Name: Emily DiRenzo
Hometown: Westchester, New York
Major/Minor: Marketing/ Film
I have always wanted to do an out of the country service trip. A dream of mine, to meet incredible people in a different part of this world, to serve, and to awaken a part of myself to what else is out there in this world. In my years here at Providence College, I have become passionate about doing service trips with Habitat for Humanity spending my Spring Breaks working on building houses and forming relationships in different states in the US. However, I have always felt like a part of me was not fulfilled. This opportunity to go be a part of the amazing El Manzano Uno community had been presented to me and I could not be more grateful for being granted the chance to embark on this journey. My role on this trip was to facilitate workshops along with the other students in my class. We were responsible for running workshops based on the foundation of storytelling focusing on self, community, and dreams. We acted as the administrators for the activities that were run throughout the workshops. Most importantly, we took on the role of being friends, sharers and listeners. Thinking about what I have learned, I realize that it spans so many different areas of life and includes knowledge both tangible and intangible. I learned how the El Manzano Uno community runs, how the non-profit Waves of Hope started, the dreams of the high school students to name a few. I got a small glimpse in to the lives of these students, the lives of the people in the community- so different from ours yet so simple and beautiful. I also learned things that I could never fully express into words. I learned through the look I would exchange with one of the students, through watching interactions between Lester (one of the amazing English teachers) and the students and I learned through letting go of any insecurities and fears and completely diving in to the incredible culture that Nicaragua is filled with.
Hometown: Westchester, New York
Major/Minor: Marketing/ Film
I have always wanted to do an out of the country service trip. A dream of mine, to meet incredible people in a different part of this world, to serve, and to awaken a part of myself to what else is out there in this world. In my years here at Providence College, I have become passionate about doing service trips with Habitat for Humanity spending my Spring Breaks working on building houses and forming relationships in different states in the US. However, I have always felt like a part of me was not fulfilled. This opportunity to go be a part of the amazing El Manzano Uno community had been presented to me and I could not be more grateful for being granted the chance to embark on this journey. My role on this trip was to facilitate workshops along with the other students in my class. We were responsible for running workshops based on the foundation of storytelling focusing on self, community, and dreams. We acted as the administrators for the activities that were run throughout the workshops. Most importantly, we took on the role of being friends, sharers and listeners. Thinking about what I have learned, I realize that it spans so many different areas of life and includes knowledge both tangible and intangible. I learned how the El Manzano Uno community runs, how the non-profit Waves of Hope started, the dreams of the high school students to name a few. I got a small glimpse in to the lives of these students, the lives of the people in the community- so different from ours yet so simple and beautiful. I also learned things that I could never fully express into words. I learned through the look I would exchange with one of the students, through watching interactions between Lester (one of the amazing English teachers) and the students and I learned through letting go of any insecurities and fears and completely diving in to the incredible culture that Nicaragua is filled with.
Name: Sophia Johnston
Hometown: New York City, NY
Major: Global Studies
Service- learning trips have always been something that is really important to me.Getting to do service internationally is always such an amazing opportunity. I love being able to experience new countries and being exposed to different cultures. My role during this trip was to be a facilitator for the different activities that we did during our workshops with the high school students. Everyone in our group was responsible for leading certain exercises but then also working in small groups with the learners. Through this experience, I learned how important it is to provide a safe space for learning and development. The learners grew so much over the course of the week and I could see how they really developed a better understanding of themselves and the community.
Hometown: New York City, NY
Major: Global Studies
Service- learning trips have always been something that is really important to me.Getting to do service internationally is always such an amazing opportunity. I love being able to experience new countries and being exposed to different cultures. My role during this trip was to be a facilitator for the different activities that we did during our workshops with the high school students. Everyone in our group was responsible for leading certain exercises but then also working in small groups with the learners. Through this experience, I learned how important it is to provide a safe space for learning and development. The learners grew so much over the course of the week and I could see how they really developed a better understanding of themselves and the community.
