Phyllis Jarrell is a senior Spanish Education major who had the idea to organize a service trip to Honduras last semester.
What gave you the idea to organize this trip?
Each year the Kernodle Center coordinates Alternative Break Trips, inviting students to participate in service projects both domestically and internationally. When I received an email last year saying that they were looking for student coordinators, I knew that I wanted to know more. When I found out that one of the trips was going to Honduras to work with ex-street children, I jumped on the opportunity. Working with street children in Latin America has been my dream job for years, so I thought the opportunity to do that before graduation and to take a whole group of Elon students with me sounded fantastic!
How did you recruit others to join the trip?
We sent out emails to various departments and organizations on campus that we thought may be interested in participating and put up digital posters in Moseley. Word of mouth was also a great way of getting the news out. A lot of our participants heard about the trip through other friends as well.
How were you able to raise enough money to make the trip a success?
We held various fundraisers throughout the semester. We sold bracelets, some the kids from Proniño made and were given to us by another Elon student who had previously gone on a trip there, and some made by our group. We also held a bake sale, selling various types of Latin American deserts in Moseley. The Ballroom Dance Club also held a Black and White Ball in the spring in which they raised money for all of the Alternative Break Trips.
What did you do while you were in Honduras?
We worked at Proniño, which is essentially an orphanage for around 80 ex-street children (all boys). Many of them have lost their parents or ran away from home, and some of them their families just do not want them. While we were there, we helped out the construction crew, mixing cement and building walls to create an enclosed recreation area for the boys. However, I think more importantly, we built lasting relationships with the boys, giving the one thing they really needed most: love and attention. Just this past week, many of the people from our group sent letters and small packages to some of the boys who they bonded with. And I think what is even more awesome is that every student who I’ve met who has been to Proniño has come back enthusiastic to fundraise and collect clothes for the boys, even if they’re not planning to actually travel back to Honduras in the near future. Once you meet these boys, your life changes.
What other things are you involved with on campus?
I am the President of Club Dance: Elon’s Ballroom Dance Club and have been on the competitive ballroom, The Flight of the Phoenix, team since freshman year. I also am involved in InterVarsity and at one point played guitar for the worship team.
What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
I LOVE dancing. Bachata is my absolute favorite, and salsa comes in a close second, but it’s often difficult to find partners who even know what bachata is, which was another reason why Honduras was so awesome. We had a going away party the last night the group was there, and it seemed like every boy (even the seven year olds) knew how! We would have danced ALL night if they didn’t have school the next morning. I’ve never had so much fun dancing in my life! I am also co-coordinating this upcoming Alternative Spring Break Trip to Honduras with Jenn Brouder, so if you’re interested in joining us, there are applications on the Kernodle Center website, and they’re due Friday, October 7th in Moseley 230!
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Elon chapter.