As classes paused for Spring Break, many students returned home to see family, went on fun trips with friends, or took advantage of unique study abroad opportunities. For those who stayed local, the unseasonably warm and sunny weather felt like a gift, shifting the semester away from the cold New York winter. The bright days also served as the perfect backdrop for a week of alternative spring break activities hosted by Student Involvement’s Community Service and the Community Engagement Board.

Throughout the week, students were able to sign up for a range of events centered on community engagement and outdoors appreciation. The week kicked off with pet therapy, an activity designed to let students decompress with dogs from New York Therapy Animals and make toys for Pillows for Paws. From there, students distributed 200 snack bags from AVI Fresh to migrants at the Hall Street Shelter, helped to prepare a community garden for the warm season, and learned about an edible school garden. 

Students spending time with a pet therapy dog. Photo by Tejas Setlur, BFA Film '26.
Students spending time with a pet therapy dog. Photo by Tejas Setlur, BFA Film ’26.
Pet therapy dog enjoying the attention. Photo by Tejas Setlur, BFA Film '26.
Pet therapy dog enjoying the attention. Photo by Tejas Setlur, BFA Film ’26.
Students at the Lower East Side Ecology Center. Photos by Julianna Dow
Students at the Lower East Side Ecology Center. Photos by Julianna Dow.
Students at PS216’s Edible School Garden. Photo by Tejas Setlur, BFA Film '26.
Students at PS216’s Edible School Garden. Photo by Tejas Setlur, BFA Film ’26.
Students tending to the Edible School Garden. Photo by Tejas Setlur, BFA Film '26.
Students tending to the Edible School Garden. Photo by Tejas Setlur, BFA Film ’26.
Students performing different tasks at the Edible School Garden. Photo by Tejas Setlur, BFA Film '26.
Students performing different tasks at the Edible School Garden. Photo by Tejas Setlur, BFA Film ’26.

The week of friendship, adventure, and community service allowed students time to recharge, explore unique pockets of New York, and get ready for the final weeks of the semester.