O'Brien '08 Hammers Home for Habitat

Spring break means a chance to escape the stresses of school, flee the misery of winter and soak up sunshine. But Stephanie O’Brien ’08 traded suntan lotion for a hard hat and a swimsuit for a hammer as she and more than 15 Knox students spent spring break helping build homes for Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans.

O’Brien, an Economics major from Denver, Colorado, says the road trip was well worth it. This is her last year at Knox College and her last of four spring break trips with Habitat for Humanity. Her Knox College/Habitat for Humanity travels started in Tutwiler, Mississippi followed by Naples, Florida, Myrtle Beach South Carolina and New Orleans this year.

Without a Shingles 101 workshop, O’Brien says “It takes a lot to build a home. The homeowners are thankful and it is great getting that positive feedback.”

Future homeowners, along with volunteers, construct the homes, overseen by a professional construction supervisor. Families must demonstrate a need for shelter, the ability to pay back a no-interest loan for the cost of the home, and put in 250 to 350 sweat equity hours.

Sweat equity. A term familiar to anyone involved with Habitat for Humanity. The Knox Habitat students begin their sweat equity during the fall term to earn eligibility for the spring trip. “We perform leaf raking, and at Homecoming we pass around a 2x4 for people to contribute signatures for the house we will work on. That is where most of the fundraising comes from.”

In addition to raising money for Habitat in the months leading up to the trip, volunteers work six to seven hours each day during the build for four or five days. “There is a lot that goes into it.”

O’Brien says she does not believe in hand outs but about helping people be the best they can be. “It is a great lesson in community development. What better way to lead than by example?"

Asked why she selected Knox College, O’Brien says that it was her visit on admitted student’s day that sealed the deal. “Knox does a really good job of matching visiting students with the right advisor and people you would connect with. Knox is in a really unique geographical area, and I liked its international programs and the diversity factor, and I wanted to meet new people and experience new things.”

More cnfident than when she arrived on campus four years ago, O’Brien says she is not the same person. “Knox is really a great institution. There is so much to accomplish here. If you want to become a leader and make your way you will do well at Knox.”

The weeks leading to commencement are moving swiftly for O'Brien. “I want it to slow down. You have these relationships that you need to foster. It isn’t going to be there when we separate.”

While at Knox, O’Brien was active in the Business Club, and a board officer for Kappa Kappa Gamma.

She takes away more than fond memories, forged friendships, and a sense of accomplishment from Knox College. O’Brien holsters extensive home-improvement skills for when she owns her own home someday.

Stephanie O'Brien '08 volunteered for Habitat for Humanity each of her four years at Knox College

The Knox College student volunteers traveled to New Orleans during the 2008 spring break.