TALLAHASSEE, Fla.\u00a0\u2014 For 21 Florida A&M University student leaders and professional staff, a recent
\n trip to St. Mary, Jamaica, became far more than an international travel experience.
\n It became a living classroom rooted in service, leadership and global citizenship.<\/p>\n
Led by the Florida A&M University Office of University Housing in partnership with
\n the Division of Student Affairs, the weeklong service-learning experience gave participants
\n the opportunity to engage in hands-on community work, cultural immersion and leadership
\n development while representing the spirit of service that defines Florida A&M University.<\/p>\n
\n
The accompanying video highlights the impact and experiences surrounding the initiative,
\n featuring moments of engagement, collaboration, and reflection from participants.
\n Through interviews and event footage, the video captures the significance of the program
\n and its connection to Florida A&M University\u2019s commitment to innovation, student success,
\n and community impact. (Video by: Ernest Nelfrard)<\/p>\n
For some students, the journey marked their first time traveling outside of the United
\n States and even their first time using a passport.<\/p>\n
Sydney Fredrick, a junior nursing student, said the experience aligned closely with
\n both her academic interests and personal goals.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_JAMACIAHOUSING3.jpg\")
Sydney Fredrick, a junior nursing student at Florida A&M University, participates
\n in a weeklong service-learning experience in St. Mary, Jamaica. Fredrick said the
\n trip helped broaden her perspective through cultural immersion, community engagement
\n and hands-on sustainability efforts focused on creating meaningful impact for local
\n children and families. (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)<\/p>\n
\u201cI was really excited to experience another culture and work with children in a meaningful
\n way,\u201d Fredrick said. \u201cMy future career centers around children, so being able to leave
\n a lasting mark while also learning how to become more culturally competent was incredibly
\n important to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fredrick said the trip challenged her perspective in unexpected ways.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve definitely become more open-minded,\u201d she said. \u201cBeing able to see how other
\n communities live and understanding challenges like food insecurity from a different
\n perspective really broadened my horizons. Getting on the ground, getting dirty and
\n helping create something sustainable for the community was a powerful experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Jacks](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_JAMACIAHOUSING2.jpg\")
Jacks River Primary School in St. Mary, Jamaica, served as the primary community partner
\n for Florida A&M University\u2019s international service-learning experience. (Photo Courtesy:
\n Ernest Nelfrard)<\/p>\n
Still, beyond the excitement, the visit also gave students a clear service mission.<\/p>\n
At the center of the trip was a partnership with Jacks River Primary School, where
\n FAMU students spent time reading with children, participating in physical education
\n activities and building meaningful connections through mentorship and service.<\/p>\n
The group also collaborated on the installation of a hydroponic gardening system designed
\n to support the school\u2019s sustainable food initiative, introducing innovative agricultural
\n practices connected to FAMU\u2019s work in agricultural education and community empowerment.<\/p>\n
Vice President for Student Affairs William Hudson Jr. said the initiative reflects the university\u2019s commitment to developing students into
\n globally conscious leaders prepared to make an impact beyond campus borders.<\/p>\n
![\"Vice](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_JAMICAHOUSING4.jpg\")
Vice President for Student Affairs William Hudson Jr., left, works alongside Florida
\n A&M University students during the installation of a hydroponic gardening system at
\n Jacks River Primary School in St. Mary, Jamaica, as part of a weeklong international
\n service-learning experience led by the Office of University Housing and Division of
\n Student Affairs. (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was important for Florida A&M University to create an international service-learning
\n experience because it develops students into globally aware, socially responsible
\n leaders,\u201d Hudson said. \u201cStudents who participate in international service-learning
\n gain stronger civic attitudes, deeper cultural intelligence and a clearer understanding
\n of global needs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hudson said the trip\u2019s combination of service, leadership and cultural exchange created
\n meaningful learning opportunities that extended well beyond the classroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cExperiences like this shape students into global leaders because they combine real-world
\n problem-solving, cultural immersion and service,\u201d he said. \u201cStudents who engage in hands-on projects develop responsibility, teamwork and
\n environmental awareness, while mentoring children strengthens communication and community-building
\n skills.\u201d<\/p>\n
Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Antoneia Roe said watching students navigate
\n challenges while working collaboratively was one of the most rewarding parts of the
\n experience.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_JAMACIAHOUSING6.jpg\")
A Florida A&M University student documents reflections from participants during a
\n service-learning initiative in St. Mary, Jamaica, where students engaged in sustainability
\n projects, cultural immersion and community outreach activities throughout the weeklong
\n experience. The trip provided students with opportunities to strengthen leadership,
\n communication and storytelling skills while representing the university abroad. (Photo
\n Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)<\/p>\n
\u201cWe made a lot of great progress,\u201d Roe said. \u201cThe students have been amazing \u2014 our
\n future environmentalists, our future engineers, water tower builders \u2014 all those great
\n things are coming together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roe said the experience required flexibility, adaptability and creative thinking.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody is working together, being flexible, being adaptable with the materials
\n that we have, being creative and figuring out the materials that we could substitute,\u201d
\n Roe said. \u201cIt is great to watch our students bring what they are learning in the classroom
\n out here into the field and then translate that information for the school so their
\n students can maintain the system.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Florida](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_JAMACIAHOUSING4.jpg\")
Florida A&M University student leaders participate in hands-on community service efforts
\n in St. Mary, Jamaica, where students worked collaboratively on sustainability initiatives
\n while gaining leadership experience, cultural awareness and a deeper understanding
\n of global community impact. (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)<\/p>\n
Khensani Duncan, a junior environmental science student, brought a uniquely personal
\n perspective to the experience as a Jamaica native returning home.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was really excited to go back home and share my culture with others,\u201d Duncan said.
