Julie

Senior, Human Services

“I chose the “Journey of Hope” to Jamaica because I wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. I have never had the opportunity to actually help those suffering in poverty and instantly knew this trip would be the perfect chance. There were many events during the trip that had quite an impact on me.

One of the events that had a major impact on me was building a home. Building houses has always seemed like such an incredibly hard task to accomplish for me. I had never in a million years thought I would be hammering a house together. But it all turned out to be worthwhile. I loved getting to know the family we were building for and their extended family. I cannot imagine ever living in the conditions they live in but thanks to my fellow classmates and me, we have given a deserving, warm-hearted family a roof over their head. That alone puts the biggest smile on my face and allows me to feel like I have given them hope.

I had amazing week learning about the Jamaican people and their way of life. I went on this trip for one main reason and that was to make a difference in a person’s life and even if it was just one person, I'd be satisfied. It turned out I made a difference in a lot of people’s lives that week and this “Journey of Hope” to Jamaica is something I will never forget. I built a house, touched lives, and made people smile — and for that, I am happy.”

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