University of Utah students spend spring break helping others

Amanda Butterfield reporting A group of students at the University of Utah spent their spring break working and learning, free of charge. They didn't get any credits and had to pay for their travels, but the students Eyewitness News talked to say it was a trip of a lifetime.

Natalie Sadler spent her spring break at a homeless shelter in Seattle. She also spent it repacking nearly 20,000 pounds of ice cream, bread, frozen carrots and corn. "We worked hard," she said.

Sadler went on an alternative spring break through the University of Utah.

"It's a unique opportunity for U of U students to take their week of spring break and, instead of doing whatever it is college students do, we end up going to do different service in different cities," said Katie Trieu, university student coordinator.

Like Los Angeles, Seattle, San Diego and Portland, learning about current issues. "Hunger and homelessness, HIV and AIDS, or immigration issues," Trieu said.

Sadler's group focused on homelessness and hunger. "When I walk past someone sitting on the street I can identify with them, I can sort of empathize, I see the world differently," she said.

There's also another reason she signed up. "I wanted to meet some people at the U. It's such a huge school; I wanted to make friends and connections," Sadler said.

She and her new friends also had time to check out Pike Place Market and downtown Seattle too.

The total cost of her trip was $350. With that price, and the friends and memories Sadler has made, she's already signed up for next year.

Coordinators have already started working on trips for spring break next year. They're even looking into some international trips. It you're interested, and it's open to alumni, click the related link.

E-mail: abutterfield@ksl.com

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