Marine Science major

The Marine Biology program was the reason I first came to Eckerd in 1999. Little did I know, it would be the service learning during school breaks that would make such a lasting impression.

During spring break of 2002 I traveled to Chicago with Brian (Director of Service Learning) and a group of students to learn a little more about some of the struggles of the inner city. Doing service at a homeless shelter, a center for children with AIDS related issues, and an after school program for kids surrounded by gang violence were just a few things that resonated the importance of living together in community. This was just the beginning of becoming involved in service learning that led to one of the most memorable moments in my life. That would come during the summer of 2004, when I would travel with a small group of students to the Thai/Burma (Myanmar) border to work in a Karen Refugee Camp. In addition to spending time in the refugee camp, we spent several days within Burma to learn more about the current situation of the people living under a brutal military dictatorship.

The faces and the stories of the people I met will remain in my heart always. When I left, I made a promise to myself that I would not forget their voice, their struggle. Burmese pro-democracy leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi said, "You must use your freedom to promote ours." This May, I was able to do just that.

The Young Adults group at my church was asked to organize a service while my pastor was away in Africa. I had participated in a service project in Zambia with the church and we then decided to focus on the voice of the church in social justice and human rights issues, with a specific focus on Burma. The message was well received with a wonderful response of people wanting to do more. Raising awareness for the people of Burma and aid for the victims of Cyclone Nargis is keeping me busy now. I will continue to work at this in the hope of seeing a free Burma. It is the least I can do for a people who taught me so much.