When Claire Detor boarded a plane with ten fellow Onondaga Community College classmates for a service-learning trip to Puerto Rico, she knew it would be meaningful. What she didn’t expect was just how lasting the impact would be. “I loved it,” Detor said. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Detor is one of eleven students selected as Meg O’Connell Social Justice Scholars, a program that empowers students to engage in community service while developing a deeper understanding of social responsibility. During spring break in March, the group spent a week immersed in hands-on service projects across Puerto Rico. It was hard work that challenged them physically, emotionally, and personally.
- Day 1 - After arriving late the night before, students got up early and worked on an ecological restoration project. “We moved rocks to fill in holes in the parking lot, we cleaned up trash, we planted, we weeded,” Detor recalled. “It felt good to see the difference we were making right away.”
- Day 2 - Hard, physical labor in the El Yunque National Forest, where they hiked a mile uphill through the rainforest to reach their worksite. “We dug trenches, cut bamboo that was blocking the path, and moved rocks and debris. Afterward, we stopped at a river for a swim. That was really special!”
- Day 3 - Students worked on sidewalk maintenance at an equine therapy farm, clearing overgrown sidewalks before spending time with horses. The horses play a key role in therapy programs for children with autism. “They have acres and acres of land. Seeing how the space is used to help kids made the work even more rewarding.”
- Day 4 - Students collected bags and bags of trash while cleaning up a beach. Following their hard work in the Caribbean sun, they enjoyed an afternoon at the boardwalk.
- Day 5 - The day was split up between work at a tree nursery in the morning, and an afternoon with children at a local Boys & Girls Club. “We played games, helped with homework, and made a ‘No Bullying’ poster with the kids’ handprints on it. Moments like that really stick with you.”
- Day 6 - A fun day which included snorkeling and exploring Old San Juan!
Each evening, the group gathered to talk about their work, process their experiences, and share what they were learning. “I remember the activities and the work. There were a lot of things I love to do, like planting and working with kids. Every project was so memorable. I’ll remember that forever.”
The trip also sparked a deeper perspective. "It made me really appreciate everything I have. We all want to get more involved in our local community because we recognize what an impact we can make. So many locals told us they appreciated what we were doing, and there’s no reason we can’t do it here.”
Tomorrow, Detor and her fellow scholars will meet with Meg O'Connell to share their experiences. “I want to thank her for giving all of us such a great opportunity. It was so meaningful. She’s allowed so many scholars to experience something so life-changing.”
