Jamaica was the summer destination for a selected few Loyola students. They visited the island through the Ignacio Volunteers program to help those who are in need and to learn about the culture there.

The program selects 10 to 12 students each year to serve the underprivileged communities in various parts of the world such as Jamaica, Belize and South Africa.

According to Heather Malveaux, coordinator of the international immersion program at Loyola, this volunteer trip creates an experience that helps both the people being served and those who are serving.

“We all have an unlimited capacity to love and to be compassionate,” Malveaux said.

The volunteers served at the Riverton City Early Education Centre where they aided the teachers in educating young students. They also worked with elderly at The Home for the Destitute and Dying, and Bethlehem Home, an orphanage for the physically and mentally challenged children.

“Over there, we became teacher assistants. We helped with clothing, we changed diapers, and we offered personal help,” Malveaux said.

The program gives students, like Kenneth Singleton A’15, an opportunity to pursue their passion: to help others.

“I decided to go on the trip because I want to help others. That is my life passion and I thought it would be great to go to another country to do so. It was the best I could have ever done,” Singleton said.

India Gregory, political science senior, said she learned how to be patient.

“While on the trip, I found myself thinking a lot about my place in the world, and how small it is. I learned that everything is connected through love and that if we do not unplug ourselves from the monotony of life, we will miss what really matters,” Gregory said.

She said she was overwhelmed with the joy that this trip brought to her.

“I was able to take away a lot of gratitude for the life I lead and wanted to smack myself for taking advantage of so much when others have so little. I enjoyed every bit of the trip and wish that such an experience could be recreated,” Gregory said.