Utah Tech Students Traded the Beach for the Bayou This Spring Break

Not every spring break includes sandy beaches, a good book and a refreshing beverage.

For 15 Utah Tech students, this year looked a little different—in the best way. Instead of a typical getaway, they headed to New Orleans for an alternative spring break centered on service, community, and a little bit of adventure.

And yes, they still had fun.

Getting The Work Done

Throughout the week, students worked alongside local organizations like Camp Hope and Swift Hands (organized through the Utah Tech Student Association’s service branch), taking on a variety of projects across the community.

They kicked things off with a park cleanup, helping clear out debris and create a better environment for both people and wildlife. Later, they partnered with a restoration group to plant trees in areas impacted by hurricanes.

For Jaidyn Kinnear, that was one of the most meaningful parts of the trip.

“I loved being able to see the impact of the work as we did it,” Kinnear said. “The trees we planted will restore land that had been lost from hurricanes and provide flood protection for the community.”

They wrapped up the week by helping in a community garden that provides fresh produce to residents.

Work Hard, Explore Hard

Of course, it wasn’t all work. What would spring break be without a little fun?

Between service projects, students got to experience everything that makes New Orleans… well, New Orleans.

Think: beignets, gumbo, live music, and a swamp tour where they got up close with Louisiana wildlife.

“Not only did I get to serve the community, but I also got to explore a new location and see all the amazing things New Orleans had to offer,” said Myles Beatty, one of the student organizers.

One moment that really stuck with him?

“One of the nights we were out in the city and this local jazz band started playing music and shut the whole street down and played live music for about an hour and a half” Myles said. “It was so much fun, and we danced the whole time.”

Why It Matters

Trips like this are what alternative spring break is all about.

Every year, UTSA organizes a few of these experiences, giving students the chance to step outside their normal routines, travel somewhere new, and make a real impact while they’re there.

It’s not just about the service hours—it’s about the people you meet, the perspective you gain, and the moments you don’t expect (like dancing in the middle of the street to a live jazz band).

Want to Go Next Time?

If this sounds like your kind of spring break, you’re not alone.

You can learn more about upcoming alternative break trips here:
https://utahtech.edu/utsa/alternative-breaks/