Carmen Johnson '11 was one of 38 LC students who took part last summer in a service learning opportunity on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, where LC has fostered a relationship for the past five years. An education major, Carmen said the opportunity "caught my eye but I didn't know what I was getting into."
Once there, she spent a lot of time in health, developmental, and educational screenings for the island's 3-and 5-year-olds. "When I came back," Carmen said, "I switched my major to special education; it was that powerful."
That feeling has not faded with time. Carmen just returned to St. Lucia for another two-and-a-half weeks, part of LC's 23-student summer contingent that will conduct more youth screenings, teach general math, science, and language, and assist with a variety of island improvement projects.
And before the plane took off, Carmen had already made a special difference on this trip. Knowing that dental hygiene is an island challenge, she recently asked a couple of Lynchburg dentists to donate toothbrushes and floss for the children. They came through with more than 500 of each item - a true "Going Above and Beyond" gesture sparked by a caring student.
It's a spirit that's flourishing in Carmen. "I look forward to teaching special education when I graduate . . . and the Peace Corps is also now a possibility after my time in St. Lucia." May the island force stay with her and spread to many others.