Charlotte Lee: Andrew and Betty Anderson J Term Scholarship Recipient

"Through this scholarship, I was given the wonderful opportunity to travel to Jamaica for a transcultural nursing course this J Term. This experience was eyeopening, engaging, and lots of fun. We experienced the history of the University of West Indies Mona campus, the energy and beauty of Dunn's River Falls, the hard work and commitment of community health centers, and the workings of the University Hospital. We also visited an orphanage, Missionaries for the Poor, and local schools.

One experience that stood out for me was visiting The Randolph Lopez School of Hope (RLSOH), one of five schools of special education that serves children six to twenty years of age with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. In the future, I aspire to work with this population, so being given the opportunity to work hands on with them was amazing. What stuck with me was the school's set up, as it differs from what I have seen here in the United States. The school was a combined high school and vocational school, where students not only learned in the classroom, but were also given the opportunity to learn crafts such as cosmetology, woodworking, agriculture, and cooking. The school also had two levels of difficulty depending on if the students were high- or low-level functioning. All in one place! For me, their curriculum is perfect. It gives the students traditional schooling, but also the skills to go out into the community and make a living. And the best part is, it is tailored so each student can reach his or her full potential. I would love to open a place like this here in the United States, and I think there is so much to be learned from this institution.

Thank you so much for this scholarship and opportunity. Traveling to Jamaica was everything I hoped it would be, plus much, much more. It can be hard to put into words the impression another country and culture can make on you, but I have a feeling this will stick with me for a lifetime."