Pre-Trip Shenanigans

Hello everyone!

Over the past two weeks Seth and I have been meeting with our wonderful participants. We are so excited to be bonding over awkward ice breakers and in depth questions about the perceptions of wealth distribution within our own community as well as the community of Louisville, Ky. As conversations grow longer and more meaningful it is clear that as a group we are ready to open ourselves up to the learning and service opportunities that Louisville has to offer us.

Spring Break Trip Countdown: 12 days until take off

Meet Your Alternative Break Leaders

Name: Tippany Patrick

Hometown: Knoxville, Tennessee

Major: Pre-Professional Pre-Law; 3+3 Program

           Minor: Spanish

Favorite Food: Chocolate all of the chocolate

Why am I leading a trip?

I love people! Every person I meet has something new to teach me from their own experiences and there is nothing more interesting. I think listening is a characteristic that our generation is attempting to save by being open-minded and willingly allowing individuals to share their ideas in an even exchange. Clearly, this is a trait I value greatly along with integrity and loyalty. There is no point in sharing your thoughts if they do not represent your true beliefs and feelings, integrity, and there is no point in listening if you are not willing to cherish the things that are shared, loyalty.


About the trip, I must say I cannot contain my excitement. Our theme of Wealth Distribution Awareness seems broad because it was intended to express the inclusive nature of poverty. This issue has no sense of exclusiveness and affects people from every walk of life and cultural community. These truths are hard to incapsulate, but we will attempt to learn and teach one another how to recognize the reality of socioeconomic hardship as we work hands on with the people so familiar with its effects. In other words, I value the work we do in the world, not because of the impact I have but for the impact it has on me.

Name: Seth Zanoni

Hometown: Kingsport, Tennessee

Major: Economics with a Collateral in Quantitative Economics and Math

   Minor: Leadership Studies

Favorite Food: Any type of chicken, in a form of a nugget, sandwich, or preferably fried and lathered with buffalo sauce.

Why am I leading a trip? 

When asked this question, I think of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s memorable qoute: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?'" Since, enrolling in the University of Tennessee three years ago, I have attempted to live a life of balance while serving over 200 + hours. Majority of those hours have been on Alternative Break Programs focusing on issues relating to the low-socioeconomic disfranchisement members of America. I am now lucky enough to be leading an exciting, engaging and educational trip to Louisville, KY with a great partner and team, in tow. 

A Basic Understanding Of Income Inequality