CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. -- Students at The University Of Pittsburgh at Johnstown enjoy reminiscing about their spring break trip, but it may not be the kind of vacation you would expect from college kids.

"It wasn't just sitting on the beach," said UPJ Junior Brandon Quinn. "We were working hard shingling roofs, putting in cabinets. You know, stuff like that."

The students went to remote locations in Alabama and Florida to build homes for Habitat for Humanity. The campus chapter of Habitat was started just a few years ago with only five members. They have now grown to more than 100 members. While it's not your typical college spring break, the students said they wouldn't have it any other way.

"We think it's more important and more fun to feel like we accomplished something rather than waste our time," said UPJ Sophomore Brianne Berkabile.

It wasn't just a few hours of work in between play time. The students drove an hour each way and worked every day from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in steaming hot weather. There was never one complaint.

"If you asked any of these students if they felt like they sacrificed their week of spring break, you wouldn't find one that said they did," said Bryan Valentine, the director with the office of student life. "They are all so dedicated and most of them are going back next year if they aren't graduating."

The dedication of the students comes as no surprise to the UPJ faculty. The national average of college students who make the trip south is about 18. UPJ crushed that average with 70 students signing up to go, often paying their own way.

"I am very proud of UPJ," said Berkabile. "We had great student involvement and we are very proud that we had so many people go."

"There's almost a stereotype of what a college student is these days," said Valentine. "However, I have seen a lot of great students who are willing to give of their time, money and everything else."