The mission trip I took in May with Dominican American Student Association members from the University of South Florida was a heartwarming experience. I grew up in a Hispanic household where my Dominican mother would always speak of her country- the beauty it offered, the vegetation, the people and the undeniable poverty. I've been to Dominican Republic quite a few times, but this May was my first time participating in a mission trip. Our team spent our days in the capital of Santo Domingo, Boca Chica, Los Minas, and La Romana. I arrived in the Dominican Republic with no expectations other than to bring smiles to individual's faces. I left the country with countless memories of the faces of children and elderly who were noticeably thrilled at our presence. 

During my time in the Dominican Republic, our team split our days between going to an Episcopal School and the nursing home Our mornings were spent with children from pre-k to 1st grade at the San Jose School located in Boca Chica. Our tasks ranged from drawing with the kids, teaching different vowels, reading to the class, and many arts and crafts to ensure visual learning. My assigned classrooms focused on history and science, and let me tell you-- what a time I had with all those kids! Their faces and smiles is something I will not forget. 

Our afternoons were dedicated in the nursing home, directly across the street from the school, in which we spent mainly drawing and painting to rejuvenate brain activity. Additionally, focusing on mathematics for the males and reading for the females. I will always cherish how excited everyone was to see our team. Their radiating smiles shined across the rooms. My experience with the elderly was profoundly an unforgettable and heartwarming experience. 

The memories from this mission trip are some that I will carry in my heart forever.