A Service Journey That Continues to Shape Me

I had the privilege of coleading my first international service immersion experience in May. Alongside the Director of Community Engaged Learning, Frank Peluso, and five other students, I traveled abroad to Querétaro, Mexico, for 10 days to serve local communities and immerse myself in a new culture.

While I had participated in several service trips before, this experience felt different. It challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, embrace a new way of life, and discover that some of the most meaningful moments happen not through grand gestures, but through simple acts of kindness and human connection.

A Warm Welcome to Mexico

I arrived in Querétaro not knowing what to expect. We were welcomed by David, the leader of the CIMA group we partnered with, before making our way to UniversidadAnáhuac Querétaro.

From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in Mexican culture through a traditional mariachi group, traditional cuisine, and the warm hospitality of the wonderful team of students that we would spend the week alongside. 

As we settled in, we learned more about the mission we would be serving. For more than 40 years, Santa María del Mexicano, a ministry of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), has provided a loving, faith-centered home for children and older adults who face poverty, neglect, or other difficult circumstances. The mission is spread across five houses in and around Colón so that residents can live and learn in communities tailored to their stage of life: San José serves younger boys, Casa de Muchachos is home to adolescent boys, Casa de Niñas welcomes younger girls, Casa de Jóvenes houses adolescent girls, and Casa del Asilo provides care and companionship for the elderly. Together, these homes offer not only education and vocational opportunities, but also the support of a true family environment where each person’s gifts are encouraged and valued.

Discovering the Meaning of Service Through Connection

We primarily stayed in Santa Maria, which was a group home for young boys ages 12–17, working alongside the SOLT missionaries, priests, and sisters. There, we essentially did the majority of our service by assisting the boys with cleaning their shared spaces, such as the cafeteria, recreational area, kitchen, and farm area with all kinds of animals including sheep, goats, cows,  bunnies, and rabbits. We also helped them prepare some of the meals each day, as well as serve or clean dishes. We spent much time interacting with the boys during each meal, so it helped us foster a connection and actually get to know their interests.  

As I stood alongside my peers serving breakfast that morning, I realized the conversations I was having mattered just as much as the meal we were serving. It was a reminder that service isn’t only about meeting a physical need—it’s about making someone feel seen.

At the other houses, we shared a meal with the children while also doing activities, dancing, playing games, and helping them with homework. At the house of the elderly, we got to do karaoke with them, help hang their clothes to dry, and help feed them or simply just get better acquainted.

We also had the opportunity to help clean and paint the inside of the new building that will be used for the Casa de Ninas. We swept a majority of the building, helped clean up inside and outside, measured several pieces of wood that are used inside the dormitories, and painted a full room that will be used as a shared art space for the girls when they officially move in.

Learning Through Culture and Community

After returning to the city of Querétaro, we had the opportunity to experience more of Mexico’s rich history and culture. We explored historical landmarks, had a Mexican dinner complete with authentic tacos, visited a ranch, and participated in a Lele doll-making workshop, where we created our own Lele dolls while learning about an important cultural tradition. 

Before our trip came to an end, we visited Casa Hogar, a place that embodies its name by serving as a true home for its residents. There, we spent time with children and adults living with various mental and physical disabilities, participating in activities such as reading, coloring, dancing, arts and crafts, and games. We also assisted with their physical therapy exercises, encouraging and supporting residents throughout their sessions. 

Bringing the Experience Home

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in another service immersion experience. It truly was an experience that was life changing, and it has allowed me to reflect more on myself and how I can further serve my own community here in New York City. It is a blessing to travel and see the world through the eyes of service and how living differently for a period of time can truly change your perspective. Although it was very emotional to say goodbye to the people we met in Mexico, I know the lessons I learned will stay with me for a long time.

I hope that my group and I can continue to carry this experience with us as a foundation to lead with compassion and find ways to serve others. As we saw, just simply sharing a meal with someone can impact their day more than we will ever know. It is important to recognize our privilege and emphasize the connection between one another to cultivate a future worth building upon.

I am forever grateful to St. John’s University for providing me with opportunities like this throughoutmy college journey. These experiences have shaped me not only as a leader I aspire to be, butas the person I hope to become.