Diano Smith has now taken four service trips as part of Saint John’s Campus Ministry.
The Johnnie junior does it to serve others – a calling he’s heard for a long time now, even growing up in The Bahamas.
But he said he takes away priceless value from those experiences as well.
“They’ve been eye-opening for me,” said Smith, a biology major with a minor in psychology. “They’ve made me see things differently and provided me with new perspectives. I think I have even more of a sense of empathy for others.
“These trips have added to my life and made it better in a lot of ways.”
Smith’s most recent service experience came over spring break when he, six other students and a staff member traveled to Chicago to volunteer with the Br. David Darst Center for Justice and Peace, Spirituality and Education – working on issues revolving around food insecurity, homelessness and incarceration.
The group volunteered at food pantries on Chicago’s North and South sides, as well as visiting a North Side homeless shelter for men.
“I think it’s really important to get that kind of hands-on experience and learn from people whose experiences are different from your own,” he said. “These things are happening in the world today as we speak. There are people who have to figure out how to make $23 a month in benefits work to buy groceries. People who have to choose between healthcare needs and feeding their families – a choice no one should ever have to make.
“It shows that when you have resources, you should be thankful for them. You should be grateful for having a roof over your head and hot food on the table because a lot of people don’t have those things.”
Smith hopes to continue serving after he graduates through the Benedictine Volunteer Corps – a service opportunity offered to recent SJU graduates by the Saint John’s Abbey. Participants spend a year supporting monastic communities around the globe in their work, prayer and common life.
“I’ve always had that mentality,” he said. “I think it comes from growing up on a small island with parents who are some of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. But it’s gotten even stronger since I’ve been here.
“Saint John’s has changed me for the better. I know that sounds cliche. But I’ve been able to tap into opportunities I didn’t know were possible. I’ve been able to experience living in community with others. Seeing how strong the community aspect of life is here gives me more hope for the world. And service trips are a big part of that.”
The Chicago trip was one of two sponsored by Campus Ministry over spring break. Another group of eight students and one staff member traveled to El Paso, Texas, where they volunteered with The Encuentro Project, a nonprofit, faith-based group working on immigration issues along the U.S./Mexico border.
“We see the value of these trips not just in the service experience and the immersion aspect of it, but also in terms of seeing ways to practice our faith and connect with other people who know their communities well,” said Carter Howell, the assistant director of SJU Campus Ministry.
“Ultimately, systematic issues like these can’t be solved through a one-week service trip. But we can discover ways to advocate and educate that can lead to long-term change.”
Experiencing the outdoors
Outdoor U also sponsored a pair of trips. Eleven students and a staff member traveled to the Grand Canyon to backpack and hike while eight students and a staff member spent time skiing and snowboarding in Red Lodge, Montana.
“It’s really important to us to offer students an opportunity to do and see things they wouldn’t normally have the chance to,” Outdoor U outdoor education program manager Sierra Hietala said. “Whether it’s seeing a new location or trying a new activity, it’s a great chance for our students to step out of their comfort zone a little bit.”
SJU student Reese Moneypenny was among those who traveled to the Grand Canyon for what he called a memorable experience.
“Backpacking into the canyon was by far the most unique thing I’ve ever done,” Moneypenny said. “The views were so beautiful and it was such an accomplishment to hike all the way to the bottom. The days we spent camping in the bottom were great. I managed to bring my guitar and spent a lot of time playing while sitting on rocks looking out into the vastness of the park.
“It was such a surreal feeling being at the very bottom where it was rare to see anyone else hiking and camping.”
Moneypenny said he’d recommend other students give such Outdoor U trips a try.
“Not every trip is as intense as the Grand Canyon, but they still will teach you a lot about yourself,” he said. “These are extremely valuable experiences that we are lucky to be able to participate in through our school. I could not be more thankful.”
Athletic travel
Plenty of CSB and SJU athletic teams also hit the road. The Johnnie baseball team took 36 players on a trip to Florida, going 5-2 against teams from around the nation.
“We faced some good competition and found out a lot about our program,” SJU head coach Scott Lieser said. “The team stays in two houses when we are down there. They cook a lot of meals for themselves. They have to clean for themselves as well. It’s a great bonding time. It’s a great bonding experience.”
The CSB softball team traveled to Georgia for a series of games earlier in March, then spent spring break in Oregon playing three nonconference doubleheaders. A total of 25 players made the Oregon trip.
“The early season flying trip is a great time to get away from campus and bond as a team,” Bennies coach Rachael Click said. “Connections are built and strengthened in the van rides, in the rental homes and team dinners. It’s also usually one of our first opportunities to play outside before our conference season begins.”
The CSB and SJU tennis teams also traveled to Florida to compete. Ten Johnnies and 11 Bennies made the trip.
“It’s a fantastic time to team bond and hit tons of tennis balls,” said Jack Bowe, the head coach of both teams. “It’s one of the highlights of our year.”
The CSB and SJU golf teams also traveled to Arizona to practice.