During
spring break 2014, members of MAPS participated in the Alternative Spring Break
(ASB) trip organized by Campus Ministries.
In fact, five of the seven Barry students who participated this year
were MAPS members. This year's trip to Kingston,
Jamaica was a very humbling experience for our members.
The week
kicked off with a Sunday Family Day service, a lively celebration of life
through song and scripture. Following the service, ASB participants visited the
homebound parishioners - seniors,
the sick, blind and amputees. They spent time talking with them, offering to
help with household chores but the parishioners were content and grateful for their
presence and instead opted to sing with and pray for the students. Students also had the opportunity to visit the
neighborhood clinic and learn about the medical needs of the community. They also participated in the Meals on Wheels
program, helping to prepare the meals, pack and distribute them in the
neighborhood.
MAPS members who participated in this year’s ASB trip all agree that their week
was extraordinary on many levels. “I really feel an experience like this should
be required at some point during every student's undergraduate education.” said
junior biology major and MAPS Student National Medical Association liaison
Alejandro Tobón, for whom this was his second ASB trip. “The amount of
information you learn about culture, people, history, food, politics,
education, health, and about yourself is much more valuable than what you can
obtain from simply reading a book. The experience brings out the best in you,
your true character and beauty. It invigorates you and makes you a more
conscious global citizen.”
