All posts by Gloria Parrott

SPC Study Abroad: There is nothing like being immersed in a foreign country!

Spain and Portugal (High School), Study Abroad, Travel

During my time studying abroad in Spain and Portugal, I was able to take note of a few cultural changes that highlighted the underlying beliefs of these countries. For example, both incorporated Catholicism much more strongly in their holidays and daily life, with ancient churches and cathedrals still being used for congregations even today. However, a notable difference between these countries was the food, with Portugal having a focus on seafood like octopus and cod, in contrast to Spain having a focus on complete, but small dishes known as tapas to complement a meal.

While I would have been able to discover this information myself at home, I would have never been able to have the complete cultural experience that I had without studying abroad. Traveling on your own is an option, but with the study abroad program, there is a dedicated schedule and tour guide to help immerse travelers into the culture. I also find that studying abroad is particularly incredible when bringing or finding new friends. To me, there is nothing like being immersed in a foreign country with the gift of friendship!
– Nyden, SPC Spain and Portugal (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2025

SPC Spain and Portugal: It didn’t disappoint!

News, Spain and Portugal (High School), Travel

This is my second year attending the Saint Petersburg High School study abroad program, and it didn’t disappoint. Last year, I ventured to Italy, where I met some of my closest friends and shared some of the best experiences of my life. This time, my memories were just as incredible. One aspect I loved that was different from last year was that we were grouped with other high schools, allowing us to meet people from all around the country, including New Mexico, Colorado, and Hawaii. This not only gave me the opportunity to form new friendships but also to network with people from different locations. It’s always exciting to connect with others from diverse backgrounds.

I also deeply enjoyed immersing myself in the culture. Not only was I able to actively practice my Spanish-speaking skills, but I also experienced both Spanish and Portuguese traditions firsthand. For example, we took flamenco dance lessons, tried new foods, and explored historic landmarks that enriched my understanding of the region. Walking through the cobblestone streets of Lisbon and seeing the intricate tilework on historic buildings gave me a new appreciation for Portuguese architecture. In Spain, I loved visiting markets and enjoying authentic tapas. Overall, it was an incredibly positive experience, and I made memories that I will cherish forever. – Hayden, SPC Spain and Portugal (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2025

SPC High School Abroad: I would totally do it!

News, Spain and Portugal (High School), Travel

My name is Maddie, and I recently went on a study abroad trip to Spain and Portugal. We went to Lisbon, Evora, Seville, Cordoba, and Madrid. The study abroad experience was one of the best things I’ve ever done in my life. Getting to experience Europe with a group of peers was excellent. The environment created by the tour guides and teachers was amazing as well.

On our trip, we explored so many different places and got to experience the culture of Spain and Portugal. We saw lots of striking architecture and art, while also enjoying the delicious food. I learned so much about the places we went to, while having fun. I would 100% recommend this experience, I had a blast. If you’re thinking about traveling with SPC I would totally do it! – Maddie, SPC Spain and Portugal (High School) Study Abroad Program, March 2025

SPC Bahamas: Knowledge, teamwork, amazing memories, and satisfaction!

Antigua, Bahamas 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

One of the main reasons why I applied to the St. Peterburg College dental hygiene program was because it was the only program at least in Florida that offered a study-abroad volunteering experience for their students. However, I was questioning applying near the deadline since school was very hectic and I work a part-time job, so I did not know if leaving for a little over a week would interfere with school grades and money coming in for my bills and stuff. Thankfully, on the last day for applying, I decided to do it because I had some savings just in case I needed them, but besides being one of the reasons why I wanted to come to SPC, I also benefited from something similar back in my country when I was a kid which made me want to do it more. Consequently, I was happily chosen to go and the group needed to start thinking about how to fundraise money to cover all of our expenses.

We were a group of nine girls, and our professor, Ms. Krueger, had a lot of creative ways to get money. Each one of us had to oversee a fundraising event, including four restaurant events, a school sale, a garage sale, a lumpia sale, a symposium table selling dental hygiene stuff, a couple of us applied for scholarships, and many people including family and friends donated money for our trip. All of us helped and collaborated in each event to reach our goal.

