Wah Gwan!

This study abroad opportunity to Jamaica was everything I could ever imagine plus more. This experience has hands-down been one of the best experiences of my life. Eight of my fellow dental hygiene classmates, myself, and our professor, Mrs. Krueger, have been working hard for the past nine months by gathering supplies, fundraising, and organizing our trip. It was a lot of work but worth every single minute put into it. A few days before leaving some bad news was received saying our study abroad trip would be cancelled due to a hurricane that was in the Atlantic.

After a roller coaster of emotions, and a lot of hard work from Mrs. Krueger, our trip was finally back on! No hurricane can stop the power of love! Thankfully the hurricane did not damage Jamaica. Although the storm did change our schedule around, the feeling was even more special when arriving and I was even more thankful to be there than ever before. Our days contained a lot of hard work and sweat, but even more love.

We were able to work with the amazing organization Great Shape! Inc., which consists of DJ, Sali- Jo, Oshane, Roshane, and Papa Joe. Five of the most caring, hard working, and loving people I have ever met. The love and warmth from even single Jamaican local was something you don’t see too often. Their faces would light up with joy as they are handed a toothbrush, children running into your arms as you step off of the bus, patients with the biggest smile ever seen after their dental treatment has been complete. I have never felt so welcomed and more loved from people I have just met.

I feel this opportunity and the amazing and humble people I have met during this experience have changed my life. This entire study abroad trip contained many amazing moments. One of my favorite and most memorable moment was visiting the schools and providing toothbrushes and toothpaste to all the students. We went into the classrooms and educated every student on the importance of oral hygiene. We demonstrated the correct way to brush and why it was so important to do so. Another highlight was a day in the clinic where I was able to successfully complete ten sealants on an eight year old boy.  This really means a lot to me because I know if this little boy does not get the opportunity to seek dental treatment for a few more years, I was able to make a difference by potentially saving those ten teeth from ever developing cavities.

Overall, our Jamaica trip was beyond incredible. It made me realize I do not want to stop here. I will continue to provide my services to the public in any way that I can. Many people take advantage of a lot here in the states. This experience made me open my eyes to what I really need to be thankful for. Many of the Jamaican locals didn’t have much, but are still the happiest people and will still give you the shirt off of their back. They all take care of each other, they welcome anyone, and show everyone a tremendous amount of love, which is the definition of one love. I had an amazing time, I learned a lot and I feel like I have grown so much as a dental hygiene student. I am looking forward to my next trip back to Jamaica! One love!