For five University of Illinois Springfield students, a recent service trip to Guatemala became much more than a construction project. Alongside three UIS staff members, students traveled to Antigua, Guatemala, where they partnered with ImagininGuatemala to build a home for a family in the village of Pastores.

The home was the second built through a UIS partnership and the 266th completed through ImagininGuatemala.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jamarco Clark said the experience gave students the opportunity to see the impact of service firsthand.

“Experiences like this are always a reminder that many of the things we consider simple or routine are far from guaranteed for others around the world,” Clark said. “Opportunities like this continue to ground us in gratitude, perspective and service.”

Mercedes Dick, a graduate student in the master's of public health and public policy programs, said she was drawn to the trip because she wanted to use her previous construction experience while making a difference.

“More importantly, I wanted the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life, and this trip felt like an incredible way to do that,” Dick said.

Over four days, the group built a home with electricity, running water, lockable doors, concrete walls and ceramic tile floors.

“Helping the family was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had,” Dick said. “It felt amazing to know that our work directly improved their quality of life and gave them a more comfortable place to call home.”

Yash Gajera, a transfer student majoring in computer science and theater, said the trip left a lasting impression on him.

“I will always remember how the mother of the family was brought to tears by our efforts,” Gajera said. “I almost teared up. It felt nice to do something for someone else.”

Michelle Wilhite, an online student, said the trip left her with memories of both the people and the purpose behind the work.

“I will always remember the opportunity to come together with people that I have never met for a greater cause,” Wilhite said. “Also given the chance to be immersed in the Guatemalan culture, while understanding the heartache along the way.”

Wilhite said building relationships with the family made the experience especially meaningful.

“It was groundbreaking knowing that I was creating a safe, nurturing and consistent environment for the family,” Wilhite said. “Then being able to connect with the family on a personal level made the experience worthwhile.”

Dick said the trip also gave students a chance to see the impact a small group of people can make in a short amount of time.

“One thing I’d also add is that the trip was about much more than building a house,” she said. “It was about building relationships, learning from another culture and realizing how much of an impact a group of dedicated people can make in such a short amount of time.”

“Although it was probably the hardest physical work I’ve ever done, I would absolutely go again,” Dick added. “It truly was a life-changing experience.”