a much greater appreciation for shared human connection. You also come back to campus with an entire group of new friends that may last a lifetime. Some of my favorite memories from Holy Cross are the laughs and times spent with my group during Spring Break Immersion trips. It is truly an unforgettable experience you will not regret. 

Register for Spring Break Immersion by November 1st to be guaranteed a spot. To register, visit the Chaplain’s Office website, click “our programs,” and scroll down to Immersion Programs, where you will find the link to a Google Form to register. The Chaplain’s Office also emailed all students a registration link to everyone’s Holy Cross email address. If anyone has any questions, please feel free to email springbreak@g.holycross.edu anytime.