Name: Taylor Gibson
Hometown: Oswego, Illinois
Major: Spanish and Political Science
The Storytellers in Our Communities trip to El Manzano, Nicaragua was my fifth time embarking on an international service trip through Providence College. Previously, I traveled to Tucuman, Argentina through a Father Smith Fellowship to teach English as a second language for six weeks. I also studied aboard in Lima, Peru through CIEE. While there, I volunteered on a weekly basis for a non-profit called CEDEC, which was an educational center that provided a full day of learning and after school programs for marginalized communities. Finally, I served as both a participant and a leader of another Global Service Learning Trip titled “Global Border Crossing” that travels to Tijuana, Mexico. I joined the Storytellers in Our Communities trip because I wanted to continue with the Global Service Learning program here at Providence College due to my inherit believe in the pedagogical approach that is taken in the program. For me, the greatest learning takeaways were the importance of working “with” communities and not “for” them. Through communication and dialogue, we were able to create a weeklong program for high school seniors that included important pillars that they were interested in obtaining from us. Some of these learning outcomes included English speaking, financial literacy, and telling one’s public narrative. Thanks to the relationships we built in Nicaragua, our class will return to the United States full of personal experiences that combat the largely negative dominant narrative that exists about Central America. We hope to use our knowledge to combat stereotypes, and to continue to create spaces for stories that are left largely untold here in Providence as well.
Hometown: Oswego, Illinois
Major: Spanish and Political Science
The Storytellers in Our Communities trip to El Manzano, Nicaragua was my fifth time embarking on an international service trip through Providence College. Previously, I traveled to Tucuman, Argentina through a Father Smith Fellowship to teach English as a second language for six weeks. I also studied aboard in Lima, Peru through CIEE. While there, I volunteered on a weekly basis for a non-profit called CEDEC, which was an educational center that provided a full day of learning and after school programs for marginalized communities. Finally, I served as both a participant and a leader of another Global Service Learning Trip titled “Global Border Crossing” that travels to Tijuana, Mexico. I joined the Storytellers in Our Communities trip because I wanted to continue with the Global Service Learning program here at Providence College due to my inherit believe in the pedagogical approach that is taken in the program. For me, the greatest learning takeaways were the importance of working “with” communities and not “for” them. Through communication and dialogue, we were able to create a weeklong program for high school seniors that included important pillars that they were interested in obtaining from us. Some of these learning outcomes included English speaking, financial literacy, and telling one’s public narrative. Thanks to the relationships we built in Nicaragua, our class will return to the United States full of personal experiences that combat the largely negative dominant narrative that exists about Central America. We hope to use our knowledge to combat stereotypes, and to continue to create spaces for stories that are left largely untold here in Providence as well.
Name: Jeannette Torres
Hometown: Lawrence, Massachusetts
Major: Health Policy and Management
I very much learned from doing this service trip to Nicaragua. The moment we all landed and took our first breath of Nicaraguan air, I knew that the next few days were going to be filled of laughter, excitement, and fun. This opportunity gave me the chance to engage with high school students through activities facilitated by the group focusing on bringing out their individual voices. The short time I was there, I was able to build relationships with the high school students and learn more about their community. The way all of the students communicated with us and made us laugh, definitely made me feel like I was their older sister. They all shared stories very special to them with a message that all of us can take as advice for our own use. My role during this trip was to facilitate multiple workshops that were mostly based on public speaking and financial literacy. Some of the other workshops were fun and focused on all of us getting to know each other through icebreaker activities. Its sad to think that this experience was something of the past, but I’m very glad that I can look back at the beautiful memories we all had in the present and in the future.