The experience overall was amazing, we arrived before the weekend started, so we had two days to enjoy the island and appreciate the opportunity. On Sunday, we had a mandatory meeting to discuss everything that was going to happen in the next couple of days and the different rules we had to follow. I had the opportunity to visit two of the sites twice which were the school and the jail. On my last day, I was in the staff clinic where we saw most of the patients and gave back to all of the staff people in the resort for their great service and care for us during our stay. Every day I learned so much, met many wonderful people, connected with my classmates, and practiced my skills as a soon graduate. Besides that, we enjoyed the resort’s restaurant and got to visit the straw market to buy souvenirs for me and my family.

As a learning experience, I take with me knowledge, teamwork, amazing memories, and the satisfaction that many people received dental care that they have never had. Leaving the Bahamas was a mix of emotions because I simply just wanted to keep doing it. Moreover, I am deeply grateful to have been chosen to do this and will be going back to the Bahamas or to another island that needs it soon as a registered dental hygienist.
– Ingrid, SPC Bahamas Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2025

SPC Bahamas: I loved every minute of the experience!

Bahamas 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

My name is Jessica I’m a second-year dental hygiene student who went on the SPC study abroad trip to the Bahamas. Our mission was to strengthen our clinical skills while providing dental treatment to those in need. Most of the people we treated had never had a dental cleaning or been to a dentist. The Bahamian people are not like any other person I’ve ever met they are some of the kindest and humble souls you will ever meet. The landscape in Nassau was breathtaking with the sunshine, turquoise waters, and gold sandy beaches. The Bahamas is like old Florida with a Caribbean southern charm. A place that you never want to leave.

During our stay, we had rotation sites of many different clinics set up to see a variety of different patients some being young children. The gratuity that was expressed by the Bahamian people had me leaving with a full heart. The children that we had seen after their cleanings would come up to us and give us hugs and say “Thank you, ma’am”. I could have stayed here the entire trip the children were so sweet.

I feel like after getting to see a variety of patients who have never sat in a dental chair to adults who didn’t know the importance of oral hygiene I’ve become a stronger clinician. I will forever remember this experience and refer back to some of the things that I experienced during patient treatment later in my career. I’ve come back from my trip to the Bahamas with a closer bond with my classmates and a type of excitement for my future that I didn’t have before.
I would recommend a study abroad trip to anyone who not only loves to travel or maybe someone who has never really traveled but wants a kind of passion for their future that they couldn’t without going on a study abroad trip. A new appreciation for the career path you have chosen and experience a country that you maybe would have never visited without going. My classmates who joined me on this trip are already talking about going on another mission trip after we graduate this year. We all loved every minute of the experience and we can’t wait to get back and do it again! – Jessica, SPC Bahamas Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2025

SPC Bahamas: A chance to be part of something truly meaningful.

Bahamas 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

I am grateful to SPC for providing such a wonderful opportunity for students to participate in a study abroad program. Since I started my studies at SPC, I have had numerous chances to be part of something truly meaningful.

I had the incredible opportunity to take part in the SPC study abroad program, where I delivered dental hygiene care in the Bahamas. Initially, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but I was motivated by a desire to provide excellent service and help as many people as possible. From the very first day of providing care, I was overwhelmed with emotion as I witnessed the appreciation and joy I brought to others. The countless hugs and the ability to restore someone’s smile will always hold a special place in my heart.

I had the honor of working at various clinics organized by the Great Shape Foundation, alongside extraordinary individuals who exemplified compassion and dedication. I provided care to children, inmates, and resort employees, and I consistently felt safe and supported by those around me. My colleagues were incredibly helpful, and I am thankful for the chance to share this experience with them.

