Dominican Republic J-term service trip

During January break a group of Wilson College students and faculty traveled to La Romana, Dominican Republic on a service learning trip.

The group provided health care to the people living in the sugar cane worker villages known as bateys.

The students formed a dedicated, enthusiastic, and smoothly functioning clinic team that provided health assessment and medications.

“Going to the Dominican Republic with Wilson College was a great opportunity. As a nursing student enrolled in the Spanish course, it allowed me to not only apply the skills I have gained in the nursing program, but also to practice communicating with people in a way that was comfortable for them. This trip gave me the experience to work with a community in much need of medical care and expand my knowledge of the world. I am excited for the future Wilson students that will get this opportunity to serve those in need.” - Abigail Buck ‘24, Nursing major

Over the course of five days they saw 375 patients, gave 288 children a dose of anti-parasite medicine, and interviewed 87 adults about blood pressure.

“Being able to go on a service learning trip, especially as a nursing major was amazing! I never thought I would have the opportunity during college to go abroad but the trip offered me a memory that will last a lifetime. Not only did I get hands-on nursing experience taking manual blood pressures but I also made many friendships and had such a fun week. If you have the opportunity to do a service learning trip do not hesitate because it will be so worth it.” - Jordan Yeager ‘23, Nursing major

It was a very busy week where the students learned about the health care and socioeconomic needs in a resource-poor country.

“While most students worked in the clinic I was out with kids in the bateys. I taught them English and Spanish using Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes and Simon Says-this was the kid's favorite. I even got the kids to teach me Creole. It was a great experience as a future English teacher.” - Mariah Kiefer ‘24, English major

They coped with language barriers, supply problems, and hygiene difficulties.

The students were also immersed in Spanish language practice with the patients and partners, revealing insights into another culture.

“The trip to the DR placed me in an environment where was I forced to communicate in Spanish in order to serve well, thus naturally developing my skills. The opportunity to get to know people by speaking their language and helping them to learn my own, significantly boosted my confidence and desire to continue practicing and furthering my knowledge of Spanish.” - Emma Lowman ‘24, Equine Studies major

"This trip was so enlightening for myself, the staff, and the students. Being able to set up a dental clinic, a medical clinic, a family planning clinic, and a pharmacy with limited space and resources was amazing.  In addition, students were able to visit clients in the villages for blood pressure monitoring and also teach children English. The trip helped us all realize what we are truly capable of achieving in one week. I am beyond proud of what this group accomplished and the memories will forever be in my heart!" -Pamela Hollenbach, Coordinator of Wilson College Online Nursing Programs

To celebrate the end of the week the team spent a day at the beach relaxing and enjoying the Caribbean waters.