FAMU student leaders expand global impact through Jamaica service-learning experience
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.
“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.”
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.”
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, 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.”
View the Video HERE
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.
“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.”
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.”
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, 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.”
View the Video HERE
