By Austin Moye
Heading into this Alternative Spring Break trip, I honestly had no idea what to expect. Traveling to the Dominican Republic would be the first time I had ever even left the country and I felt a flurry of emotions. Nervous, excited, scared, yet ready to make a difference in any way I could, I embarked on one of the most eye-opening and heartfelt experiences I have ever had. When we first landed in the DR, things were not looking so bright. It was near 5 am, after having a delayed flight, and all any of us wanted to do was sleep. Althoug
h we had made it to the DR, we still had a 90 minute bus ride ahead of us before we would finally rest. As the sun rose upon the land, I began to admire the beauty of the landscape and scenery; however, that would not prepare me for what I would truly fall in love with, the people.
If I’m being honest, the first time I tried to interact with some of the kids in front of the school, I felt abnormally timid. Questions were racing through my mind, like, will they accept me as an outsider? Further than that, how do I even begin to interact with them considering my very basic understanding of Spanish? However, my deepest fears were immediately put to rest by the warm embrace and loving smiles they all received me with. Their joy was contagious and it allowed me to feel welcomed into their community rather than ostracized. This warm greeting sprouted a myriad of friendships with kids of multiple different ages and personalities. One kid I was able to personally connect very strongly with is named Joseph. He is around high school age, but we quickly became the best of friends. Whether it be simply going down to the corner store for dulces or going to play basketball at the court across the river, Joseph and I started to do everything together. We formed a lasting bond which made it that much harder to leave because it didn’t feel like I was leaving someone I had just met, it felt like I was leaving a brother. Tears were shed before the final goodbye, but Joseph also left me with something to remember him by, one of his personal bibles. This action really has stuck with me and makes me think we will stay connected for a very long time as we are already communicating through Facebook. As a SEI student, I think Joseph helped me fully realize the true responsibility we hold here. If Joseph had been born where I was, I am 100% sure we would ha
ve been best friends; however, just because he wasn’t doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve the same privileges I enjoy so freely today. As students that support SEI, I think it is our job and responsibility to use social enterprise to bring kids like Joseph in Haitian bateys and other poor communities the same opportunities that we have so they have a chance to get out of an impoverished life.
Photos by Ali Campbell
