Students visit Puerto Rico for service-learning immersion trip

Seven Mercyhurst University students spent the latter part of May in Puerto Rico on a service-learning immersion trip, where they worked through Techos Pa' Mi Gente, an organization helping to rebuild after the island's devastating hurricanes.

“The goal of this trip was to provide students with the opportunity to do community service while also being immersed in a new culture,” said faculty leader Dr. Sherez Mohamed, assistant professor of Spanish. She was joined by her husband, Ricardo Estremera, who teaches Spanish at Penn State Behrend.

Students making the trip included (l-r in photo with Estremera and Mohamed flanking) Eleanor Chuzie, Julia Stranges, Madison Jukkola, Madison Rogers, Kaylee Moffitt, Elizabeth Nestor, and Allison Seigmann.

While on the island, Mohamed said students were able to practice their Spanish skills, learn directly from the people of Puerto Rico about the island's history and perceptions towards the U.S., as well as the Afro and European influences that are still present in Puerto Rican culture.

They also enjoyed some lighter moments learning bomba dancing, taking cooking lessons, and visiting the rain forest and beaches.

The trip was supported by the Community Engagement Department, the Hafenmaier College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, and by a donation from alumna Sara Jaecks.