Name: Melanie Griswold
Hometown: Monson, Massachusetts
Major: Public and Community Service, Sociology
I have always been involved in service- learning locally within my major however after a global studies class I was inspired to take my service across borders. Choosing between three different immersion programs offered at Providence College I was appealed to the purpose conveyed in Storytellers in Our Community. I have always enjoyed hearing people’s stories and have always felt that our stories define who we are and who we will become. In this project I was not only a facilitator, but also a learner and listener. The relationship between our community and El Manzano Uno was a mutual reciprocity of trust and learning from each other. I have learned the importance of global citizenship which has inspired me to continue connecting my service globally. I also learned a lot about myself and how my own interests were very much aligned with the purpose of the workshops on this trip. I hope to continue to facilitate more conversations focused on the journey of life, the importance of community, and our perception of self.
Hometown: Monson, Massachusetts
Major: Public and Community Service, Sociology
I have always been involved in service- learning locally within my major however after a global studies class I was inspired to take my service across borders. Choosing between three different immersion programs offered at Providence College I was appealed to the purpose conveyed in Storytellers in Our Community. I have always enjoyed hearing people’s stories and have always felt that our stories define who we are and who we will become. In this project I was not only a facilitator, but also a learner and listener. The relationship between our community and El Manzano Uno was a mutual reciprocity of trust and learning from each other. I have learned the importance of global citizenship which has inspired me to continue connecting my service globally. I also learned a lot about myself and how my own interests were very much aligned with the purpose of the workshops on this trip. I hope to continue to facilitate more conversations focused on the journey of life, the importance of community, and our perception of self.
Name: Kristen Lawler
Hometown: Milton, MA
Major/Minor: Global Studies, Spanish
The Global Studies Service-Learning trips caught my eye when I was applying to Providence College and ever since then it had been something that I wanted to do . I have always considered myself to be a person that learns best through experience. I also feel passionately about forming bonds and relationships with people from my own community and other communities through service-learning. Along with this, I have a strong love for travel and immersing myself in different cultures. I saw the Storytellers in Our Community trip as an amazing opportunity to do much of what I love, to learn, to grow and to make connections with others. On the trip I, along with other students in the group, was a facilitator for the storytelling themed workshops that we did with the Nicaraguan high school learners from the surrounding community. But during the week I think I became so much more than just a facilitator. Because the workshops were under the theme of storytelling and having voices be heard, I would also consider myself to have had the role of being both a listener and a learner. I was able to talk, to play, to dance, and to laugh with the high school students from the surrounding community and by the end of the week I able to became a friend. I find it difficult to truly express all that I learned during my time in Nicaragua in a few short sentences. I now see that finding a common ground with someone different from yourself is achievable if you just open yourself up to the possibility. I learned that regardless of where people come from or what their background is, everyone has voice to be heard, a story to tell and dreams. The service-learning trip to Nicaragua taught me the importance of storytelling and the empowerment that comes with it. I was also able to realize and fully comprehend the value of reciprocity; there was never a one sidedness of learning, but always a back and forth of giving and receiving. The El Manzano Uno community is unlike any community I have experienced before in my life. Going forward I hope to mirror the El Manzano Uno’s communities vision of trust and respect in my personal and professional life.
Hometown: Milton, MA
Major/Minor: Global Studies, Spanish
The Global Studies Service-Learning trips caught my eye when I was applying to Providence College and ever since then it had been something that I wanted to do . I have always considered myself to be a person that learns best through experience. I also feel passionately about forming bonds and relationships with people from my own community and other communities through service-learning. Along with this, I have a strong love for travel and immersing myself in different cultures. I saw the Storytellers in Our Community trip as an amazing opportunity to do much of what I love, to learn, to grow and to make connections with others. On the trip I, along with other students in the group, was a facilitator for the storytelling themed workshops that we did with the Nicaraguan high school learners from the surrounding community. But during the week I think I became so much more than just a facilitator. Because the workshops were under the theme of storytelling and having voices be heard, I would also consider myself to have had the role of being both a listener and a learner. I was able to talk, to play, to dance, and to laugh with the high school students from the surrounding community and by the end of the week I able to became a friend. I find it difficult to truly express all that I learned during my time in Nicaragua in a few short sentences. I now see that finding a common ground with someone different from yourself is achievable if you just open yourself up to the possibility. I learned that regardless of where people come from or what their background is, everyone has voice to be heard, a story to tell and dreams. The service-learning trip to Nicaragua taught me the importance of storytelling and the empowerment that comes with it. I was also able to realize and fully comprehend the value of reciprocity; there was never a one sidedness of learning, but always a back and forth of giving and receiving. The El Manzano Uno community is unlike any community I have experienced before in my life. Going forward I hope to mirror the El Manzano Uno’s communities vision of trust and respect in my personal and professional life.
