{"id":8905,"date":"2026-03-25T11:19:37","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T15:19:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/global-one-health-academy\/?p=8905"},"modified":"2026-03-25T15:41:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T19:41:22","slug":"a-spring-break-of-service","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/global-one-health-academy\/2026\/03\/25\/a-spring-break-of-service\/","title":{"rendered":"A Spring Break of Service"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n

During Spring Break, I had the opportunity to go to Panama for the Alternative Service Break (ASB) program<\/a>, offered through Student Leadership and Engagement in partnership with the Global One Health Academy and a local nonprofit, Global Brigades. This international service project was focused on promoting good Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) practices through a One Health lens that connects environmental conditions and community health for a school in the Cocl\u00e9 region of Panama. Our team of 16 NC State students, 3 team leads, and advisor Dr. Kristen Sullivan, Director of Undergraduate Programs for the Global One Health Academy, worked to build the foundation for community toilets and conducted WaSH workshops all within the span of a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Students
ASB Panama and Global Brigades Team at Service Site, Left to Right: Back – Emanuel Toribio, Kaleb Harrison, Isaac Drown (Team Lead), Henry McDevitt, Dr. Kristen Sullivan (Trip Advisor), Tening McHugh, Tamia Burgess, Valeria Garcia, Abraham Cort\u00e9s, Eva Lachapelle, Mercedes Morales (Global One Health Scholar), Nicolas Jimenez, Jos\u00e9 Elias Guti\u00e9rrez; Front – Jhan Quiroz, Willamina Ingle (Team Lead, Global One Health Scholar), Dakota Newberry, Adam Nawar, Patrick Cardona-Cosner (Team Lead), Lexy Boudreau, Juna Gersonde, Cody Bell, Olivia Henson, Olivia Stroud, Rishi Rau, Janesis Louriet (Global Brigades Coordinator)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

On the first day on the worksite, we met the leadership of the school and the engineer for the project, who gave us a rundown of the work we were going to tackle: preparing the foundation of a toilet facility to replace the current community latrines. These toilets would be much more sanitary than the latrines and included an accessible toilet for disabled individuals. We then spent the rest of the day marking the outline for the foundation. Over the course of the next few days, we dug out the hole for the foundation, using the combination of pick-axes, shovels, and digging bars. This was a long and tiresome task, but working as a team made it fun, and the time flew by.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"Students
Isaac Drown, Dr. Kristen Sullivan, Juna Gersonde, and Adam Nawar digging out foundation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"A
Tening McHugh clearing out hole (Photo by Olivia Henson)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

As the last part of the construction project, we manually mixed and poured cement to begin the formation of the foundation. This involved wheeling in sand, cement, and gravel across the school and constantly mixing it using shovels until we poured it into the foundation hole, which the volunteering parents of the school had prepared the rebar for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Students
Nicolas Jimenez, Henry McDevitt, Tening McHugh, Adam Nawar, Lexy Boudreau, Valeria Garcia, and Dakota Newberry preparing to mix cement<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

I was really proud of what we were able to complete with the foundation in less than four days under the sun. It made me realize all that can be accomplished in a day with the help of a dedicated group of people. It also gave me a newfound appreciation for construction work. As a result of our efforts, community members and school children will have access to sanitary and hygienic toilet facilities. The lack of access to clean water and sound sanitation systems is a huge public health risk, and through taking the One health approach we are able to offer solutions that not only improve human health, but also environmental health as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"
Foundation for bathroom with accessible toilet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Individuals<\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

For the second part of our service project, we organized \u201ccharlas\u201d (or workshops) around the theme of WaSH for the children at the school. Through the use of songs, skits, and games, we were able to teach them about germs, how to prevent the spread of diseases, and personal hygiene strategies. For instance, my group focused on preventing the spread of germs by washing hands, covering sneezing\/coughing, staying home when sick, and not touching your face. We performed skits for each health measure, and then played a game where the children had to find the hidden germ stickers to \u201cclean up\u201d the area. Hosting the charlas and interacting with the kids was a wonderful experience. It was a great opportunity to not only practice using the Spanish that I learned in school, but also to have a significant impact on the community\u2019s public health. The kids were able to have fun that day and learn important measures to keep each other healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"Five
Nicolas Jimenez, Adam Nawar, Tening McHugh, Dr. Kristen Sullivan, and Dakota Newberry Presenting their charla on Preventing the Spread of Disease<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Students<\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

