Service has familiar theme to student’s spring break experience

April 13, 2023 – DENTON – Texas Woman’s junior Maya Landgrebe spent months planning her spring break trip. She wanted to do something outdoors, maybe hiking or gardening. She also wanted to give back to the community. 

The exercise science/pre-occupational therapy major didn’t have to leave Denton to have the perfect spring break. 

It was perfect because it combined two of her passions: the outdoors and service. Or close to perfect because it was a little chilly for March in Texas. As site leader for the TWU Local Alternative Spring Break, Landgrebe planned volunteer excursions for university students who stayed on campus or in the Denton area this past spring break. 

“As much fun it is to go to the beach, I also really enjoy taking time to be with others,” Landgrebe said. “I think that was what really got me into the alternative spring break last year and the reason why I did it this year. You were doing something you were passionate about with like-minded people.”

Landgrebe wanted to recreate the wonderful experience she had last year for other students. For the theme of this year’s local alternative spring break, she focused on trails, parks and gardens in the Denton area.

She worked with the Center for Student Development to set up volunteer opportunities at the Dr. Bettye Myers Butterfly Garden on the Denton campus, city of Denton’s Clear Creek Heritage Center and Shiloh Field Community Garden, a community garden in Denton that grows produce for local food pantries. The CSD also offered trips to Arkansas and Killeen for students who wanted a road trip and hands-on volunteer work.

During spring break, Landgrebe and a small group of student volunteers planted violets and prepped the Butterfly Garden for spring. They pulled weeds and worked at Shiloh Gardens. The group also met with a master naturalist at Clear Creek who showed them the privet plant, an invasive species that was killing native plants. They hiked deep into the trails and tried not to get spooked by the creaking trees as they pulled up the white-flowered shrub. 

“It always seems so small whenever you go out and serve, but seeing the before-and-after photos of the spaces was really rewarding,” Landgrebe said. 

Landgrebe also found it gratifying when some of the volunteers asked her about other service opportunities. In the last three years, she has had more than a few fulfilling volunteer experiences.

As a Pioneers Service Scholar, she volunteers 30 hours a semester with organizations such as Denton County Friends of the Family, Explorium - Denton Children's Museum and the Dr. Carol Huettig Developmental Swim Program. The scholars program is for students who show a commitment to community service and receive a small stipend. She also volunteers at university events such as Boo at the U.

Some of Landgrebe’s most memorable visits have been with the swim program sponsored by the School of Health Promotion and Kinesiology. Landgrebe says she volunteered every Friday morning last year at the Pioneer Pool teaching kids to swim, and it was extra special because it was intertwined with her major. 

“My current track is to work in occupational therapy and work with people with disabilities and with veterans,” Landgrebe said. “I want to give that help to people who really need it.” 

Her plan is to work toward a doctorate in OT after getting her bachelor’s degree in May of 2024. Looking ahead, she is hoping to volunteer more with DDCF and get certified to do shelter work. 

“I think one of the biggest reasons I enjoy volunteering and why I do it is because there is usually a genuine need for those volunteers,” Landgrebe said. “It’s not a paid job but you are getting paid in that experience, in caring for others, putting a smile on someone’s face. I think that’s my why.”

And, if people are inspired by her to volunteer? 

“There are so so many ways to get involved, especially at TWU,” Landgrebe said. “The biggest recommendation I can give is look on Pioneer Engaged, look on Handshake, look on Instagram. Don’t be afraid to do it by yourself. That’s a really hard thing to do, but a lot of times you meet really great people, and you make really great connections.”