Name: Stefan Puente
Major: Management; Minor: Film
Hometown: Keller, Texas
I wanted to be part of something greater than myself. I had friends who went on this trip and loved it which was another reason I wanted to join. I am a business and film student and felt that this trip would fill a hole that I was missing in my PC experience. I wanted to meet people and learn about their culture. I wanted to come back from this trip with a better understanding of myself and with a bigger appreciation for the life I’ve been given. When I applied I thought I would just be filming and photographing the trip. I had never been on a trip like this before and was not sure what to expect. I ended up talking to a lot of the students and adults about their background and current situation. I heard an array of stories ranging from backpacking South America to growing up in the village. My role, after reflecting on the trip, was to be myself, bring the energy, and to help assist in any way possible. I learned much more than I could ever put into words. I learned that when a community sticks together, they can accomplish anything. Friendships can be made by being curious and with gentle smile. All said and done, I learned that showing love by my actions and words is the greatest gift I could give to the world. The people of El Manzano Uno will always hold a special place in my heart.
Major: Management; Minor: Film
Hometown: Keller, Texas
I wanted to be part of something greater than myself. I had friends who went on this trip and loved it which was another reason I wanted to join. I am a business and film student and felt that this trip would fill a hole that I was missing in my PC experience. I wanted to meet people and learn about their culture. I wanted to come back from this trip with a better understanding of myself and with a bigger appreciation for the life I’ve been given. When I applied I thought I would just be filming and photographing the trip. I had never been on a trip like this before and was not sure what to expect. I ended up talking to a lot of the students and adults about their background and current situation. I heard an array of stories ranging from backpacking South America to growing up in the village. My role, after reflecting on the trip, was to be myself, bring the energy, and to help assist in any way possible. I learned much more than I could ever put into words. I learned that when a community sticks together, they can accomplish anything. Friendships can be made by being curious and with gentle smile. All said and done, I learned that showing love by my actions and words is the greatest gift I could give to the world. The people of El Manzano Uno will always hold a special place in my heart.
Name: Charles D’Alessandro
Hometown: Franklin Square, NY
Major: Biology and Psychology
I got involved in this Global Service Learning experience because I needed to break outside of my comfort zone. I needed to learn first-hand about the differences and similarities that our culture here in the United States shares with another culture, particularly Nicaragua. All of my life, I have been sheltered in a sense, in that I have truly understood what life in other places in the world are like. Anyone can hear news stories, see pictures, and hear about these “foreign” lands, but to experience another culture by living in it and connecting with those individuals that live there can truly open your eyes up to the truth. This is why I felt that I wanted to get involved in this experience: I have not felt as though I was viewing these other cultures accurately and through a fair scope. I felt as though I had been taking everyone else’s views as truth, when in reality, these views represented stereotypes and biases held by those who have not experienced the culture first-hand. This was my chance to see for myself the way people in another part of the world live. This was my chance to break the stereotypes I had and see how we are more similar than not to another culture, particularly Nicaragua. My role in Nicaragua was a reciprocal one. I was a facilitator of the activities that my classmates and I had designed for the workshops we conducted in Nicaragua. This was the “service” part of my Global Service Learning experience. But, I also held another role, a role that I found to be much more present and active than my other role; this role was one of the learner and listener. In Nicaragua, my classmates and I and the local Nicaraguan high-schoolers shared our past experiences, present struggles, and future dreams with each other. We learned how we are different, but even more so, similar. Although I led some of the activities that we conducted there, it was through these same activities, that I learned from the Nicaraguan students so many lessons. I shared stories and listened to stories, and through this exchanging of experiences, I came to realize a lot about myself and the way that I live. I shared what I had to say and listened to what the students had to say, and through this storytelling, I was able to both serve and learn, which in my opinion is exactly the opportunity that this Global Service Learning cultural immersion program was meant to provide me with. In Nicaragua, we shared our stories and we learned from the Nicaraguan students’ stories. Through these conversations, I learned a lot about myself and the way that I live my life. I found that I may not be living up to my true potential. I live my life waiting for the next big thing to happen, such as waiting for the weekend, waiting for the next vacation I get to go on, or feeling anxious about getting into medical school. I am living for the future and, in the process, am neglecting the present. In Nicaragua, I learned that every moment is precious, and that sometimes, you need to let go of your stresses and anxieties for the future, and just live in the moment. There is so much beauty in what is happening around you at all times, and it is unfortunate that for the past few years, I have neglected and forgotten about those wonders. In Nicaragua, I learned to appreciate the present and let the future arrive when it does, but not to rush toward it.
