All posts by Gloria Parrott

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

SPC Bahamas: It gave me insight into where I could be with my career in the next few years.

Bahamas 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

The moment I was accepted into the Study Abroad program to provide dental care to the Bahamian people, I knew that I would be making a lasting impact on them. This is especially true given their limited access to dental care.
When we arrived in the Bahamas, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve never traveled outside the country alone, so I wasn’t sure what barriers I would face. Shockingly, everything was extremely smooth. The wait for customs was a little long, but I think it really eased any nerves I would’ve had during that time. After we gathered all 24 bags, we headed to the resort. The Sandals resort was beautiful! All the staff were so kind and welcoming! I knew at that moment I wasn’t returning to the United States! The customer service was excellent; the staff took pride in their appearance and work. We all took advantage of the resort’s amenities for the first couple of days. Whether we were eating at the food trunks, enjoying lunch on the private island, or using the jacuzzi or pool, there was something to do at every moment of the day.

While in the Bahamas, we were assigned to work at the elementary school, the prison and treating the employees of the Sandals Resort. Whether it was a child or an adult, the amount of gratitude we received was overwhelming. I felt appreciated being in the Bahamas. I had one patient in particular who came in for a deep cleaning. We talked about his calculus build-up, brushing and flossing, and ways to reduce the staining on his teeth. Once he let me know he understood everything I told him, I went to work! I asked him if he was okay with taking before and after pictures, more to show him the difference. He was cool with it. He was the perfect patient! An hour or so later, we finished. I showed him the before again and let him know that those yellow areas on his teeth weren’t supposed to be there, and as I scrolled to his after, I could hear the excitement in his voice. He said, “Wait, those are my teeth?!” and I said, “Yes, those are your beautiful teeth!” He was so shocked, and he hugged me! At that moment, I knew that being in this profession was where I belonged.
This whole experience has increased my love for informing, treating patients and being able to provide excellent care! I’m looking forward to returning to help the Great Shape! Inc. company in the future. It was even more amazing to be mentored again by two previous graduates. It gave me insight into where I could be with my career in the next few years.
– Kesha, SPC Bahamas Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2025

SPC Bahamas: An incredibly profound experience

Bahamas 2025, Study Abroad, Travel

One of my first thoughts on my flight back from this study abroad experience, was “how do I even describe these incredibly profound experiences to people who were not there to experience it?” How do I describe the pure warmth I felt from working with such kind and grateful people every day? The indescribable kindling that sparks within from being able to give service to those who need it so desperately. I don’t believe I will ever be able to fully articulate the incredible 10 days I spent in the Bahamas on this dental mission; but I certainly will try. This was my first time in the Bahamas, and my first dental mission, so I was very eager to begin this journey. The organization we were volunteering with has been operating in the Caribbean for over a decade, but this was their inaugural program in the Bahamas. They ran into a few bumps with logistics on where we could set up clinics, but we went into the week with open minds and laid-back attitudes, and everything was worked out well. Us students were lucky enough to be able to rotate between three different clinic sites: a primary school, a prison, and a staff clinic at Sandals resort for the employees. All of which were created as clinics for the week because they were populations that had a great need for dental services.

The primary school allowed to place countless cavity preventing sealants for so many kids who do not have access to regular dental care. Those sealants can last for years to help prevent cavities/decay which is the number one chronic childhood disease. We also worked with these amazing children on overcoming dental anxiety and giving them a positive first experience at the dentist. The prison and staff clinics were such great experiences because we were seeing endless numbers of patients who had never been to the dentist or had a cleaning before. From seeing their hesitation and nervousness as they first sat down in our chairs, to the enormous smiles on their faces as they were shown the results of their first cleaning… what a transformation.
My favorite part was getting to share our knowledge and educate our patients on how to best take care of their oral health and set them up for success for the future. As lucky as we were to be able to stay on such beautiful island such as Nassau, there was nothing more beautiful than the memories, connections, friendships, and experiences that were created in this short amount of time. It is a trip I will carry in my heart for the rest of my life, and I can’t wait to have another chance to build on that experience.
– Kaitlyn, SPC Bahamas Dental Study Abroad Program, January 2025

