Before being able to participate in the Study Abroad 2015 trip to Jamaica, I had never been out of the country, so I wasn’t quite sure exactly what to expect. By the time the adventure was coming to an end, I wasn’t ready to leave just yet. Words cannot explain what I took out of the trip, but the memories will. Jamaica has so much to see and the people are the most loving and kindest I have personally ever met, and they are the ones who made this experience so memorable.

Their smiles of gratitude are so big after doing a dental cleaning on them, and their hearts are so grateful for what you were able to accomplish.

One day we went out into the community and did education on oral hygiene, and never have I had so many children run up to me and want a hug or just to hold your hand to say hello. It is truly heart warming. The way their faces lit up when you said you were going to give them a simple toothbrush seemed to match the excitement as if you just gave someone ten presents on Christmas. It will never be forgotten and expresses the true definition of what “One Love” really means.

All in all, I am so appreciative for this wonderful opportunity that was presented to myself through  the St. Petersburg College Dental Hygiene Program. It is an experience I will always cherish and one I look forward to attending in the near future again!