Hometown: Franklin Square, NY
Major: Biology and Psychology
I got involved in this Global Service Learning experience because I needed to break outside of my comfort zone. I needed to learn first-hand about the differences and similarities that our culture here in the United States shares with another culture, particularly Nicaragua. All of my life, I have been sheltered in a sense, in that I have truly understood what life in other places in the world are like. Anyone can hear news stories, see pictures, and hear about these “foreign” lands, but to experience another culture by living in it and connecting with those individuals that live there can truly open your eyes up to the truth. This is why I felt that I wanted to get involved in this experience: I have not felt as though I was viewing these other cultures accurately and through a fair scope. I felt as though I had been taking everyone else’s views as truth, when in reality, these views represented stereotypes and biases held by those who have not experienced the culture first-hand. This was my chance to see for myself the way people in another part of the world live. This was my chance to break the stereotypes I had and see how we are more similar than not to another culture, particularly Nicaragua. My role in Nicaragua was a reciprocal one. I was a facilitator of the activities that my classmates and I had designed for the workshops we conducted in Nicaragua. This was the “service” part of my Global Service Learning experience. But, I also held another role, a role that I found to be much more present and active than my other role; this role was one of the learner and listener. In Nicaragua, my classmates and I and the local Nicaraguan high-schoolers shared our past experiences, present struggles, and future dreams with each other. We learned how we are different, but even more so, similar. Although I led some of the activities that we conducted there, it was through these same activities, that I learned from the Nicaraguan students so many lessons. I shared stories and listened to stories, and through this exchanging of experiences, I came to realize a lot about myself and the way that I live. I shared what I had to say and listened to what the students had to say, and through this storytelling, I was able to both serve and learn, which in my opinion is exactly the opportunity that this Global Service Learning cultural immersion program was meant to provide me with. In Nicaragua, we shared our stories and we learned from the Nicaraguan students’ stories. Through these conversations, I learned a lot about myself and the way that I live my life. I found that I may not be living up to my true potential. I live my life waiting for the next big thing to happen, such as waiting for the weekend, waiting for the next vacation I get to go on, or feeling anxious about getting into medical school. I am living for the future and, in the process, am neglecting the present. In Nicaragua, I learned that every moment is precious, and that sometimes, you need to let go of your stresses and anxieties for the future, and just live in the moment. There is so much beauty in what is happening around you at all times, and it is unfortunate that for the past few years, I have neglected and forgotten about those wonders. In Nicaragua, I learned to appreciate the present and let the future arrive when it does, but not to rush toward it.
Name: Courtney Hunter
Hometown: Rockville Centre, NY
Major: Psychology
Travel and service have both been a huge part of my college experience. Global Service Learning gave me the opportunity to merge these two integral parts of my life together. After traveling to Nicaragua as a part of the Youth Development Across Borders course, I developed a passion for understanding others communities through conversations and relationships. When I found out the trip to Nicaragua in 2015 would be focused on Storytellers in Our Communities, I was excited to get involved in any way possible. I was the Student Leader on the trip, acting as the liaison between the teachers and the students. A part of this role was helping to organize the participants and facilitate reflections. I believe that reflecting on service really changes the impact that it has on yourself and on others, and I was ecstatic to help others reflect on the work that we were doing. While in Nicaragua, I worked with the group of participants from Providence College to co-facilitate workshops with high school students. In these workshops, we used activities focused on their sense of self, community and dreams. Our time there was truly mutually beneficial, I learned more about the Nicaraguan students culture and dreams than I could have ever imagined. This work has helped me develop an understanding around how service can look in a global context, the meaning of community, and the importance of connecting across borders.