Hometown: Lawrence, Massachusetts
Major: Health Policy and Management
I very much learned from doing this service trip to Nicaragua. The moment we all landed and took our first breath of Nicaraguan air, I knew that the next few days were going to be filled of laughter, excitement, and fun. This opportunity gave me the chance to engage with high school students through activities facilitated by the group focusing on bringing out their individual voices. The short time I was there, I was able to build relationships with the high school students and learn more about their community. The way all of the students communicated with us and made us laugh, definitely made me feel like I was their older sister. They all shared stories very special to them with a message that all of us can take as advice for our own use. My role during this trip was to facilitate multiple workshops that were mostly based on public speaking and financial literacy. Some of the other workshops were fun and focused on all of us getting to know each other through icebreaker activities. Its sad to think that this experience was something of the past, but I’m very glad that I can look back at the beautiful memories we all had in the present and in the future.
Name: Aitana Hue
Hometown: Marshfield, Massachusetts
Major: Global Studies and Spanish
I believe the best way to learn is outside of the classroom. As a Global Studies major at Providence College, I have been surrounded by Global Service Learning trips since day one and these trips seem to encompass this idea to the fullest. Going on one of these trips has always been a dream of mine. When I heard about the opportunity to travel to Nicaragua as part of Storytellers in Our Community I was immediately enticed. Beyond facilitating workshops to high school students, I was not exactly sure what to expect. However, I know I could have never expected the unforgettable experience the community of El Manzano Uno has given me.
As we facilitated the workshops to the high school students and members of the community, I was able to build relationships far beyond what I imagined. I learned more about the lives of the students and Nicaraguan culture through our conversations and sharing of ideas. While the students wrote their personal narratives, the culminating project of the week, I was truly moved listening to their stories and gained a new perspective on certain values that I take advantage of in my day to day life. Throughout the week I developed a better understanding of “community” and what it means to cross borders and connect through them. I will continue to carry the lessons the people of El Manzano Uno taught me and will be forever grateful for this.
Hometown: Marshfield, Massachusetts
Major: Global Studies and Spanish
I believe the best way to learn is outside of the classroom. As a Global Studies major at Providence College, I have been surrounded by Global Service Learning trips since day one and these trips seem to encompass this idea to the fullest. Going on one of these trips has always been a dream of mine. When I heard about the opportunity to travel to Nicaragua as part of Storytellers in Our Community I was immediately enticed. Beyond facilitating workshops to high school students, I was not exactly sure what to expect. However, I know I could have never expected the unforgettable experience the community of El Manzano Uno has given me.
As we facilitated the workshops to the high school students and members of the community, I was able to build relationships far beyond what I imagined. I learned more about the lives of the students and Nicaraguan culture through our conversations and sharing of ideas. While the students wrote their personal narratives, the culminating project of the week, I was truly moved listening to their stories and gained a new perspective on certain values that I take advantage of in my day to day life. Throughout the week I developed a better understanding of “community” and what it means to cross borders and connect through them. I will continue to carry the lessons the people of El Manzano Uno taught me and will be forever grateful for this.
Name: Leslie Hernandez
Hometown: New York City, New York
Major: Public and Community Service Studies
Education is my personal legend. In one of the workshop activities done with the students we had to create our own mock interviews based off whichever topic the student chose. The student I was paired with picked books and said his favorite book was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I mentioned that was my favorite book too and we talked about the book so much we missed the rest of the interview questions–and that’s when I realized. In the book a personal legend is described as a spiritual calling that awakens a deep desire and passion to live with a sense of purpose for something greater than yourself. The Nicaragua service-learning trip has helped me visualize what makes me happy. Being able to work with the students 1-on-1 reinforced the idea that Education is the field for me. From the group work to the art session with the community children the entire trip was all life-changing. I have never felt so grounded in my life and will be eternally grateful that I was given the opportunity to go on this trip. It was the reminder that I’m good at what I love and gave me the validation I need to go forward.
