Submitted by Gabriela A. Rodriguez on the 2024 Winter HDFS program in Barbados…
On January 3rd, 2024, I embarked on a new Study Abroad journey. The right way to bring in the new year. With new people in a different environment experiencing what they do day to day. The Barbados HDFS Service-Learning Study Abroad program has 16 students led by Dr. Norma Gaines-Hanks. Dr. Gaines-Hanks started the program in 2005, and we are fortunate enough to be here with her as her 10th and FINAL group.
Upon arrival, we got a tour of the resort where we would be residing and then took some time to get settled. We then prepared to have dinner as a group for the first time and truly get comfortable with each other, which did not take long. As my roommate and I were on our way to dinner – we noticed our door wouldn’t open. We called the front desk, and they came to let us out. However, the manager wanted to see what the problem was and she accidentally locked herself inside with us! Thankfully, another student walked by and went to get help. So, that night at dinner, we had a great story to tell.
As a Winter Study Abroad Session, we are going to be on the island for a month. Most students may be skeptical about this because they may feel as if it is not enough time to see all they want and experience everything in such a short amount of time. However, I can say that as a World Scholar who has been abroad for a full semester – you definitely can. From the second day, we have been able to do something new. We took a trip to Harrison’s Cave, then drove to other parts of the island, ate at the local restaurants, booked our boat ride to experience swimming with turtles, stingrays, etc., and saw what the Bajan nightlife consisted of. I also appreciate the fact that since we are a smaller group, we all have been able to connect and go on trips as a whole outside of what the program has for us.
Despite all those crazy back-and-forths, always in-the-go moments, I have still been able to reflect on my days here so far, and the pictures I have decided to submit are moments that I have felt pure Serenity. I don’t always like to take pictures of moments where I am reflecting, but in cases like these, I am thankful to have them because when I look back, I am taken to that moment, and I know I will never forget the feeling. (Submitted on January 12, 2024)