Hometown: Rockville Centre, NY
Major: Psychology
Travel and service have both been a huge part of my college experience. Global Service Learning gave me the opportunity to merge these two integral parts of my life together. After traveling to Nicaragua as a part of the Youth Development Across Borders course, I developed a passion for understanding others communities through conversations and relationships. When I found out the trip to Nicaragua in 2015 would be focused on Storytellers in Our Communities, I was excited to get involved in any way possible. I was the Student Leader on the trip, acting as the liaison between the teachers and the students. A part of this role was helping to organize the participants and facilitate reflections. I believe that reflecting on service really changes the impact that it has on yourself and on others, and I was ecstatic to help others reflect on the work that we were doing. While in Nicaragua, I worked with the group of participants from Providence College to co-facilitate workshops with high school students. In these workshops, we used activities focused on their sense of self, community and dreams. Our time there was truly mutually beneficial, I learned more about the Nicaraguan students culture and dreams than I could have ever imagined. This work has helped me develop an understanding around how service can look in a global context, the meaning of community, and the importance of connecting across borders.
Name: Kate Fusco
Hometown: Foster, RI
Major: Global Studies
The Nicaragua Storytellers In Our Community was a gift of an experience. I wanted to be a part of this incredible trip because of the emphasis on building relationships and collecting stories. As my passion for travel grows, I have become conscious of my role as a privileged navigator. This trip helped me further develop my values as a global citizen. I feel so blessed for the opportunity to learn from the community members of El Manzano Uno. My role was to learn and engage with the high school students who graciously gave up their time to be with us. We did this by facilitating activities that were meant to bring out voices. Through the language barrier, we all embraced humility, and built strong relationships in our non native languages. El Manzano Uno reminded me what it means to be human. Even though we were only there for a short time, their tight knit, and sustainable community has left an unforgettable impression on me. I was able to experience first hand the power of building relationships and sharing dreams. I learned how similar the high school students we worked with are to me at our cores.
Hometown: Foster, RI
Major: Global Studies
The Nicaragua Storytellers In Our Community was a gift of an experience. I wanted to be a part of this incredible trip because of the emphasis on building relationships and collecting stories. As my passion for travel grows, I have become conscious of my role as a privileged navigator. This trip helped me further develop my values as a global citizen. I feel so blessed for the opportunity to learn from the community members of El Manzano Uno. My role was to learn and engage with the high school students who graciously gave up their time to be with us. We did this by facilitating activities that were meant to bring out voices. Through the language barrier, we all embraced humility, and built strong relationships in our non native languages. El Manzano Uno reminded me what it means to be human. Even though we were only there for a short time, their tight knit, and sustainable community has left an unforgettable impression on me. I was able to experience first hand the power of building relationships and sharing dreams. I learned how similar the high school students we worked with are to me at our cores.
Name: Meghan Swan
Hometown: Freehold, NJ
Major: Psychology; Minor: Business Studies
Having the chance to travel to a foreign country, immerse myself in a new culture, help people, and create lasting relationships sounded like the most incredible opportunity to me. I have always had a passion for traveling, meeting new people, learning, and helping people. Global service learning had always seemed like an interesting idea for me. This program turns the traditional classroom to a global scale and allows the experience to be the teacher. I was so excited by the idea of traveling and creating connections with people in a different country.
My role during this trip to Nicaragua was to facilitate various activities during the workshops with the high school students. Not only did i facilitate, but I also participated and served as a listener of all the stories of who the students were, how they saw themselves, how they saw their community, and what they dreamed for their future.
I learned an incredible amount about Nicaraguan culture, about myself, about others and about the world during this trip. The most important thing I was reminded of was that there is so much beauty in the world. I also learned that although people throughout the world come from different cultures, we all experience similar things as humans. We have doubts and fears but we also have hopes and dreams for our own futures and the future of our communities. We are all connected on a human level, discovering and defining ourselves and working toward making our dreams reality. Facilitating these workshops for high school students showed me that everyone has a story to tell, we just need to allow that story to be heard and understood.
