Emma MacDougall, of Warren, RI, Devotes Service Week in Rural Mexico

2011 May 11

Emma MacDougall of Warren, RI 02885 wasn't one of the thousands of college students flocking to fun in the sun during college spring break this year. Instead, MacDougall put their commitment to helping people into action as a member of a Springfield College mission to the impoverished village of San Juan, Mexico.

MacDougall was chosen to be a member of the Springfield College mission because of their leadership qualities, commitment to human service, and interest in learning from another culture. MacDougall was one of 12 students selected from many applicants. A third-year student, MacDougall's major field of study is athletic training physical therapy.

Living at YMCA Camp Camomilha in Tepotzlan for a week, MacDougall joined volunteers from the Universidad YMCA of Mexico City to construct a much-needed park in San Juan. The community lacks places for families to gather for celebrations, public events, recreation, and to build relationships. A local youth group had made a commitment to maintain a new park.

MacDougall's group cleared brush, trees and debris, constructed walkways, a patio with benches and a pavilion complete with a stone grill for cooking, and cleaned and repainted an existing basketball court.

The entire San Juan community gathered to celebrate completion of the project with a meal, games with local children, and the official presentation of the park to the mayor.

According to Springfield College Director of Student Volunteer Programs Charlene Elvers, "The services of Emma MacDougall and our student volunteers were greatly needed and appreciated. Missions like this are also important to their development as socially aware persons. This first-hand experience with extreme poverty causes us to think more about human responsibility and how we can use our abilities to improve life for others.

"This is the 11th year that the Springfield College Outreach Committee has undertaken a spring break service mission. All of our participating students have returned with a deeper commitment to helping others," Elvers added.

" Emma MacDougall personifies the Springfield College emphasis on service to others as an essential element in the education of a well-rounded human being and future leader. The majority of our 5,000 students are involved in human or community service through fieldwork, internships, service learning or voluntarism," Elvers said.