Nazareth Students & Faculty See the Rewards in Service

July 15-19, 2013, a group of twenty-five Nazareth Academy faculty, students and an alumna travelled to Solsberry Hill, Indiana to fulfill the essential pillar of service. This was the eighth Habitat for Humanity trip for Nazareth students, who worked and lived in rural Monroe County on a farm/retreat center. 

Working in small groups, the volunteers packed meals, painted, sorted, cleaned, constructed and landscaped on a number of sights to improve the lives of Monroe County residents. They helped out at a Head Start school and at Habitat for Humanity’s Restore, a re-sale shop run by donations and volunteers in support of building projects. Students also had the chance to work directly with residents to improve their homes.

“I was definitely shocked at some of the conditions people live in,” says Nazareth senior Jennifer Chilapia. “During moments of the trip, I realized how much in my life I took for granted.” Senior Anna Gustafson agrees, adding, “Throughout my experience at Solsberry Hill I learned the importance of helping others. I realized even the little things, such as washing apples, can help. I also realized how fortunate I am in my life.”

According to Joe Wejman, Nazareth Social Studies teacher and seven year adult leader, “Our kids witness extreme poverty and get to understand the struggles others endure daily. Students see a world that on the surface is much like their own, but they see how there are people struggling amidst a seemingly well to do area.”

The students incorporate prayer into their daily life and learn the connection between real life service and the gospel message. “It is a great combination of work, play and prayer that allows me the opportunity to get to know students and faculty on a new level,” says Social Studies teacher Anthony Gonzalez, who made his fourth Solsberry trip this year.

“As an educator it is important to be a mentor and I am lucky to share their experiences during nightly reflections,” says Wejman. Gonzalez adds, “I also hope that it allows the opportunity to get to know us, as faculty, better. This trip is more than just service for a community; it’s the creation of a community through mission work.”

Chilapia also remarked on the sense of community, “The volunteers, my teachers, and my classmates were all so nice and they made me feel welcomed and appreciated during this trip.” One of her assignments was to help cook for the group. “I was doubtful in my cooking ability since I never cooked before. But I had help from my friends and teachers and learned that I did have it in me to cook; I just needed the chance to prove to myself that I could take on the task.”

She encourages any students considering next year’s trip to go ahead and commit to it, “I hope to volunteer again when I graduate. While it was a lot of hard work and physical labor, it was well worth the experience. I am so glad to know the service I did made a difference to the many people I met.”