As I began my journey in dental hygiene, my primary focus was on providing care and preventive services. However, discovering a program designed to assist individuals with limited access to dental care in their communities has been a profoundly rewarding experience. The richness of Bahamian culture enhanced this journey; the people I encountered were among the kindest and most caring I have ever met. Helping others is a commitment I strive to uphold without expecting anything in return. Yet, after my study abroad experience in the Bahamas, I find myself forever changed. My heart is filled with gratitude and emotion. The Bahamian people will always hold a special place in my heart, having given me an abundance of kindness and love.

If you are considering a study abroad program, I highly recommend pursuing it. Your life will be profoundly transformed, and it’s an experience you will cherish forever. Immersing yourself in a different culture offers valuable lessons and insights. Additionally, volunteering and making a positive impact in the lives of others is truly a wonderful experience. Ultimately, we are all human and deserve kindness and compassion from one another.
– Julissa, SPC Bahamas Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2025

SPC Bahamas: An experience that I will never forget.

Bahamas 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

Breathtaking. That is the first word that comes to mind when I begin to reminisce. This study abroad opportunity with St. Petersburg College and Great Shape is an experience that I will never forget. The country of the Bahamas itself and its people are absolutely beautiful. From the moment we landed, we were treated with such respect and genuine kindness. We stayed nine nights at the Sandals Royal Bahamian All Inclusive Resort where we were able to relax after long days of hard work. On the first day of arrival, we had the chance to meet all of the volunteers who were partaking in week one. All had the opportunity to introduce themselves and give a little background. Everyone seemed to have such a big heart with years of dental experience behind them. I was very excited to work with everyone due to the fact that I knew I could learn from each and every one of them. We had support staff (with and without dental experience), dental assistants, dental hygienists, dental hygiene students (us), dental students, dentists, and registered nurses.

Great Shape faculty put in countless hours to assemble a total of four clinic rotation sites. There was a dental clinic located at a local prison, elementary/middle school, Exuma (another island), and an on property clinic for the resort staff members. I had the opportunity to experience all sites, except for Exuma. The experience with all 30 of my patients were incredible, eye-opening, and honestly, quite emotional. Many patients presented with advanced cases of periodontitis which consisted of heavy/tenacious calculus and severe staining, but we got through it as a team. Every single patient expressed their appreciation through either a hug or just simply by the look on their face. One patient had stated me “I can finally smile again”, my eyes began to tear up and I knew in that exact moment that we were truly making an impact on these individuals’ lives.

I would have not been able to have had this opportunity if it were not for the scholarship I was awarded for $1,500 from St. Petersburg College. I am so very thankful and appreciative because it assisted me with reaching our individual financial goals. SPC made this possible for me. With this experience I was able to step outside my comfort zone, help others in a safe learning environment, and bond with my classmates/instructors in a way I have never before. I truly feel that I have grown not only as a person, but as a future certified registered dental hygienist. If this journey was any indication of what the future holds, I am most definitely looking forward to my rewarding career path. – Madeline, SPC Bahamas Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2025

SPC Bahamas: Thankful for the scholarship and for this life changing experience.

Antigua, Bahamas 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

I had the opportunity to spend 10 days in the Bahamas to provide dental care to those who don’t have access. It was such a humbling experience, and I am grateful for the chance to be a part of this project. Great shapes had four clinics set up in different locations to be able to reach as many people as possible. There was the staff clinic at the hotel, the prison, a primary school, and on Exuma. Most of my week was spent at the staff clinic and the prison with one day at school.
The first day was overwhelming because it was all new and I didn’t have a clear direction on what to do. There were some fellow hygienists that helped guide me through the process and soon I got into a groove. I loved getting to see the staff members, some of whom had never even been to a dentist. They were so kind and excited for the dental care we were providing. I also enjoyed my rotation through the prison. The inmates we saw were very sweet and respectful. They were thankful to be seen by the dentists and have their teeth cleaned. We got to see a few of the guards that worked there in between the inmates, and they were very appreciative. Many of my patients thanked me and expressed their gratitude but I was there to help as much as I could. While there I was able to work on my empathy, explain disease processes, and reassure those who were anxious. I truly believe that being able to participate in this humanitarian mission made me a better clinician. My skills were able to be enhanced due to the various types of care provided. There were some difficult patients in terms of the cleaning, but I was able to give quality care and bring smiles to their faces.

