Shelby Foor of Manassas spent winter break serving others

2014 Mar 17

Shelby Foor of Manassas, VA spent a week of winter break serving others as part of JMU's Alternative Break Program. Foor, a junior biology major traveled to Gauyaquil, Ecuador to volunteer at Escuela Semillita a school that serves children from kindergarten through 12th grade. The JMU students were assigned to small groups of elementary school children. Although at first the language barrier was severe, it quickly disappeared as both sides practiced their Spanish or English and communicated with gestures, smiles and hugs. The school was celebrating Culture Week so there were daily presentations, dances and plays. The students spent the week living simply, focused on service in their destination community but also on teamwork and reflection within their group.

Learn more about their trip here.

For information about JMU's Alternative Break Program, including an interactive map showcasing past service trips and Community Service-Learning, check http://www.jmu.edu/service/.