Hometown: New York City, New York
Major: Public and Community Service Studies
Education is my personal legend. In one of the workshop activities done with the students we had to create our own mock interviews based off whichever topic the student chose. The student I was paired with picked books and said his favorite book was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I mentioned that was my favorite book too and we talked about the book so much we missed the rest of the interview questions–and that’s when I realized. In the book a personal legend is described as a spiritual calling that awakens a deep desire and passion to live with a sense of purpose for something greater than yourself. The Nicaragua service-learning trip has helped me visualize what makes me happy. Being able to work with the students 1-on-1 reinforced the idea that Education is the field for me. From the group work to the art session with the community children the entire trip was all life-changing. I have never felt so grounded in my life and will be eternally grateful that I was given the opportunity to go on this trip. It was the reminder that I’m good at what I love and gave me the validation I need to go forward.
Name: Lilienne Lawson
Hometown: Plymouth, MA
Major: Spanish and Mathematics
There are no words to capture how incredible our trip to Nicaragua was this summer. As a first-time traveler, I had no idea what to expect. Upon arrival at El Coco Loco result, the positive energy was instantly contagious. The community was inviting and the most kind-hearted group of people I have ever met. I felt at home; never did I expect to feel so at peace over 4,000 miles away from my little “bubble” in New England. I was not sure what our high-school students for the week would be like. This journey was full of surprises. Again, I was in awe at the group of kids we were fortunate enough to spend time with. Their dedication to studies, family, and the community was inspiring to say the least. The group of Providence College students whom I went with (and will continue to work with here in Providence) is phenomenal. Our bonds extend to the many hearts of those we met in Nicaragua. I’ve learned to look at the bigger picture, to focus on the beauty that surrounds me – the beauty in life. My trip reinforced my dedication to family and friends. This heightened awareness has and will continue to give me the strength and drive to better my relationships and myself. I would love to travel across borders again. One day, I plan to revisit El Manzano Uno, this community I have been oh so very blessed to experience.
Hometown: Plymouth, MA
Major: Spanish and Mathematics
There are no words to capture how incredible our trip to Nicaragua was this summer. As a first-time traveler, I had no idea what to expect. Upon arrival at El Coco Loco result, the positive energy was instantly contagious. The community was inviting and the most kind-hearted group of people I have ever met. I felt at home; never did I expect to feel so at peace over 4,000 miles away from my little “bubble” in New England. I was not sure what our high-school students for the week would be like. This journey was full of surprises. Again, I was in awe at the group of kids we were fortunate enough to spend time with. Their dedication to studies, family, and the community was inspiring to say the least. The group of Providence College students whom I went with (and will continue to work with here in Providence) is phenomenal. Our bonds extend to the many hearts of those we met in Nicaragua. I’ve learned to look at the bigger picture, to focus on the beauty that surrounds me – the beauty in life. My trip reinforced my dedication to family and friends. This heightened awareness has and will continue to give me the strength and drive to better my relationships and myself. I would love to travel across borders again. One day, I plan to revisit El Manzano Uno, this community I have been oh so very blessed to experience.
Name: Jenna Wilson
Hometown: Niantic, CT
Major: Spanish/Secondary Education
As a foreign language and education major, Storytellers in Our Communities seemed like it would perfectly complement to my field of study. Until now, my only experience in a predominantly Spanish-speaking country had not been since high school, and I was ready to experience that type of immersion again – but this time coupled with a service-learning element. While I knew logistically that the experience would benefit me, I was not expecting the overwhelming amount of learning and growth that I experienced during our week in Nicaragua. The students that we worked with were among the most dedicated and talented that I have ever had the privilege of working with, and showed me the true potential that is possible when hard work takes place. Their honesty, compassion, and trust that they placed in all of us has inspired me to become a better teacher in the future – a teacher that is worthy of those kind of dedicated students.
Hometown: Niantic, CT
Major: Spanish/Secondary Education
As a foreign language and education major, Storytellers in Our Communities seemed like it would perfectly complement to my field of study. Until now, my only experience in a predominantly Spanish-speaking country had not been since high school, and I was ready to experience that type of immersion again – but this time coupled with a service-learning element. While I knew logistically that the experience would benefit me, I was not expecting the overwhelming amount of learning and growth that I experienced during our week in Nicaragua. The students that we worked with were among the most dedicated and talented that I have ever had the privilege of working with, and showed me the true potential that is possible when hard work takes place. Their honesty, compassion, and trust that they placed in all of us has inspired me to become a better teacher in the future – a teacher that is worthy of those kind of dedicated students.
