The Johnsonian

Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: Lifestyles

Five members of Winthrop's Habitat for Humanity chapter traveled to Lexington, Virginia during spring break to build a shed for a house that was dedicated by the Rockbridge Area Habitat for Humanity.

"It was a great and motivational experience. We got to meet the homeowners and other people that are really dedicated and passionate about what they do," Nadine Riffel, president of Winthrop's Habitat for Humanity and junior international business major, said.

The students also learned building skills through experience.

"We had to do our own measurements and calculations, hammered and used the saw and other power tools," Riffel said.

"We had a guy named Jeff supervise us, but he gave us the opportunity to figure everything out ourselves before he would step in and tell us what we are doing wrong," Riffel added.

The group was able to meet the homeowners as well as other workers who were dedicated to the same cause.

"The whole experience just reinstated in our minds how important it is to serve your community," Riffel said.

The group also spent some time to explore the area.

"My favorite part of the trip was exploring the local town of

Lexington and Buena Vista, Va. Despite being surrounded by

three colleges, Lexington and Buena Vista have still

maintained the 'small town' charm. This was a lot of fun

and a great bonding experience," Maryfaith Encarnacion, junior biology major, said.

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