Volunteer Opportunities
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© 2006 Guadalajara Summer Program |
During the summer, USD University Ministry sponsors three community service learning projects for the students in Guadalajara. Students are encouraged to participate in these opportunities, to practice Spanish, to learn more about the Mexican culture and to enrich their intellectual, spiritual and emotional development.
Whether they choose to volunteer at the hospital for children with cancer, the women's convalescent home, or the orphanage, the experience is profoundly meaningful. By giving of the heart through service, students are amazed by the unexpected regards of faith in action. Generosity, compassion, courage and hope are some of the lifelong lessons revealed through the service projects.
By providing students with these opportunities, the goals of University Ministry are:
- To provide an opportunity for Guadalajara Summer Program participants to be introduced to the people in need and the social service providers (service partners) in Guadalajara. This would give students a glimpse of the socioeconomic issues facing Guadalajara and the network of Guadalajara service providers who are seeking long-term solutions.
- To provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on the needs of our local and global communities and to consider life choices which will serve the greater good of these communities
- To provide an opportunity for participants to experience a reciprocal giving, sharing and learning through service. In this way they may discover an essence of their humanity in common, not only with the upper middle class Mexicans of Guadalajara with whom they live, but also with the economically disadvantaged Mexicans.
- To provide an opportunity for participants to consider their service experiences in light of their moral, ethical, religious and/or spiritual belief system.
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© 2006 Guadalajara Summer Program |
"I really enjoyed getting to know the young children at the orphanage each week. I learned so much from these children who had so little, but offered so much. I think they helped me more than I was ever able to help them."
-Rachel Croker, Student Volunteer
"Not only was spending time at the orphanage rewarding and humbling, but it was an experience that will forever cling to the most tender part of my heart. The eyes of those children, the look of recognition after returning the third, fourth, and fifth week is something that will always be with me."
-Derek Blackmore, Student Volunteer
"Volunteering at the orphanage was a highlight of my stay in Guadalajara. It was amazing just apending a few hours with the kids. I felt our time there really meant a lot to them."
-Chris Ayeko, Student Volunteer