Name: Bridget McFadden
Hometown: Rockville Centre, New York
Major: Finance and Global Studies
I am so grateful to be a part of this year’s Storytellers in Our Communities course. This trip gave me an opportunity to connect with others and explore cross-cultural communication in a more reflective way. As a Global Studies student, I’ve always been interested in the idea of global service-learning and felt these courses were a clear path towards a deeper understanding of our world and our respective roles. The Nicaragua trip initially appealed to me because of its emphasis on community and education. Additionally, I loved the idea that the Storytellers in Our Community course continued service-learning within the Providence College community. I have always strived to learn new things in a meaningful way. I think this course provides for new learning for all its participants. I’m glad to be apart of this trip because of the holistic approach it takes to service and development both personally and within our communities.
Hometown: Rockville Centre, New York
Major: Finance and Global Studies
I am so grateful to be a part of this year’s Storytellers in Our Communities course. This trip gave me an opportunity to connect with others and explore cross-cultural communication in a more reflective way. As a Global Studies student, I’ve always been interested in the idea of global service-learning and felt these courses were a clear path towards a deeper understanding of our world and our respective roles. The Nicaragua trip initially appealed to me because of its emphasis on community and education. Additionally, I loved the idea that the Storytellers in Our Community course continued service-learning within the Providence College community. I have always strived to learn new things in a meaningful way. I think this course provides for new learning for all its participants. I’m glad to be apart of this trip because of the holistic approach it takes to service and development both personally and within our communities.
Name: Amanda d'Ambrosio
Hometown: Centreville, Maryland
Major: Global Studies
My college education has been inspired by my desire to explore the globe and engage in diverse cultures. For that reason, global service learning was the perfect complement to my interests, and it has been an essential aspect of my academic experience. My first global service-learning trip to Nicaragua during my sophomore year was an experience that marks the start of my personal development as a Global Studies major, and after returning I knew it would not be my last. When I heard of the opportunity to return to El Manzano Uno, Nicaragua and work with the individuals at Waves of Hope, I felt a strong desire to go back to continue the relationship-building that I had started two years prior. Working with community members of El Manzano Uno has taught me more about community engagement and cross-cultural relationship building than I ever would have learned in the classroom, and for that I am eternally grateful.
On our recent trip to El Manzano Uno, we worked with high school students on financial literacy and public speaking skills. The workshops that we completed with these students were successful in not only developing essential skills, but also in building trust, fostering community, and creating relationships that extended far beyond our activities’ parameters. For me, this is the most important part of global service learning. Community engagement and the ability to create relationships that long lasting has taught me so much about what it means to participate in foreign culture, and for that reason it has been an essential part of my education.
Hometown: Centreville, Maryland
Major: Global Studies
My college education has been inspired by my desire to explore the globe and engage in diverse cultures. For that reason, global service learning was the perfect complement to my interests, and it has been an essential aspect of my academic experience. My first global service-learning trip to Nicaragua during my sophomore year was an experience that marks the start of my personal development as a Global Studies major, and after returning I knew it would not be my last. When I heard of the opportunity to return to El Manzano Uno, Nicaragua and work with the individuals at Waves of Hope, I felt a strong desire to go back to continue the relationship-building that I had started two years prior. Working with community members of El Manzano Uno has taught me more about community engagement and cross-cultural relationship building than I ever would have learned in the classroom, and for that I am eternally grateful.
