Madison Hatch volunteers in Colombia over spring break
Madison Hatch of Manlius spent spring break completing service learning projects in colorful Colombia, where the temperature was 78 degrees and higher. They toured La Universidad del North, enjoyed the lush vegetation, visited museums, hit the beach, and spent time at Sofia Camargo – an all-girls’ school, grades first through eleventh – teaching lessons in English.
The students, who were accompanied by Dr. Alejandra Escudero, first touched down in Barranquilla, Colombia, where they tried new food and settled into their hotel. The following day, they traveled to La Universidad del Norte, where they toured the campus, learned about all the college has to offer and maneuvered around falling iguanas!
An adventure to El Rio Magdalena brought the students to El Museo Casa del Carnaval, where they learned about the festival of Carnaval. They also enjoyed raspaos, which are similar to snow cones, and visited el museo de La Universidad del Norte.
Next on the itinerary was a trip to the city of Cartagena, where it was 92 degrees. There, the students learned about the culture and history of the city. They ended their day at the beach.
A favorite part of the trip was volunteering at Sofia Camargo, an all girls’ school housing grades first through eleventh. SUNY Oneonta students taught the girls different lessons in English and had a celebration for International Women’s Day with music and food. The young girls were very excited and happy to meet the SUNY Oneonta students.
“The students from Sofia Camargo were so grateful just to have us in the classroom speaking to them. They didn’t want us to leave and neither did we,” said Madison Hatch. “The people here have the biggest hearts I have ever witnessed. We are leaving Barranquilla with open eyes and hearts because it truly is amazing how in such a short amount of time someone can leave such a powerful impact on you.”