Student Experience
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A
lot
can
happen
in
10
days.
Baldwin
Wallace
alumna
Emma
Anderson
'19
and
current
student
Megan
McVicker
'21
studied
abroad
and
volunteered
for
just
10
days
in
Jamaica,
but
the
professional
and
personal
development
will
last
far
longer.
Anderson and McVicker worked with Jamaica Field Service Project (JAFSP) in local schools and care centers. The music therapy graduate and music education student immersed themselves in Jamaican music, traditions and culture.
"My experience in Jamaica gave me a look into a new culture and life experience," said Anderson. The recent BW graduate learned "the importance of community, music and cultural competency as a future music therapist."
Programs like these also push students out of their comfort zones, and they forge a deeper connection to the work. "This trip was an eye-opening experience … not only do you gain great teaching experience and make connections, but you also learn life skills," said McVicker.
JAFSP
is
run
by
The
State
University
of
New
York
and
offers
students
from
across
the
United
States
and
Canada
the
opportunity
to
gain
hands-on
experience
and
make
an
impact
on
rural
communities
in
Jamaica.
Anderson
said,
"I
believe
that
the
JAFSP
trips
are
designed
to
make
us
more
aware
of
the
world
around
us
and
begin
conversations
in
our
own
communities."
For McVicker, this experience "created memories that will last a lifetime and allowed me to see how powerful music really is." Anderson agreed that this program did not end when she landed back in the United States. "I hope to make my way back someday," said Anderson.