On our recent trip to El Manzano Uno, we worked with high school students on financial literacy and public speaking skills. The workshops that we completed with these students were successful in not only developing essential skills, but also in building trust, fostering community, and creating relationships that extended far beyond our activities’ parameters. For me, this is the most important part of global service learning. Community engagement and the ability to create relationships that long lasting has taught me so much about what it means to participate in foreign culture, and for that reason it has been an essential part of my education.
Name: Vicki Garcia Orozco
Hometown: Boston, MA
Major: Global Studies
I have always been curious and interested in the ways that past students who have gone on service learning trips have been able to connect topics discussed in class with their trips. I have always envied the students that have returned and always have told myself to become more involved in my major and pc community. Having had the opportunity to participate in the Storytellers in Our Community Program has allowed me to supplement my education at PC and also helped further my discovery in what I truly want to do with my Global Studies major. Previous to this trip, I had never had a service learning experience and did not really know what to expect on this trip. I was especially nervous because I did not know many people in the group and wasn’t sure how everyone would interact. Looking back now, I have made great friendships and got to know many people that I would not have otherwise known. This trip really pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me to gain more of a voice in my community. I have gained hands on experience, created relationships with the community members at Waves of Hope, and gained a new sight into what it means to be a global citizen.
Hometown: Boston, MA
Major: Global Studies
I have always been curious and interested in the ways that past students who have gone on service learning trips have been able to connect topics discussed in class with their trips. I have always envied the students that have returned and always have told myself to become more involved in my major and pc community. Having had the opportunity to participate in the Storytellers in Our Community Program has allowed me to supplement my education at PC and also helped further my discovery in what I truly want to do with my Global Studies major. Previous to this trip, I had never had a service learning experience and did not really know what to expect on this trip. I was especially nervous because I did not know many people in the group and wasn’t sure how everyone would interact. Looking back now, I have made great friendships and got to know many people that I would not have otherwise known. This trip really pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me to gain more of a voice in my community. I have gained hands on experience, created relationships with the community members at Waves of Hope, and gained a new sight into what it means to be a global citizen.
Name: Magali Garcia-Pletsch
Home town: Laredo, Texas
Having grown up on the U.S./México border, my life has always been about crossing borders—physical ones, such as national borders, and less visible ones, like borders between cultures, languages, and ideologies. My identity as a “border crosser” informs a lot of my day-to-day interactions—professionally and personally—and is one of the primary reasons I’m so passionate about global learning and engagement, particularly in higher education.
In light of this, I think programs like global service-learning, and thus the Storytellers in Our Communities project, occupy a unique space in the global learning and engagement landscape in higher education: Global service-learning provides a framework to ethnically engage in service, in ways that are reciprocal and authentic. This model also provides a space for listening to community voice, hopefully in an empowering and dignified way, while also ensuring the sustainability of the various projects. Global service-learning is also a powerful pedagogy to deepen student learning on a particular context (rural Nicaragua) or issue (storytelling across barriers), while also strengthening their understanding of their own social location, which often involves challenging ideas of power and privilege. All of this informs us, as participants, about how we want to be in our ever-changing world.
Home town: Laredo, Texas
Having grown up on the U.S./México border, my life has always been about crossing borders—physical ones, such as national borders, and less visible ones, like borders between cultures, languages, and ideologies. My identity as a “border crosser” informs a lot of my day-to-day interactions—professionally and personally—and is one of the primary reasons I’m so passionate about global learning and engagement, particularly in higher education.
In light of this, I think programs like global service-learning, and thus the Storytellers in Our Communities project, occupy a unique space in the global learning and engagement landscape in higher education: Global service-learning provides a framework to ethnically engage in service, in ways that are reciprocal and authentic. This model also provides a space for listening to community voice, hopefully in an empowering and dignified way, while also ensuring the sustainability of the various projects. Global service-learning is also a powerful pedagogy to deepen student learning on a particular context (rural Nicaragua) or issue (storytelling across barriers), while also strengthening their understanding of their own social location, which often involves challenging ideas of power and privilege. All of this informs us, as participants, about how we want to be in our ever-changing world.