Service-Learning VIP: Jessica

I have vowed to live a life devoted to providing assistance to others in need and missionary work is how I chose to personify of my heart. When I assist the less fortunate, my heart flutters, letting me know I have accomplished a great deed. After I watched a PBS broadcast that showcased pure desperation, I was led to believe that there are people around the globe that need help now. With little research, I discovered that most Haitians living conditions were so horrid, that they began to consume mud cakes. The mud cakes were made of actual dirt, salt and vegetable shortening. Being someone who contributes to the betterment of me and my community locally and globally, I created a humanitarian effort for the earthquake victims in Haiti. Respectively, I named it “Pancakes for Haiti” because I collected donations of instant pancake mix and water. In the beginning I had a short term goal of feeding 2,000 Haitians and after a few weeks, I reached that goal. So, I set another goal to feed 10,000 and within three months of my project’s creation, I gathered twice as much food. In the end, I raised enough money and food to feed 20,000 people.

From that moment on, I knew that my heart was behind creating philanthropic events and ultimately I would like to establish my own non-profit charity organization. Even though, I received these visions early in life as a teenager, I knew that it was a perfect gift from God. I believe that my purpose is to be a caregiver in all aspects. I love to serve, mentor and provide the needs of others.
Since my project launch and closing in April 2010, I have been to the Dominican Republic to provide medical clinics, feed the hungry, and assist with Hospice and palliative care. I also visited a Haitian Refugee Camp in Zone 9 on the border of the Dominican Republic. Although I was not allowed to enter into Haiti because of the cholera epidemic which was a bit more explosive than in the Dominican Republic, I met some of the most wonderful people who were ecstatic to even receive something as simple as a smile from someone who they barely knew but came to another country to serve them. In reality, they served me. The Haitians and Dominicans I met in November 2010 touched my heart in a way that cannot be topped. Therefore, I plan to return in May of 2011. An endeavor of this magnitude costs 1,000 dollars and I have to continually seek sponsors to fulfill this requirement. All in all, service learning is the best experience known to me and I hope many others will embark in this amazing journey.

- Jessica T., SOFGG (Serving Others for the Greater Good)