Opinion by MaeveWharton

Not many girls are willing to give up their phones, work in 90-degree temperatures and immerse themselves in a language they hardly speak for two weeks—but for certain Marian girls, the Dominican Republic trip can be the experience of a lifetime.

Last winter, in December 2024, I was initially hesitant to go through the rigorous application process for the DR trip, but I decided to give it a shot nonetheless. While the paper resume and in-person interview were far from fun, the experience was worth it. 

Fast-forward five months, at about 4 a.m. on a random Monday and a few days into the first week of summer break, I was headed to Eppley Airfield to catch a flight. Roughly a day later, we touched down on Dominican soil and were driven to Misión ILAC (Institute for Latin American Concern), a foundation connected to Creighton University. Followed by a brief tour of the beautiful campus, we promptly fell asleep in our bunks. 

Although the first night can be scary, (What is a bug net anyway? And how do I put it over my bed?), having your group mates alongside you brings humor and familiarity to a new, different environment.

For the next few days, I met coordinators, guides and new friends as I explored ILAC’s campus and headed out on day excursions. My group had the privilege of exploring Los Saltos de Jima—gorgeous, hidden waterfalls—and visiting an orphanage to meet kids who were eager to play with the crafts and games we had brought along with us.

Throughout these first few days, we were also introduced to what would be our campo, or rural community, La Descubierta, and our project, building an aqueduct for the community. We spent time reflecting on our hopes and worries for the experience.

Finally, campo day arrived. After a few hours on the bus, we stopped on a dirt road, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. It was here that we transferred to the back of a pickup truck for the rest of the journey. Backpack in hand, I climbed into the truck bed and held on tightly. 

We climbed over rocky hills, unpaved paths and into the remote jungle, with curious people watching us from afar. When we arrived at La Descubierta, initial hesitant silence turned into enthusiastic greetings from all of our host families.

I was welcomed by my host mom, Antonia, and promptly hiked alongside her to her friend’s house to sit, chat and, of course, have some cafecito. Dominicans are renowned for their sugar-filled, small cups of coffee. Being offered a yellow plastic cup of the sweet beverage quickly became a theme for the week.

The first night in campo can be uncomfortable. You’re in a stranger’s house, eating entirely foreign foods, the chickens cluck just feet from your bed and you haven’t yet figured out how to even flush the toilet with no running water. But, you will always have a partner with you to overcome the struggles of adjustment. And, your host family will be so incredibly excited to meet you.

On my first day, my host mom showed me a photo of another group she had hosted. She talked about it as if it were yesterday and about how she loved her girls. When I saw the date on the photo, it was from several years ago. Even after so much time had passed, she still adored and remembered her host “kids.” It was her kindness that truly allowed me to become comfortable in this new place. 

For the following days, we would begin our mornings at the main house sipping cafecito and “toma-ing” la vista (taking in the view) from the backyard. Then, Justina, our mom from the main house, would serve breakfast and we would head to work. We spent some days planting cacao seeds as part of a reforestation initiative and other days digging up old pipes from a dysfunctional aqueduct and laying pipes for a new one. The service project changes from year to year, so future participants should expect any job, from painting school walls to digging latrines. 

The work can be difficult, (pickaxes were involved) but there’s an inspiring sense of community as you work alongside the locals. Although communication is limited, the language of service is universal.

After work, evenings were spent with our families, playing with the local kids and reflecting on the experiences of the day. Domino tournaments turned seriously competitive when each of us paired with local experts. Although I was never successful, my host dad, Freddy, laughed at my trying and we cheered on the victors.

While there were challenges on this adventure, including sitting through a four-hour church service (100% in Spanish) and bucket showering, I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. On this trip, you fully experience a new culture. You have to step outside yourself, leaving phones, makeup and comfort behind. This can be uncomfortable, but it is also incredibly rewarding.  

Genuine human connection is formed when you put yourself into the shoes of another—when you eat their food, work alongside them and chat about your days together before bed. 

Being so warmly welcomed, with kind smiles and a “buen día!” from everyone we encountered also prompted self-reflection. These people, who had so little, were willing to give us so much. My host family offered my roommate and I each our own bed, sharing one bed between the three of them at night. In return, they expected nothing. Welcoming with open arms, giving without expecting anything in return and boundless compassion—that is what I was met with in La Descubierta. We laughed, worked, sang, danced and cried when it was time to say goodbye.

Without a doubt, my trip was the best experience I have had at Marian. If you’re ready to have fun, learn more about the world, and embark on a new adventure. To current freshmen and sophomores, I encourage you to sign up for the DR trip next year! I promise you, it’s worth it.