The Jamaica study abroad program is an invaluable experience. I have gained a love of international travel, confidence in my skills as a clinician, a love for the people of Jamaica, and a new amazing way to volunteer and be of service to others. When I applied for this program, I hoped that I would be chosen. I believed it would feed my soul while advancing my clinical skills, but I truly did not know the extent of the impact it would make on me.
Everything in Jamaica was amazing, the people are happy, grateful, and radiant. The food is robust and flavorful. The mountainous scenery is lush and green, and the connections made were real and affirming. There were so many worthwhile experiences from spending quality time with classmates to watching my clinical speed increase exponentially each day to unearthing baby turtles to holding an anxious patient’s hand before her first ever “cleaning.” After my first day in the staff clinic, I could feel I was already getting stronger clinically and by the end of my second at the Eltham clinic, I was eager for the opportunity to give injections instead of hesitant. It was the best hands-on learning experience I could have ever asked for.
My favorite day in Jamaica was Friday in the clinic, I was a little homesick to be honest so on the drive in I began repeating to myself “Please help me be a blessing to others today” and my very first patient ended up being a blessing to me instead. He was 16. He was the most lit-from-within person I had ever met. He was so grateful and friendly. He reminded me that I was exactly where I needed to be, all with his smile. All the patients and people I met in Jamaica made me feel grateful I had the knowledge and skill of dental hygiene that I could share.
Returning to the states and clinic after this trip, I feel renewed. I feel so much more competent and confident as a clinician. But mostly I am thankful for how it has opened my heart to learning and sharing as much as I can all over the world. Jamaica may not be wealthy in the conventional sense of the word, but it is extremely rich in culture, unity, and inclusion…ONE LOVE!
– Brei, SPC Jamaica Dental Study Abroad Program, October 2022