Students make an impact in Memphis for spring break service trip

OMAHA, NEB. – For most college students, spring break provides a time of much-needed relaxation and leisure, often with trips to warm places and time spent with friends away from the rigorous demands of school. Several College of Saint Mary (CSM) students, however, opted to use their time off to grow in compassion and service through a week-long service trip to Memphis, Tenn.  

The seven students, accompanied by Carla Gerriets, director of campus ministry, and Katty Petak, associate dean of students, spent the week serving the homeless at a soup kitchen and volunteering with children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They also had the opportunity to experience some of the local history and tourist attractions of Memphis.

“This trip had a huge impact on the students,” said Gerriets.

The group stayed at the First Congregational Retreat Center, where they slept on bunkbeds, had only one shower and shared a kitchen with other college groups staying at the center. These simple amenities reminded them of the needs of the people they were serving. “Our experience reflected the needs of many,” added Gerriets.

Most days, the students rose early to spend the morning preparing the noon meal to be served to the homeless, organizing clothes for distribution and arranging items in the food bank. They also directly interacted with the homeless by serving them meals.

This part of the trip left a big impression on Tory Lamkins, a first-year student majoring in business and education. “It was really rewarding. When we served the food, we had to smile. I offered a smile and got one back. One smile can really make a difference.”

Other students were just as impacted by their service at St. Jude Children’s Hospital. For Sr. Catherine Archibong, a sophomore education major, the time at the hospital was the highlight of the trip. “I had always wondered if the kids at St. Jude’s were really as happy as they appeared on TV,” explained Archibong. “When we arrived, the children were laughing and playing. The experience taught me to be grateful and cheerful even in the most difficult situations in life.”

Sr. Marie Therese Dondja, a senior education major, had a similar experience. Part of their trip was spent playing and interacting with children at the Target House on the St. Jude campus, which is where children who are terminally ill live. “When you see those kids’ faces, you wouldn’t imagine they have really bad illnesses,” said Dondja. “They are so joyful.”

The group spent some of their afternoons and evenings exploring local historical landmarks and museums in Memphis. These included the Cotton Museum, Graceland, Beale Street and the Civil Rights Museum.

For Katty Petak, a staff member who went on the trip, the tour of the Civil Rights Museum was the most inspiring. “It’s history that I feel we don't talk about enough,” said Petak in reference to the Civil Rights Museum, which is located in the hotel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated. “These times weren’t all that long ago. We have moved farther in regards to civil rights, but we still have work to do.”

Overall, the volunteer work and activities the students and staff did during the week served as tangible ways for them to live out the values of compassionate service and respect for the dignity of others, which are part of CSM’s mission.

“CSM’s Walking Woman figure challenges us to effect positive social change,” explained Gerriets. “These young women participated in compassionate service and were concrete portrayals of Walking Women.”

After going on this trip, the students also learned to be grateful for what they have and to realize that their service, no matter how small, can make a difference.

“This trip made me realize how blessed and privileged I am,” said Mary Slagle, occupational therapy major.

Sr. Anthonia Awotundun, junior nursing major, agreed. “I realize I don’t have a lot to give, but I believe that the little time I spent helping others counted.”