CSM students spend fall break serving others
OMAHA, NEB. – For most college students, fall break is a time to relax and recharge after a rigorous half semester of classes. But for some students at College of Saint Mary, this time spent away from the classroom was an opportunity to experience something so much more.
Several CSM students elected to use their fall break to volunteer, educate, and serve the less fortunate. One group of students hit the road toward Kansas City, helping at many agencies that support those dealing with poverty, substance abuse, and homelessness. Another group went to South Dakota to educate young students on healthy eating, exercise, and next steps after high school.
Different destinations but with the same goal in mind—bettering the lives of the less fortunate.
“When I heard about this community outreach project I got so excited,” says Liana Naquila, Occupational Therapy student. “Growing up in the Philippines, we’d help out at public schools and prisons and I always enjoyed it. I’m glad we have opportunities to serve others at CSM as well.”
In Kansas City, the six CSM volunteers began by cleaning, restocking the pantry, and serving dinner at the Bishop Sullivan Center, one of the largest providers of household assistance in the region.
“I’ve volunteered at places like nursing homes in the past, but this was the first time I actually went out into a community to serve those in need,” says Alison Baquero-Cruz, CSM nursing student. “What I found most rewarding was just having conversations with the people we were helping.”
The next day at the Amethyst House, students experienced first-hand the struggles of mothers dealing with substance abuse and mental illness. The Fraternity of the Poor of Christ was their final stop, where they prepared soup and delivered lunches, clothing, and toiletries to several homeless “camps” throughout the city.
“It definitely gave me a new perspective on the homeless and women in recovery and the struggles each face every day,” says Hallie Conroy, sophomore nursing student.
Naquila says we should not always focus on the negative when it comes to these issues in our country.
“Coming from a third-world country, poverty is no stranger to me. Things are much worse…homeless children, even. And the government does nothing to help. They’re on their own. I feel like we’re so fortunate in this country to have organizations like this and volunteers willing to make a difference in people’s lives.”
The five nursing students in South Dakota gained a much different perspective on education as they visited Crazy Horse School on the Pine Ridge Reservation. They worked with middle schoolers promoting healthy eating, exercise, dental hygiene, and systems of the body, and spoke with high school seniors about college and taking the next step after graduation.
Sidney Whelan and Amy Riley-Czapka are both second year nursing students who were especially impacted by the trip.
“The children were so happy to see us,” says Whelan. “We’d heard there were struggles there but we had no idea of the challenges these students face day to day.”
Living conditions were less than ideal for residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation. The drinking water isn’t safe to consume, grocery prices aren’t affordable, and much of the population deals with alcohol and substance abuse issues. Healthcare in the region isn’t much better.
“Preventative care is the key to a healthy life and these people can’t get it,” says Riley-Czapka. The students were so alarmed by these problems that they decided to do something about it.
The two are planning to go back on their own over Christmas break to aid in the completion of the Pine Ridge community center. The center aims to be a safe environment for students and residents to learn and interact with one another.
“We want those kids to see a familiar face again and show that we really do care for them,” adds Whelan. “If we show them there’s hope, it might give them the motivation to continue their education and see a better future for themselves.”
As part of their mission, College of Saint Mary strives to create a culture of servant leadership and social responsibility. There’s no doubt that students like Liana, Alison, Hallie, Amy, Sidney, and many others are living proof of that mission.
Photo 1: (left to right) Liana Naquila, Milka Tapia, and Alison Baquero-Cruz prepare soup at the Bishop Sullivan Center in Kansas City.
Photo 2: CSM nursing students worked with middle schoolers at Crazy Horse School in South Dakota promoting healthy eating, exercise, dental hygiene, and systems of the body.
