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“The kids were so eager to learn,” says Paulino, who was born in the Dominican Republic. “They saw that I learned English, and they felt they could too if they worked hard.”
“I learned that the people in this village have a low standard of living but a high quality of life,” says Paulino. “Everyone was happy with the little that they had.” The international business major has already made plans to return to the school this summer to continue his work with the children.
Maria Acosta ’09 (Garnerville, NY), who also traveled to the Dominican Republic, says she will never forget her experience. “I enjoyed the children’s enthusiasm and how happy they were – no matter their current situations or living conditions,” she says.
(L-R) Andrew Lazouras ’11 (Barrington, RI), Maria Acosta ’09 (Garnerville, NY), Hector Paulino ’11 (Central Falls, RI), Maria Carranza ’11 (Worcester, MA), and John Supinski ’11 (Acton, ME) in the Dominican Republic.
“Spending time with the local people and teaching the kids was absolutely amazing,” adds Maria Carranza ’11 (Worcester, MA).
The group will screen a documentary about their trip on Wednesday, April 29, at 3 p.m. in Janikies Theatre.
An eye-opening experience
Back in the United States, Morgan Buell ’11 (Waterbury, CT) was part of a team that completely repainted the interior of a house in New Orleans that was still being repaired more than 3 ½ years after Hurricane Katrina. Beyond the physical work, Buell says it was an eye-opening experience to interact with the people who are still rebuilding their lives.
“It is easy to get caught up in our daily routines, but when you take a trip like this, listen to people’s stories, and take an active role in the relief effort, it makes the little things seem so unimportant,” she says. Since returning, Buell has already started to research a trip to South Africa, where she would teach English to students. After graduation, she would like to participate in the Teach for America program.
Buell was part of a group of 10 Bryant students who spent their Spring Break in New Orleans aiding in the ongoing recovery efforts. It is the third consecutive year that Bryant students have taken part in the Katrina Relief Urban Plunge, which brings together college students from the Northeast to volunteer in the Gulf Coast area. The students painted and assisted with electrical work of a house that had been gutted, and a program organizer estimated that their work saved the homeowners more than $50,000.
“The trip really opened my eyes and my heart,” says Buell.
“Just talking and listening to the city residents tell their stories was an experience in itself,” adds Danielle St. Jean ’10. “I will never forget how courageous these people are.”
Bryant students with a homeowner in New Orleans in a gazebo the team built.
Christopher Corry ’11 (St. Charles, IL), president of the Bryant Christian Fellowship that helped plan the trip, has volunteered in New Orleans the last three years.
“It is important for students to be active and involved in community service efforts because it is not all about us,” says Corry. “We need to give back, look out for other people, and go out and serve.”
“The best way to use the skills that we have is to help someone who might not be as fortunate,” adds Molly Herring ’12 (Dover Foxcroft, ME). “These people deserve our help because we could easily be in the same situation.”
Little gestures make a big difference
A third group of 14 Bryant students volunteered at Food & Friends, Little Sisters of the Poor, and St. Anthony’s School in Washington, D.C., as part of the University’s annual Alternative Spring Break (ASB).
“I feel so grateful to have been able to be a part of this trip because I did something that I am passionate about, while creating long-lasting friendships,” says Kayla Wheaton ’10 (Reading, MA). “Community service can truly enhance your time at Bryant.”
Jessica Komoroski ’11 (West Islip, NY) says her first experience on Alternative Spring Break was mentally and physically challenging but very rewarding. She was especially moved when she delivered meals to people afflicted with life-threatening illnesses through Food & Friends.
Bryant group at Food & Friends in Washington, D.C.
“The sheer appreciation of the people is what made it worthwhile,” she says.
Ashley Palmer ’09 (Hopedale, MA), another ASB first-timer, says she will never forget working with the kindergarten class at St. Anthony’s School. “The children were so loving and full of life,” she says. “All they wanted was a little extra attention and someone to play with. It made me realize that sometimes the little things matter the most.”
Heather Vogel ’10 (Methuen, MA) feels the most fulfilling part of the trip was the relationships she forged with her classmates.
“Our group came together for a shared goal and returned to Bryant as part of a great group of friends,” she says.
