Spanish

Looking back on my experience at Eckerd College, many of my memories center around service learning. I participated right away with local outings and then overseas. The trips were memorable due to the relationships that were built around experiences of overcoming odds and lending a helping hand. Through service learning I was able to challenge my character and push myself through following and leading fellow students.

One trip that continues to stick out in my mind is a Spring Break Trip to Immokalee, FL. Ironically it was cheapest and least desirable trip offered; however, the experience was life-changing. We worked with a farm worker coalition that was helping be a voice for the local workers. After spending a day in the field picking vegetables, I found new respect for the food on my table as well as the workers. I was able to see first hand what newspapers today continue to display of the struggle of farm workers and immigration laws.

After Eckerd I became an Americorps member in Colorado with Salud Family Health Center. I continued working out of my passion for Hispanics through participating in a mobile health unit taking health care to farm workers as well as working in a small, rural health clinic. Seeing raids on meat plants by our government and hearing the local horror stories of families torn apart was only a part of my experience. I also worked with the local university on a study of housing conditions in a poverty stricken area in Denver. We went into homes and offered advice and help with health and safety hazards. All this to say, my time spent volunteering at Eckerd gave me a great basis to go into the world on my own and make a difference.