This trip also had many fun moments that allowed the team to bond and recharge. We were able to learn cultural dances from Panama, go on numerous hikes, and show our Wolfpack pride through friendly volleyball matches. We also had great conversations between team members as well as with the Global Brigades team, whether on the bus or during our evening reflection times, that made our bond even stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"Students
Hike across rope bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Students
Panamanian Dance Class<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

On the last day of the trip, we were able to explore Panama City. We visited the famous locks of the Panama Canal, walked around Casco Antiguo, a historic district and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learned more about Molas, traditional hand-stitched art panels, at the Mola Museum. In addition to being exposed to all the rich historic culture, we also were blessed with delicious Panamanian food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"Students
Tening McHugh, Dakota Newberry, Cody Bell, and Rishi Rau at the Panama Canal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Students
ASB Panama and Global Brigades Team visiting Casco Antiguo, Panama City<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Going to Panama was a transformative experience for me. I was able to meaningfully engage in my public health interests, promote WaSH for a community, and make life-long memories. I made wonderful connections with the team and community and learned a lot about Panamanian culture. If you are ever looking for something extremely impactful and fun to do over break, I highly recommend applying for an Alternative Service Break!<\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"\n\n\n\n\n

During Spring Break, I had the opportunity to go to Panama for the Alternative Service Break (ASB) program<\/a>, offered through Student Leadership and Engagement in partnership with the Global One Health Academy and a local nonprofit, Global Brigades. This international service project was focused on promoting good Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) practices through a One Health lens that connects environmental conditions and community health for a school in the Cocl\u00e9 region of Panama. Our team of 16 NC State students, 3 team leads, and advisor Dr. Kristen Sullivan, Director of Undergraduate Programs for the Global One Health Academy, worked to build the foundation for community toilets and conducted WaSH workshops all within the span of a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Students
ASB Panama and Global Brigades Team at Service Site, Left to Right: Back - Emanuel Toribio, Kaleb Harrison, Isaac Drown (Team Lead), Henry McDevitt, Dr. Kristen Sullivan (Trip Advisor), Tening McHugh, Tamia Burgess, Valeria Garcia, Abraham Cort\u00e9s, Eva Lachapelle, Mercedes Morales (Global One Health Scholar), Nicolas Jimenez, Jos\u00e9 Elias Guti\u00e9rrez; Front - Jhan Quiroz, Willamina Ingle (Team Lead, Global One Health Scholar), Dakota Newberry, Adam Nawar, Patrick Cardona-Cosner (Team Lead), Lexy Boudreau, Juna Gersonde, Cody Bell, Olivia Henson, Olivia Stroud, Rishi Rau, Janesis Louriet (Global Brigades Coordinator)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

On the first day on the worksite, we met the leadership of the school and the engineer for the project, who gave us a rundown of the work we were going to tackle: preparing the foundation of a toilet facility to replace the current community latrines. These toilets would be much more sanitary than the latrines and included an accessible toilet for disabled individuals. We then spent the rest of the day marking the outline for the foundation. Over the course of the next few days, we dug out the hole for the foundation, using the combination of pick-axes, shovels, and digging bars. This was a long and tiresome task, but working as a team made it fun, and the time flew by.
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"Students
Isaac Drown, Dr. Kristen Sullivan, Juna Gersonde, and Adam Nawar digging out foundation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"A
Tening McHugh clearing out hole (Photo by Olivia Henson)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

As the last part of the construction project, we manually mixed and poured cement to begin the formation of the foundation. This involved wheeling in sand, cement, and gravel across the school and constantly mixing it using shovels until we poured it into the foundation hole, which the volunteering parents of the school had prepared the rebar for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"Students
Nicolas Jimenez, Henry McDevitt, Tening McHugh, Adam Nawar, Lexy Boudreau, Valeria Garcia, and Dakota Newberry preparing to mix cement<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