My group did a lot of fundraising to be able to participate. We did what we could even with the hurricanes impacting some of our activities. I was very fortunate to be awarded a scholarship that went towards the trip. The money really helped get us to our goal and made the mission possible. I am very thankful for the scholarship and for this life changing experience.
– Brittany, SPC Bahamas Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2025

SPC Bahamas: A wonderful experience that I will cherish in my heart forever!

Bahamas 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

This SPC dental hygiene study abroad program in Nassau, Bahamas was a wonderful experience that I will cherish in my heart forever. It was a great privilege to be able to work with the non-profit organization, Great Shape! 1000 Smiles, to treat and educate all of my patients there. Whether they were part of the staff at Sandals Royal Bahamian, His Majesty’s Prison, or the elementary school, my patients were incredibly kind and willing to learn how to achieve oral health. I am so thankful to have been surrounded by hardworking and loving dental healthcare professionals, students, and support volunteers.

This opportunity also allowed me to form beautifully deep relationships with my eight other classmates who accompanied me on this mission trip. Also, Mrs. Krueger and Dr. Gordon deserve all the respect and admiration in the world for partnering with Great Shape! 1000 Smiles for all these years to provide extensive dental hygiene and restorative care to underserved populations.

In addition, my heart was filled and replenished every time a patient would hug me tightly and share words of appreciation and encouragement. I greatly appreciated every moment I spent in the Bahamas, from providing dental hygiene treatment for five of those days to having a resort day, going on excursions and the straw market on two of those days, and traveling on the first and last days. These were the most eventful and hardworking ten days I have ever had, and every minute was memorable. This experience was so humbling and gave me a profound compassion for disadvantaged and neglected communities.

During those five days, all of us 1000 Smiles volunteers were able to impact the lives of over 900 people in the Bahamas. This kind of passionate mission work is what I would love to continue to do, and I cannot wait to work with Great Shape again or a similar non-profit as a Certified Registered Dental Hygienist (CRDH). If you are a dental hygiene student at SPC, I would highly suggest that you apply, because, for the amount of lives that you encounter and can positively affect, this extraordinary opportunity is so worth it and unforgettable.
– Sydney, SPC Bahamas Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2025

SPC Bahamas: SPC gave me the experience of a lifetime.

Antigua, Bahamas 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

I recently had the opportunity to provide free dental care to underserved patients in the Bahamas, one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to. Nine classmates and I were selected to go on this incredible journey together as a team. It began with one flight connecting us in Atlanta and the next directly to our destination, Nassau, Bahamas. I have never been a massive fan of flying, but traveling as a group made it bearable. After settling into our rooms, we attended an opening dinner to meet the other volunteers with Great Shape INC. The dinner was a great way to get to know everyone before our busy week of treating patients.

The following two days, we visited the community to see what the Bahamas offered. The people of the Bahamas are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Everyone was so welcoming and eager to share their country’s culture with us. The Bahamian culture is more laid back than what I am used to in America, which was refreshing to experience. Our first workday began on Monday, and each student would rotate to different sites throughout the week. Each rotation would consist of an elementary school, the resort staff clinic, or their local prison. Depending on your assigned site, you may need to take the bus. Every patient I treated would express gratitude to me for providing these services. However, I would remind them that I was honored to have been able to treat them.

Throughout this trip, I was reminded why I went into dental hygiene in the first place, which was to help others. Without SPC allowing me to go on this trip, I would never have gained the experience nor the true feeling of why I began this journey in the first place. I was also awarded a scholarship through SPC, allowing me to go on this trip and experience the Bahamas. The scholarship money helped me focus on my goals to help change lives for the better. Little did I know the journey would change my life the most. I cannot express enough my gratitude to SPC for giving me the experience of a lifetime.
– Nicolette, SPC Bahamas Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2025