As the sun set over Gulu, Uganda, 11 Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) students and four chaperones gathered to share stories of their day’s service. For many, it was their first time experiencing a new culture and being away from home, making the 10-day trip a transformative experience.
Sister Rosemary Nyirumbe, one of the 2014 Time Magazine 100 Most Influential People, led the trip from May 21 to June 1. Sister Rosemary has dedicated her career to providing family-centered homes, educational opportunities and vocational training for women and children affected by various hardships. For 10 days, OCCC’s team was immersed in the rich Ugandan culture, completing various service projects and other activities at the Sewing Hope Village and Tailoring School. They painted a mural and benches in the visitation area, helped reorganize the food pantry and worked alongside teachers in the classrooms and nurseries.
The students also explored key national landmarks including Kampala, Uganda’s capital, Murchison Falls National Park and the majestic Nile River.
Cruz Pulido, a digital cinema production major, was overjoyed by the abundance of experiences.
“Every day was a new adventure,” Cruz recalled. “From navigating flights to building friendships with my peers to grappling with occasional homesickness — it was my first time away from family, and I found solace in their camaraderie.”
He also was captivated by the wildlife he encountered, including the elephant, one of Uganda’s Big 7 — animals he had previously encountered only in books.
Grace Kulassi, a political science major who participated in a study-abroad trip to Costa Rica in January, found the Ugandan experience uniquely rewarding because of its volunteer opportunities.
“The highlight of the trip for me was serving at the orphanage and school,” said Grace, emphasizing the simplicity of life there and creating new friendships.
Crystal Mohamed, director of TRIO Grant Programs at OCCC, cherished moments of connection and introspection during the trip. From seeing the students serve strangers to savoring homemade delicacies with Sister Rosemary, each moment offered a lesson in humility and selflessness.
“I was proud to witness how our students were positively changed by the experiences,” she said.
Prior to departure, OCCC students organized a campus-wide project to collect hundreds of soda can tab tops. These metal rings are used by the tailoring school to create products such as purses and dresses, raising funds for their initiatives.
This once-in-a-lifetime trip for students further highlights OCCC’s commitment to providing students with enriching learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom.