Student Reflections
I was quite certain that the minute I got home from Newark airport I would be back into the full swing of a very busy NJ life and that the DR trip would seem a distant past. That has not been at all the case. It is all still very real, and I hope that it remains so.
I think that much of what I learned from this trip is hard to articulate. It is complex and very emotional. But one concrete impression is as follows: In the process of helping some people, we disappoint others. When resources are limited, we have to make decisions about who will be helped, and who will not. I noticed this often when we were in the bateys. In the mornings, the villagers seemed optimistic about our arrival and what we might offer. However, as the day went on and it became clear that our resources were limited, anger and resentment grew from those who felt neglected. I suppose the lesson is that it is hard to be “fair”, we cannot do for everyone, and we have to accept that we will disappoint many in the process of helping.
Liz Marrett (2005 trip)
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Where do I begin to describe this trip? It was an amazing experience, one that I am thankful I had the opportunity to participate in. Before going on the trip, I had certain expectations; however, I could never have imagined what it would feel like to actually be a witness to such poverty and living conditions. And yet, given all of this, many of the people living in the bateyes were warmer and friendlier than anyone I’ve come across in New Jersey. As we traveled to the villages on the first day, I wondered how the people living there would react to us. Would they resent us for coming, dropping off a few things, and then leaving to go back to our “comfortable lives”? Would they be offended that we were there, in part, to “observe them”? Upon stepping off the truck, I encountered none of that. What I did encounter were swarms of friendly and grateful children, who just wanted a little attention from the “gringos”….irresistible children who only wanted to hold your hand. I still remember one girl vividly, Yoletta. How could I forget her? She remembered my name two days later when we traveled back to her bateye!
One of my most vivid memories of the trip was how happy just one chicken and some rice could make someone. In one house where we dropped off this care package, we were greeted with a big hug and kiss that I will never forget. While the people in the bateyes were very friendly, you could see that they had been beaten down by life.
Overall, I came home with the memory of a group of people who were born into a life of poverty; one that I could not even imagine living in. Their fate had been determined by political and societal factors beyond their control. And still, these people have an incredible sense of pride, show a deep hospitality, and have an incredibly warm nature. For me, this was a life-long learning experience, one that could not be obtained within the classroom. It demonstrated how public health infrastructure (or lack of) plays a key role in the well-being of people.
Jaime Madrigano (2005 trip)
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Before leaving for the Dominican Republic, I was determined to finish the required books for the class. I wanted to make sure I had a thorough understanding of the people, the government and politics, the living conditions that the Haitians are experiencing and are exposed to. As much as I enjoyed reading and learning from the books, words and descriptions hold nothing compared to actually experiencing it and interacting with these individuals.
Just saying that these communities are poor gives no justice to what I saw. My emotions swung from one extreme to another, ranging from sorrow and sympathy to appreciation and fulfillment. Yet, there were also times when I felt I could not do enough or I wanted so badly to just make everything better for these families.
I will never forget the eight days I spent in the Dominican Republic, as I am sure no one else from the group will. I am full with gratitude for being a part of a university and led by a wonderful group of faculty who enables students to experience what I have been able to this past week. What I accomplished in one week is what the staff at Crossroads accomplishes everyday of their lives; I find this truly amazing and I want to thank them for all their efforts.
As it is always said, every little bit helps. The need of the Haitian communities in the bateyes of the Dominican Republic far exceeded what we were able to accomplish, however, I am grateful to have had the experience and be a part of a group whose heart and efforts were able to help give some families a chicken dinner, provide medical care to those in dire need, and in most instances if not all, a glowing smile of gratitude.
Carrie Van Way (2005 trip)
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This trip was a great learning experience. To put many words into a simple few, looking at the children smile at you when you walk into their homes, they want to hold you, was the most gratifying experience because it made me realize that even though they do not have much they are happy and that’s what makes life rich. They asked for nothing but to walk hand in hand with you and they pulled chairs just to sit by you and talk with you. They had no complains, they just sang for us with no concern in the world.
I know that no deed in life goes to vain. What we did in our small way will always be cherished by us and I am sure they will remember that they have not been forgotten!!
Shivani Pathak (July 2008 Trip)
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Being from the Caribbean, I was under the impression that slavery had been abolished on all the islands. Prior to the trip I was able to complete some of the readings and had read about the horrible conditions and unfair treatments the Haitian cane-cutters had endured. The book was written in the 1980s; I was visiting the bateyes some 20 years later; the conditions of the Haitian cane-cutters had to have been improved, right?? Not only was I shocked but I was also appalled at the fact that what I had read was exactly what I had seen: the Haitian cane-cutters were still living under horrible conditions. More depressing though was the fact that they remain a voiceless people whom the Dominican government refuses to acknowledge. “In this day and age with our technological advancements and greater global access, how can this be happening?” I have been pondering this question ever since my return from the DR.
This trip opened my eyes, my heart, my mind, and my soul to the struggles that many in life endure on behalf of the ignorance of a few. And despite the struggles of the displaced Haitians, they are able to continue living, a true testimony to the human spirit. While not being able to offer relief from the physical pain that some endured, the medical team of which I was a part of was able to help several who from their expressions and gratitude really needed the medication, however little we gave. I intend to return again to provide medical service. These people who laugh and smile with little in their possessions have a lot to offer to those who cry and complain with all the earthly possessions at their fingertips.
Janice (July 2008 Trip)
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I had spoken to friends who had gone on this trip in the past and had some sense of what I was going to experience, but words can’t fully describe all the emotions you feel and the connections you make with the people you come into contact with in the bateyes. You hear stories and see pictures of people who live in underdeveloped countries but to actually see it in person brings a completely new perspective to the situation and makes you think about your own life and the things you take for granted everyday. I think one of the hardest things was going into these poor villages and not being able to provide more for the people, especially all the children who were always so excited to see you. It was a great experience that I will always remember and I admire those who devote their lives to helping others who are less fortunate. I hope I will have the opportunity to be a part of this great experience again.
Marija Borjan (July 2008 Trip)
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