Building: a better spring break, students say

ORIENT PARK - An active construction site isn't where you expect to find spring breakers, but 20 of them are hard at work in the Orient Park neighborhood of Hillsborough County.

The University of South Carolina at Aiken students are helping the Hillsborough chapter of Habitat for Humanity demolish an old garage to make way for a new house.

"These kids come here and work hard. I mean they are sweaty and dirty at the end of each day...and tired," said Community Relations Director Kathy Brogli.
Brogli says they're thrilled to host the students who not only give up their spring break, but also pay their own way to come here.

College junior Dimetrius Wilson says he spent last year's spring break helping build houses in New Orleans and enjoyed it, so he signed up again.

"I could have been at the beach, partying up or doing whatever, but I decided to come out there...help others. I do it because I like to do good for others and make the world a better place," Wilson said.

Sophomore Holly Carslake passed up a trip to Myrtle Beach with her sorority sisters to wield a sledgehammer for the first time in her life.

"At first I was like struggling, trying to pick it up, I was like uuh, but as I keep going, I just get the adrenaline and I keep going. It's been awesome! I love it! I'm definitely going to do it again," Carslake said.

Construction Director Sarah Arnold says the students are a big help, and they're getting a lot done. She's grateful that these students are choosing to spend their time off helping others.

"I think that is the coolest thing to give up your spring break to be of service to others. You can't beat it - and we are so thankful that they are here to help us out."

Brogli says another group of college students will arrive next week and pick up where the USC students leave off. The ultimate goal is to add four more houses to the four they built in this neighborhood during Super Bowl week.

She finds their self-sacrifice and eagerness to help comforting.

"I feel better about our future actually, knowing that these kids are going to be taking over for us someday," Brogli says.