Alternative Break trip opens hearts, minds

On the seventh day of the new year, 15 Heidelberg students and one faculty member began their journey to Monte Cristi in the Dominican Republic. For many this was their first time traveling internationally, a journey they knew they would not forget.

The group spent a week in Monte Cristi working with Outreach 360, teaching children in different schools across the town. Communicating love and jumping right in, Dr. Julie Green and the Heidelberg students served the children of Monte Cristi overcame the language barrier to effectively teach students in kindergarten through seventh grade various elements of our American education. Whether they taught the ABCs or the days of the week, the Heidelberg team strived to help these young students learn parts of the English language.

However, the children of Monte Crisit were not the only participants who learned throughout this process.

During the time spent in Monte Cristi, Abigail Reed, Tori Hossenlopp, Abigail Rose, Brianna Stockmaster, Emily Moyer, Quinn Kantner, Jessica Sucheck, Kelsey Griffin, Kaylea Bowers, Kendall Newell, Lexi Pennington, Mikaela Weldy, Rebecca Hicks, Sydney Moore, Taylor Valentine and Dr. Green participated in a learning experience they will never forget. They learned the importance of love, kindness and community. This town welcomed them with warm hearts.

Members of the team expressed that they have grown so much as a student, a teacher (for some), a friend and as a human overall. The team left the Dominican Republic with full hearts and a new-found love for the family they left behind in Monte Cristi.

This article was written by Tori Hossenlopp, a senior education major