Hometown: Freehold, NJ
Major: Psychology; Minor: Business Studies
Having the chance to travel to a foreign country, immerse myself in a new culture, help people, and create lasting relationships sounded like the most incredible opportunity to me. I have always had a passion for traveling, meeting new people, learning, and helping people. Global service learning had always seemed like an interesting idea for me. This program turns the traditional classroom to a global scale and allows the experience to be the teacher. I was so excited by the idea of traveling and creating connections with people in a different country.
My role during this trip to Nicaragua was to facilitate various activities during the workshops with the high school students. Not only did i facilitate, but I also participated and served as a listener of all the stories of who the students were, how they saw themselves, how they saw their community, and what they dreamed for their future.
I learned an incredible amount about Nicaraguan culture, about myself, about others and about the world during this trip. The most important thing I was reminded of was that there is so much beauty in the world. I also learned that although people throughout the world come from different cultures, we all experience similar things as humans. We have doubts and fears but we also have hopes and dreams for our own futures and the future of our communities. We are all connected on a human level, discovering and defining ourselves and working toward making our dreams reality. Facilitating these workshops for high school students showed me that everyone has a story to tell, we just need to allow that story to be heard and understood.
Name: Grace Twardy
Hometown: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Major: Global Studies & Spanish Double Major, Latin American Studies Minor
My involvement in this partnership began three years ago in January 2013 with the first global service learning trip to El Manzano Uno, Nicaragua that focused on youth literacy and community development. I was initially drawn to the project because it encompassed everything that I was passionate about: traveling, Spanish, and service; however, this trip was about so much more. This partnership is about about making cross-cultural connections in which we can learn from one another. We live in a globalized world where we are all interconnected, and it’s important to build upon these relationships and make these connections. I was so impacted by the people and the community that I was determined to continue to be involved with this partnership. I was so excited to have the opportunity to co-facilitate the 2015-16 course with my colleague and friend Nuria, whom I traveled with the first time I went. Together, we planned the course around storytelling, which is something that I am truly passionate about. We all have a story to share, and it is through the sharing of these stories where we become empowered and work to make a change. I’ve learned how stories shape a community, how they allow us to understand one another, and how they can be shared to make a difference in this world.
Hometown: Glastonbury, Connecticut
Major: Global Studies & Spanish Double Major, Latin American Studies Minor
My involvement in this partnership began three years ago in January 2013 with the first global service learning trip to El Manzano Uno, Nicaragua that focused on youth literacy and community development. I was initially drawn to the project because it encompassed everything that I was passionate about: traveling, Spanish, and service; however, this trip was about so much more. This partnership is about about making cross-cultural connections in which we can learn from one another. We live in a globalized world where we are all interconnected, and it’s important to build upon these relationships and make these connections. I was so impacted by the people and the community that I was determined to continue to be involved with this partnership. I was so excited to have the opportunity to co-facilitate the 2015-16 course with my colleague and friend Nuria, whom I traveled with the first time I went. Together, we planned the course around storytelling, which is something that I am truly passionate about. We all have a story to share, and it is through the sharing of these stories where we become empowered and work to make a change. I’ve learned how stories shape a community, how they allow us to understand one another, and how they can be shared to make a difference in this world.
|
Name: Nuria Alonso García
Hometown: Asturias, Spain A curious mind, a believer in dialogue, an idealist dreaming in multiple languages Inspired by the ideas of building community, I strive to develop service and experiential learning projects that address how issues of international resonance intersect with concerns experienced by local communities. My engaged pedagogy across disciplines is defined by my relentless commitment to creating opportunities that foster our understanding of intercultural matters, while at the same time providing meaningful support to participate responsibly, creatively and passionately in society. |
Conversations about connecting communities across borders have been prevalent within the Global Studies program at Providence College and encouraged me to expand its outreach in order to get St-Petersburg students with whom I collaborated during my sabbatical year in Russia, involved in the Waves of Hope venture. Involving Russian college students with English and Spanish linguistic backgrounds in the workshops we co-developed with Waves of Hope was powerful –as it offered an additional perspective to the kaleidoscope of experiences we are weaving from different angles, and it enriched the variety of expertise and personal strengths brought into the partnership. This cohort model fostered a deeper sense of cultural awareness, as we experienced different facets of cultural immersion –within the Nicaraguan local community as well as within the student community formed abroad, blending perspectives from the east and the west that will collide in the common objectives of serving, learning and connecting.