As many students prepare their travel plans back home for spring break, there are several students who are preparing for weeklong trips of service to various locations across the country.
Meet Emma Tzimorotas and Kate Janczyk, two senior Arts and Sciences students leading Habitat for Humanity trips this spring break.
“Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that builds affordable housing for people around the world. CUA’s chapter sends students to work on build-sites and in Habitat ReStores both in the DMV area through our Day and Weekend trips and across the country during our Spring Break and Summer trips.”
Emma is an Elementary Education major with a minor in Studio Art from Jamesport, NY. Emma is the president of CUA’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity. She started going on the service trips Sophomore year when she said she signed up on a “whim” because she was looking for a service opportunity. Now as President, she has had the opportunity to help plan 5 trips.
“Leading the Tacoma, Washington trip last spring break was a true highlight of my college experience. It's been incredibly rewarding to introduce others to Habitat for the first time and help them have that experience.”
Kate is a Psychology and Brain Sciences major from Syracuse, NY. She is heading to Physicians Assistant school in the Fall after graduation. Kate is the Educational Development Chair for CUA’s chapter. She writes reflections for the trips and works with the other E-board members to plan topics for the General Body Meetings. For Kate, joining Habitat was a no-brainer:
“Habitat had a strong presence on campus when I first started at Catholic, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it one day. I had participated in a few spring break service trips with Campus Ministry, but during my junior year, I finally decided to join a Habitat for Humanity trip. I had always heard how past participants returned feeling inspired and energized, and after experiencing it myself, I felt the same way. That’s what motivated me to apply for an E-Board position.”
Both Emma and Kate have shared just how important these trips are not only to the students but also to those they impact.
Kate says, “I have met so many incredible people who have dedicated their lives to Habitat’s mission. Seeing their passion and selflessness has been truly inspiring. Every time we arrive at a build site, we are welcomed with such kindness and appreciation, which reaffirms how meaningful this work is.”
Emma has experienced, first hand, how Habitat has impacted those in the community, during a trip to Montana. “With every trip I am amazed by the people we connect with. The homeowners, Habitat employees, and volunteers welcome us with open arms, and we become a complete part of the community for the week. Working with Habitat is a constant reminder to be grateful for the overlooked details in life and to serve in whatever capacity, as often as possible.”
If you are interested in joining Habitat for Humanity here at CUA, please join them on the Nest or contact tzimorotas@cua.edu.
You can support the chapter by donating to their TicketSpice page: https://catholicuoca.ticketspice.com/habitat-for-humanity-spring-break-2025-trips-