During spring break 2014, members of Barry’s Minority Association of Pre-Health Students (MAPS) participated in the university’s annual Alternative Spring Break (ASB) trip organized by Campus Ministries. The group traveled to Kingston, Jamaica.
The week kicked off with a Sunday Family Day service, a lively celebration of life through song and scripture. Following the service, ASB participants visited homebound parishioners - seniors, the sick, blind and amputees. The group spent time talking with them and offering to help with household chores.
Barry students also had the opportunity to visit the neighborhood clinic and learn about the medical needs of the community. They also participated in the Meals on Wheels program, helping to prepare the meals, pack and distribute them in the neighborhood.
The trip proved to be a profound experience for Barry’s students.
“I really feel an experience like this should be required at some point during every student's undergraduate education.” said junior biology major and MAPS Student National Medical Association liaison Alejandro Tobón. “The amount of information you learn about culture, people, history, food, politics, education, health, and about yourself is much more valuable than what you can obtain from simply reading a book. The experience brings out the best in you, your true character and beauty. It invigorates you and makes you a more conscious global citizen.” This was the second time Tobón has attended the ASB trip.