Dominican Republic: Living and Learning

LIVING AND LEARNING IN THE Dominican Republic

LIVE MERENGUE MUSIC GREETED Honors students, in December 2021, as they stepped out of the jetway at the Puerto Plata airport in the Dominican Republic and embarked on the first honors study abroad trip since the pandemic began in the spring of 2020. This was the eighth trip by a group of Honors students to the small community of Bella Vista, and they were greeted with the same kind hospitality as always. Although there were adjustments due to COVID protocols the return to in-person collaboration with the Kerolle Initiative offered unique opportunities to understand the impact of the pandemic on another part of the world.

The 16 students selected for the trip demonstrated a special investment in the Judy Genshaft Honors College’s relationship with the Kerolle Initiative by completing a course on global health or participating in a virtual internship before travelling. Some students had been waiting to travel for over a year, and everyone had a renewed appreciation for global travel. “I wouldn’t have been able to get such hands-on experience anywhere else,” said Reena Howard, an Honors student participating in the trip. “Being able to study abroad was such a privilege, and I’m so grateful to our scholarship donors.” In addition to supporting the mobile medical clinics where local physicians treat patients, students also conducted community health lessons, planted plantain trees in a community garden, and distributed Christmas gifts to children. Staying in host families’ homes, they enjoyed the warm welcome traditionally shown to guests in the DR. “I’ve never met more compassionate people who are so kind and are willing to give you so much,” remarked Aubree Fillyaw.

This short-term experience often leads to a long-term impact. For example, Alfredo Ortega began his connection with the Kerolle Initiative as an Honors student in 2018 and returned this time as a co-leader and second-year student at USF’s Morsani College of Medicine. Students took note and made their own plans. “I really saw how community health is important for global health, and how they are connected,” said Prakash Vasanthakumar, a student in the Honors 7-year BS/MD program who will begin medical school in the fall. “Hopefully I will be able to pursue my career and come back and further support the Kerolle Initiative.”

- Dr. Lindy Davidson

This trip has taught me the true meaning of medicine. ... As Dr. Kerolle said, ‘you don’t stop when you’re tired, you stop when the work is done.”

– Sarah Cardona

After looking at what Dr. Kerolle does, it inspired me to be a better physician, and being around all those children put fire in my soul to actually become a pediatrician like I’ve always wanted to.”

– Julianna Cirulla