I was really proud of what we were able to complete with the foundation in less than four days under the sun. It made me realize all that can be accomplished in a day with the help of a dedicated group of people. It also gave me a newfound appreciation for construction work. As a result of our efforts, community members and school children will have access to sanitary and hygienic toilet facilities. The lack of access to clean water and sound sanitation systems is a huge public health risk, and through taking the One health approach we are able to offer solutions that not only improve human health, but also environmental health as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"\"
Foundation for bathroom with accessible toilet<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Individuals<\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

For the second part of our service project, we organized \u201ccharlas\u201d (or workshops) around the theme of WaSH for the children at the school. Through the use of songs, skits, and games, we were able to teach them about germs, how to prevent the spread of diseases, and personal hygiene strategies. For instance, my group focused on preventing the spread of germs by washing hands, covering sneezing\/coughing, staying home when sick, and not touching your face. We performed skits for each health measure, and then played a game where the children had to find the hidden germ stickers to \u201cclean up\u201d the area. Hosting the charlas and interacting with the kids was a wonderful experience. It was a great opportunity to not only practice using the Spanish that I learned in school, but also to have a significant impact on the community\u2019s public health. The kids were able to have fun that day and learn important measures to keep each other healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"Five
Nicolas Jimenez, Adam Nawar, Tening McHugh, Dr. Kristen Sullivan, and Dakota Newberry Presenting their charla on Preventing the Spread of Disease<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Students<\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

This trip also had many fun moments that allowed the team to bond and recharge. We were able to learn cultural dances from Panama, go on numerous hikes, and show our Wolfpack pride through friendly volleyball matches. We also had great conversations between team members as well as with the Global Brigades team, whether on the bus or during our evening reflection times, that made our bond even stronger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"Students
Hike across rope bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Students
Panamanian Dance Class<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

On the last day of the trip, we were able to explore Panama City. We visited the famous locks of the Panama Canal, walked around Casco Antiguo, a historic district and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learned more about Molas, traditional hand-stitched art panels, at the Mola Museum. In addition to being exposed to all the rich historic culture, we also were blessed with delicious Panamanian food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
\"Students
Tening McHugh, Dakota Newberry, Cody Bell, and Rishi Rau at the Panama Canal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Students
ASB Panama and Global Brigades Team visiting Casco Antiguo, Panama City<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Going to Panama was a transformative experience for me. I was able to meaningfully engage in my public health interests, promote WaSH for a community, and make life-long memories. I made wonderful connections with the team and community and learned a lot about Panamanian culture. If you are ever looking for something extremely impactful and fun to do over break, I highly recommend applying for an Alternative Service Break!<\/p>\n"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This featured article was written by NC State undergraduate student Tening McHugh (CALS) and reflects bad on the Alternative Service Break trip to Panama centered around Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH). Not only did students have the opportunity to improve a sanitation system for community members in the Cocl\u00e9 region, but they also got to engage in the rich culture of the country!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":255,"featured_media":8940,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"Tening McHugh","ncst_show_custom_author":true,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-post-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"displayCategoryID\":13,\"showAuthor\":true,\"showDate\":true,\"showFeaturedVideo\":false,\"subtitle\":\"The following featured article was written by NC State undergraduate student Tening McHugh (CALS) and reflects back on last week's Alternative Service Break trip to Panama centered around Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH). This trip was led by 2025-26 Global One Health Scholar Willamina Ingle (CHASS\/COS), Patrick Cardona-Cosner (CALS\/CNR\/COS), Isaac Drown (CNR\/PCOM) and was advised by GOHA Director of Undergraduate Programs Kristen Sullivan. During this spring break trip, students had the opportunity to not only improve a sanitation system for community members in the Cocl\u00e9 region, but also engage in the rich culture of the country<\/em>!\"}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[13,27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8905","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-newswire","category-undergraduate-opportunities"],"displayCategory":{"term_id":13,"name":"Newswire","slug":"newswire","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":13,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":173,"filter":"raw"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/global-one-health-academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8905","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/global-one-health-academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/global-one-health-academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/global-one-health-academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/255"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/global-one-health-academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8905"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/global-one-health-academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8905\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8944,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/global-one-health-academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8905\/revisions\/8944"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/global-one-health-academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8940"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/global-one-health-academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8905"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/global-one-health-academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8905"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/global-one-health-academy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8905"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}