Occupational Therapy Seniors, Faculty in Dominican Republic
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During a University Study Abroad visit to the Dominican Republic, Occupational Therapy Department seniors and faculty chaperones provided services for those in need at a rehabilitation center in San Juan de la Maguana and helped construct a home from the ground up.
"It was so amazing to see that in a community that has so little, they are willing to do anything for anyone. When everyone comes together, its amazing how strong you can be," said Kelly McGovern '24, an occupational therapy major.
From Jan. 13 - 20, Professor Chandra Nealon and Professor Stephanie DeNaples guided McGovern and 13 of her classmates on the OT 480: Level I, Clinical III-Physical Rehabilitation trip.
For the senior from Manalapan, New Jersey, the adventure fulfilled goals that she had in mind prior to the trip, and offered a chance to learn to live in the present, experience an unfamiliar culture, and create a new family.
"I wanted to go into this trip with an open mind and make the most of the experience. I knew it was going to be difficult to communicate while providing therapeutic services due to the language barrier, but I hoped to be able to learn to communicate in other ways. Additionally, I wanted to get to know and become closer to group members, along with members from the community of San Juan de la Maguana."
A house build, pop-up clinics and a visit to rehabilitation center in San Juan de la Maguana enabled McGovern and the other students to share their talents to make life better for residents.
A pile of cinder blocks evolves into a new family home. Shown, below, is a slideshow of the University team's progress on the construction of a family home in the Dominican Republic. In the first photo, at far right, is Kelly McGovern '24, an occupational therapy major.
During a University Study Abroad visit to the Dominican Republic, Occupational Therapy Department seniors and faculty chaperones provided services for those in need at a rehabilitation center in San Juan de la Maguana and helped construct a home from the ground up. Shown are first row, from left: Emily Byrne, Kelly McGovern, Nicole Kenny, Analiese Seaman Jessica and Jason (homeowners), Kathleen Holdsworth, Grace Scott. Second row: Professor Stephanie DeNaples, Emily Umstadt, Erin Fowler, Jessica Tsu, Kiera Mooney, Professor Chandra Nealon, Madelynn Senatore, Grace Kane, Meredith Lee, Rose Camiolo.
McGovern offered a glimpse into all that makes the University's Intersession experiences meaningful.
"What surprised me most was seeing how different rehabilitation services are in another country and learning about a foreign healthcare system. ... Every day we worked on the site the community came together and made all of us lunch. Everyone knows their neighbors and the kids play free and roam around. We became so close with all the neighborhood kids in such a short period of time," McGovern said.
"We had such an amazing group of students who gave it their all for a family in need. Our professors gave us the opportunity for a life-changing experience and each of us made the most out of this opportunity. While everyone may have gained something different from this trip, I am certain we all gained a sense of understanding for the love and community they have in San Juan de la Maguana. I know this trip will forever hold a special place in each of our hearts."
