{"id":4578,"date":"2022-04-28T16:58:07","date_gmt":"2022-04-28T20:58:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/?p=4578"},"modified":"2024-05-17T12:45:33","modified_gmt":"2024-05-17T16:45:33","slug":"sans-students-travel-to-dominican-republic-for-service-learning-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wwwcp.umes.edu\/sans\/sans-monthly-digest\/april-2022\/sans-students-travel-to-dominican-republic-for-service-learning-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"SANS students travel to Dominican Republic for service learning trip"},"content":{"rendered":"
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UMES honors students from left, are: (standing) Doria Wheeler, Amal Suleiman Adamu<\/strong> (senior, biology), Memunatu Conteh<\/strong> (freshman, biology), Jessica Collins, Michelle Yang, Juan (bus driver), Kalin Toogood<\/strong> (freshman, biology, Pre-med), Dr. Yen Dang (UMES School of Pharmacy), Jaidyn McCullough<\/strong> (freshman, fashion merchandising), Dr. Michael Lane (Henson Honors Program), Dr Jocelyn Briddell (Henson Honors Program), (kneeling) Bertrand Akuche, Himali Gujrati, Elise Johnson and Jumole Akinola.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

UMES students who are members of the Richard A. Henson Honors Program or the School of Pharmacy had an experience of a lifetime as they traveled to the Dominican Republic for a service learning trip over spring break, March 19-26.  Four SANS students (see photos and captions)<\/em> were among the group of 14, including three faculty\/staff advisors who volunteered at the National Environmental School in Jarabacoa.  The town in the Central Mountain Range of the Dominican Republic has four major rivers nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to odd jobs, including planting sweet potatoes, gardening, painting and building a lean-to, the students also worked on research projects that they presented to the campus community on April 28.  A comparative (Dominican Republic vs Eastern Shore of Maryland) study of water samples, an assessment of the views of COVID-19 risks, and prostate and cervical cancer awareness were some of the projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The group also got a chance to take a break from the work and enjoy sightseeing at the Los Tres Ojos Cave, visiting a coffee factory, swimming at a beach and waterfall, snorkeling and white water rafting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Dr. Michael Lane, director of the Henson Honors Program, the purpose of the trip was to \u201cprovide immersion opportunities to think, reflect and to become exemplary global citizens.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis trip had a significant impact on me,\u201d said Amal Sueiman Adamu, a senior biology major.  \u201cIt provided me with the opportunity to try new things, step out of my comfort zone and appreciate diversity to a greater extent.  The projects we were involved in gave me insight into privilege and the importance of service to others.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gail  Stephens, Agricultural Communications, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, 410-621-3850, gcstephens@umes.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n