A small class still means a big impact. But impact on whom? Well, the answer is everyone.
Over CUW’s spring break, five students enrolled in a Global Health course embarked on a journey to learn about ‘health’ in a truly ‘global’ context. During regular classes, we focused on child and maternal health, social determinants of health, healthcare systems, and the burden of infectious diseases such as malaria. Students investigated health disparities and challenges in both the US and globally, sparking discussions on the progress of health and the unique difficulties many areas of the world still face. Through heart-wrenching stories, powerful videos, and guest speakers that have been embedded in the field, together the students learned, laughed, and grew.
And that was before we boarded the plane!
The power of connection
Our travel to Jamaica over spring break was exhilarating, educational, and sometimes exhausting.
Was there beach time? Yes.
Were there waterfalls? Definitely yes.
Did we ride horses through the ocean, zipline, snorkel, eat jerk chicken, ride ATVs, and hike? Uh-huh.
Curricularly speaking, we also visited hospitals and pharmacies, heard from Ministry of Health officials, and learned about bush medicine and healthcare systems.
However, far greater than the tourist adventures and academic experiences, the connections to the people of Jamaica is what made the biggest impression on each student. Whether the informative drivers, the rural tea farmers, or the academic speakers, we were impressed by the kindness, hospitality, and Jamaican pride of the people.
Riverton joy runs deep
One area where connections ran deepest was in an impoverished community called Riverton. The people in this shanty town struggle to survive using what they scavenge from the city landfill. While there, we visited with locals, learning things like how they make a living, go to school, access healthcare, and travel in ways so extremely different than our own. For the students, it was a way of seeing real life in a real way.
What these wonderful people made abundantly clear though (despite their reality), is that their love, faith, and hope is a testament as to where joy truly comes from.
For two days we served in the Riverton elementary school, playing with children and helping teachers (mostly wrangling kids). Children craved hugs and attention, and we gladly and joyfully provided. We also brought donations (18 checked luggage bags!) that included clothing, soccer balls and pumps, school supplies, art supplies, books, toothbrushes, and diapers to give to the most grateful and deserving teachers and kiddos.
We also had the honor of delivering a charcoal portrait of our host in Riverton, Miss Claudette, a preacher and servant leader who cooks and delivers food for those even less fortunate than herself.
Lastly, through a CUW School of Pharmacy medical supply drive, we were able to stock the shelves of the school clinic with OTC medications, ointments, and band-aids. These were the most emotional and impactful days, and our debriefs were insightful and powerful.
Student impact
- “Everywhere I went and in everyone I met, I saw Jesus. The beautiful landscape of the country, the kindness and faithfulness of the people, the teaching of Jesus in school, crosses displayed throughout the country, etc. He could not be missed; it was amazing.” – Emily
- “It is one thing to sit in a classroom and learn about global health disparities, hunger, and poverty. But it’s completely different to play with a malnourished child or meet families who live in shacks built from landfill scraps. It motivates you to speak up and advocate for systemic change.” – Sophie
- “Growing in empathy, compassion and understanding for different cultures is important for all students to do. I would urge anyone going to work in healthcare to take this class because it will ultimately make you a better provider by broadening your understanding of the world.” – Sarah
- “Traveling to Jamaica allowed me to not only apply what I learned in class but see the interworking of healthcare and Christ in real world settings. Having this experience changed how I see healthcare and drives me to want to make a difference in other countries.” – Faith
- “This course and trip showed me firsthand that every country has struggled with how they provide healthcare. It also showed me how different healthcare can look from country to country” – Kaylee
Want in?
Global Health is offered again in the spring of 2025. Two versions of the course are offered in the spring: one open to students of any major and another with a focus on healthcare, both fulfilling society and culture core requirements.
University alternative spring break programs are rapidly growing in popularity across the country, but this trip offers more: curricular-based experiences in global health, exposure to medical and mission work abroad, community service learning, and cultural experiences unlike anywhere else. We are proud to be living out the mission of Concordia – serving Christ in the church and the world.
If taking the class isn’t in your future, you can still join us in making a difference through other ways – donations, sponsorship, and prayers.
—This story is written by Jessica Loppnow, an assistant professor in the Department of Natural Sciences.