SPC Study Abroad goes far beyond just academics, it is a life-changing experience

Costa Rica (Business), Costa Rica (Business) 2024, Study Abroad, Travel

Being in the heart of central America, Costa Rica is a small country with a huge vision that offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to immerse in their radiant culture while exploring the country’s outstanding biodiversity, historical and natural elements. Costa Rica was ranked one of happiest countries in the globe (12th) and the number one in Latin America, which is due to Costa Rican’s mindset, the “Pura Vida”, that emphasizes on living life with joy and gratitude.
When in Costa Rica, I was fascinated by its landscape and breathtaking views from the start, but I fell in love once we visited the La Paz Waterfall Garden, where we were able to see the natural wonders of the rain forest and diverse wildlife. I would also like to emphasize their wonderful cuisine with a spotlight for Gallo Pinto, which is a traditional dish made of rice, beans and their secret sauce. But the fresh fruits and juices had a special place in my heart, especially the Maracuya (Passion Fruit) that I basically had every day, in almost every meal! Since this was a business study abroad, we had the opportunity to visit many local companies and hear about their businesses which could go from learning how to grow a pineapple plant as well as how big corporations manage cultural diversity and their commitment to a healthy work-life balance. I can only say positive things about the country, the culture and the people. Costa Ricans have so much to teach the world on how to prioritize what really matters and how to live life to the fullest or to the Pura Vida style!

As I reflect about the time in Costa Rica, I can assure that this program has exceeded my expectations for both academic perspective as well as my own personal growth since I was very skeptical about being in contact with the unknown and had to break out of my comfort zone to really immerse in this experiment. This program was far beyond learning about the specific business course, but also learning about different subjects such as Spanish, Biology, Geography, History, Environmental Science, Literature and Art, with the cherry on top being the dance lessons. This study abroad experience was a life-changing one that I will cherish forever, therefore I can only be thankful to SPC that have made this dream possible to be able to feel the beauty of Costa Rica together with building long lasting relationships. If I could give some advice to those still debating about joining this program, I would say go for it because you won’t regret it or ever forget it.
– Stephannie, SPC Costa Rica(Business) Program, December 2024

SPC Costa Rica: Cherished memories and a newfound appreciation

Costa Rica, Costa Rica (ASL) 2026, Costa Rica (Business), Costa Rica (Business) 2024, Study Abroad, Travel

My study abroad adventure to Costa Rica in December 2024 was a once-in-a-lifetime, eye-opening experience. Never in a million years could I have imagined how this journey would transform me and educate me in such profound ways. I had the opportunity to learn how businesses operate and to observe firsthand how Costa Ricans truly live by the “Pura Vida” philosophy, which means “pure life.” This adventure broadened my horizons and deepened my appreciation for a different way of life. Costa Rica, known for its rich biodiversity, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, provided the perfect backdrop for this incredible experience.

The people were warm and welcoming, always ready to share their traditions and way of life. Throughout our journey, we visited numerous businesses and explored beautiful spaces and places throughout Costa Rica. One of the highlights was visiting the metal church in Alajuela. This unique church, made entirely of sheet metal, is a marvel of architecture and history. Built in the late 19th century using imported Belgian steel, the church stands out with its bright red color and neo-Gothic design. The story behind its construction is fascinating, involving a journey of the metal parts from the port of Limon to Grecia by oxen carts. The result is a stunning and resilient structure that has become a symbol of the town. Every moment was a learning experience, and I can only encourage everyone to try to experience such a wonderful journey themselves. It is a truly enriching adventure that will not disappoint, leaving you with cherished memories and a newfound appreciation for the beauty and culture of Costa Rica.
– Nathalie, SPC Costa Rica(Business) Program, December 2024