Volunteer Chelsea Dannen has traveled to Jamaica for 3 years now! Her experience with SuperKids and 1000 Smiles has been a great adventure that Chelsea hopes has created a positive impact for those in Jamaica. Chelsea writes about her opportunity in Jamaica:
“I have participated in 3 projects with Great Shape! Inc. I was blessed to join SuperKids in 2009 as a reading assistant at Steertown primary school. I was only able to be there for one week, but the friendships I made that first project have stayed with me still today. My second Jamaica adventure was in 2010 for three weeks. I led the music program for SuperKids, encouraging our music team to celebrate the joy of song and dance with our students. My students enjoyed ‘I’m going on a lion hunt’ the most! This past year was my third volunteer trip with Great Shape! Inc., where I volunteered with 1000 Smiles dental project. I was on the education team, which felt at home in the schools. It was extremely eye-opening though to be exposed to entire families looking for dental care from Great Shape! Inc. My time in the clinic left me in awe of the results in Jamaicans’ health. I learned that I am a small part of a big change, but every small piece counts. When we don’t work together as a team, we cannot change and improve our surroundings or help others.”
Staying in touch with other volunteers was an important part of Chelsea’s re-entry into the American culture. She says, “They understand what we saw; they know how amazing our experience was. I shared my joys with others.” For other volunteers dealing with re-entry, Chelsea suggests “Accept and be at peace with feeling different after you return. The change is in you, and no one can take that away from you! Don’t wish to be the way you were; own who you became.”
Thank you Chelsea, for the words of wisdom and for all of your support of Great Shape!