\n \u201cI wanted to be a bridge between Jamaica and students experiencing the country for
\n the first time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Duncan said the experience deepened her appreciation for patience, adaptability and
\n teamwork.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis trip taught me how to think on my feet,\u201d she said. \u201cWe didn\u2019t always have all
\n the tools or supplies we originally planned for, so we had to come together, brainstorm
\n and improvise in order to get the job done. It pushed me to be more flexible and taught
\n me a lot about working with others.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Florida](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_JAMICAHOUSING2.jpg\")
Florida A&M University students assist with building the foundation for a hydroponic
\n gardening system designed to support long-term food sustainability efforts at Jacks
\n River Primary School in St. Mary, Jamaica. (Photo Courtesy: Ernest Nelfrard)<\/p>\n
Outside of service work, students immersed themselves in Jamaican culture through
\n sightseeing excursions, local shopping and educational experiences designed to deepen
\n their appreciation for the island\u2019s traditions and resilience.<\/p>\n
One cultural highlight included a Reggae and Dancehall class led by award-winning
\n Jamaican dance instructor Michael Goose TooKool, where students explored the global
\n significance of Jamaican music through movement, storytelling and history.<\/p>\n
Duncan said the experience was one she would strongly encourage other students to
\n pursue.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt taught me patience, adaptability and the value of working with others,\u201d she said.
\n \u201cIt was also a lot of fun. I would absolutely recommend this experience to any student
\n interested in growing personally and professionally.\u201d<\/p>\n
Students were housed at Sol\u2019s Oasis, a wellness and retreat compound along Jamaica\u2019s
\n north coast that became both a place of reflection and a home base for cultural exchange
\n throughout the trip.<\/p>\n
![\"Florida](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_JAMACIAHOUSING7.jpg\")
Herb Johnson, director of University Housing, stands alongside Florida A&M University
\n student leaders during a service-learning experience in St. Mary, Jamaica. Throughout
\n the week, students engaged in hands-on sustainability initiatives, cultural exchange
\n and collaborative community service efforts that reflected FAMU\u2019s continued commitment
\n to student success, leadership development and global impact.(Photo Courtesy: Ernest
\n Nelfrard)\u00a0<\/p>\n
Herb Johnson, director of University Housing, said initiatives like this are essential to student growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cUniversity Housing is committed to creating experiences that develop students both
\n personally and professionally,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cSeeing our students step outside of
\n their comfort zones, many traveling internationally for the first time, reminded us
\n how important it is to provide opportunities that broaden perspectives and build confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n
Johnson said the experience transformed students into ambassadors of the university\u2019s
\n mission.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey returned not only as student leaders but as Global Rattlers.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"Florida](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1024x768_JAMACIAHOUSINGGROUP.jpg\")
Florida A&M University student leaders and staff pose together during a cultural excursion
\n in Jamaica as part of a weeklong international service-learning experience led by
\n the Office of University Housing and Division of Student Affairs. (Photo Courtesy:
\n Ernest Nelfrard)<\/p>\n
Media Contact:<\/p>\n
Ashley Flete
Senior Communications Specialist\u00a0
ashley1.flete@famu.edu<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n