TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For 21 Florida A&M University student leaders and professional staff, a recent
trip to St. Mary, Jamaica, became far more than an international travel experience.
It became a living classroom rooted in service, leadership and global citizenship.
Led by the Florida A&M University Office of University Housing in partnership with
the Division of Student Affairs, the weeklong service-learning experience gave participants
the opportunity to engage in hands-on community work, cultural immersion and leadership
development while representing the spirit of service that defines Florida A&M University.
The accompanying video highlights the impact and experiences surrounding the initiative,
featuring moments of engagement, collaboration, and reflection from participants.
Through interviews and event footage, the video captures the significance of the program
and its connection to Florida A&M University’s commitment to innovation, student success,
and community impact. (Video by: Ernest Nelfrard)
For some students, the journey marked their first time traveling outside of the United
States and even their first time using a passport.
Sydney Fredrick, a junior nursing student, said the experience aligned closely with
both her academic interests and personal goals.
Sydney Fredrick, a junior nursing student at Florida A&M University, participates
in a weeklong service-learning experience in St. Mary, Jamaica. Fredrick said the
trip helped broaden her perspective through cultural immersion, community engagement
and hands-on sustainability efforts focused on creating meaningful impact for local
children and families. (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)
“I was really excited to experience another culture and work with children in a meaningful
way,” Fredrick said. “My future career centers around children, so being able to leave
a lasting mark while also learning how to become more culturally competent was incredibly
important to me.”
Fredrick said the trip challenged her perspective in unexpected ways.
“I’ve definitely become more open-minded,” she said. “Being able to see how other
communities live and understanding challenges like food insecurity from a different
perspective really broadened my horizons. Getting on the ground, getting dirty and
helping create something sustainable for the community was a powerful experience.”
Jacks River Primary School in St. Mary, Jamaica, served as the primary community partner
for Florida A&M University’s international service-learning experience. (Photo Courtesy:
Ernest Nelfrard)
Still, beyond the excitement, the visit also gave students a clear service mission.
At the center of the trip was a partnership with Jacks River Primary School, where
FAMU students spent time reading with children, participating in physical education
activities and building meaningful connections through mentorship and service.
The group also collaborated on the installation of a hydroponic gardening system designed
to support the school’s sustainable food initiative, introducing innovative agricultural
practices connected to FAMU’s work in agricultural education and community empowerment.
Vice President for Student Affairs William Hudson Jr. said the initiative reflects the university’s commitment to developing students into
globally conscious leaders prepared to make an impact beyond campus borders.
Vice President for Student Affairs William Hudson Jr., left, works alongside Florida
A&M University students during the installation of a hydroponic gardening system at
Jacks River Primary School in St. Mary, Jamaica, as part of a weeklong international
service-learning experience led by the Office of University Housing and Division of
Student Affairs. (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)
“It was important for Florida A&M University to create an international service-learning
experience because it develops students into globally aware, socially responsible
leaders,” Hudson said. “Students who participate in international service-learning
gain stronger civic attitudes, deeper cultural intelligence and a clearer understanding
of global needs.”
Hudson said the trip’s combination of service, leadership and cultural exchange created
meaningful learning opportunities that extended well beyond the classroom.
“Experiences like this shape students into global leaders because they combine real-world
problem-solving, cultural immersion and service,” he said. “Students who engage in hands-on projects develop responsibility, teamwork and
environmental awareness, while mentoring children strengthens communication and community-building
skills.”
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Antoneia Roe said watching students navigate
challenges while working collaboratively was one of the most rewarding parts of the
experience.
A Florida A&M University student documents reflections from participants during a
service-learning initiative in St. Mary, Jamaica, where students engaged in sustainability
projects, cultural immersion and community outreach activities throughout the weeklong
experience. The trip provided students with opportunities to strengthen leadership,
communication and storytelling skills while representing the university abroad. (Photo
Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)
“We made a lot of great progress,” Roe said. “The students have been amazing — our
future environmentalists, our future engineers, water tower builders — all those great
things are coming together.”
Roe said the experience required flexibility, adaptability and creative thinking.
“Everybody is working together, being flexible, being adaptable with the materials
that we have, being creative and figuring out the materials that we could substitute,”
Roe said. “It is great to watch our students bring what they are learning in the classroom
out here into the field and then translate that information for the school so their
students can maintain the system.”
Florida A&M University student leaders participate in hands-on community service efforts
in St. Mary, Jamaica, where students worked collaboratively on sustainability initiatives
while gaining leadership experience, cultural awareness and a deeper understanding
of global community impact. (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)
Khensani Duncan, a junior environmental science student, brought a uniquely personal
perspective to the experience as a Jamaica native returning home.
“I was really excited to go back home and share my culture with others,” Duncan said.
“I wanted to be a bridge between Jamaica and students experiencing the country for
the first time.”
Duncan said the experience deepened her appreciation for patience, adaptability and
teamwork.
“This trip taught me how to think on my feet,” she said. “We didn’t always have all
the tools or supplies we originally planned for, so we had to come together, brainstorm
and improvise in order to get the job done. It pushed me to be more flexible and taught
me a lot about working with others.”
Florida A&M University students assist with building the foundation for a hydroponic
gardening system designed to support long-term food sustainability efforts at Jacks
River Primary School in St. Mary, Jamaica. (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)
Outside of service work, students immersed themselves in Jamaican culture through
sightseeing excursions, local shopping and educational experiences designed to deepen
their appreciation for the island’s traditions and resilience.
One cultural highlight included a Reggae and Dancehall class led by award-winning
Jamaican dance instructor Michael Goose TooKool, where students explored the global
significance of Jamaican music through movement, storytelling and history.
Duncan said the experience was one she would strongly encourage other students to
pursue.
“It taught me patience, adaptability and the value of working with others,” she said.
“It was also a lot of fun. I would absolutely recommend this experience to any student
interested in growing personally and professionally.”
Students were housed at Sol’s Oasis, a wellness and retreat compound along Jamaica’s
north coast that became both a place of reflection and a home base for cultural exchange
throughout the trip.
Herb Johnson, director of University Housing, stands alongside Florida A&M University
student leaders during a service-learning experience in St. Mary, Jamaica. Throughout
the week, students engaged in hands-on sustainability initiatives, cultural exchange
and collaborative community service efforts that reflected FAMU’s continued commitment
to student success, leadership development and global impact.(Photo Courtesy: Ernest
Nelfrard)
Herb Johnson, director of University Housing, said initiatives like this are essential to student growth.
“University Housing is committed to creating experiences that develop students both
personally and professionally,” Johnson said. “Seeing our students step outside of
their comfort zones, many traveling internationally for the first time, reminded us
how important it is to provide opportunities that broaden perspectives and build confidence.”
Johnson said the experience transformed students into ambassadors of the university’s
mission.
“They returned not only as student leaders but as Global Rattlers.”
Florida A&M University student leaders and staff pose together during a cultural excursion
in Jamaica as part of a weeklong international service-learning experience led by
the Office of University Housing and Division of Student Affairs. (Photo Courtesy:
Ernest Nelfrard)
Media Contact:
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist
ashley1.flete@famu.edu