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College Application Essay

    I could feel the sun beating down upon me as I trudged through the mountainous Dominican countryside carrying a heavy set of PVC pipes to their next destination. Never did I think building an aqueduct would demand so much energy, determination, and patience. On July 14th, 1999, I took a plane to the Dominican Republic with sixteen people I had never met before. Sixteen different faces, personalities, and opinions all joined together for one cause. Our mission was to serve as Living Instruments for Others, LIFO, by building an aqueduct for the poor, underprivileged community of El Fundo. LIFO has been doing missionary trips to the Dominican for seventeen years out of the Saint Augusts Parish in Miami, FL. Though I did not know it, the next two weeks would impact my life more than anything I have ever experienced. I was humbled by living and working with these Dominican families in ultimate poverty. The central virtue that I discovered through this project was a sense of communal teamwork sparked by everyone in the community working hard to accomplish a compassionate and selfless goal.

    I woke up at 5:45 am as usual, put some Gatorade mix in my canteen to help dilute the disgusting taste of Iodine (put in the water to kill parasites) and began work. We were carrying pipes to the source of the aqueduct through the hot and humid jungle. The narrow, steep path seemed endless and fatigue began to set in early. As I took a turn I slipped and fell directly on my right knee, which has arthritis and was a hindering factor that I ignored in my decision to go on this service trip.

    Immediately everyone who was around stopped and came to help me. People I did not know picked me up and consoled me. This experience showed me how a true community works together and shows concern for the wellness of each individual member. Though I had only known these people for three days, they treated me like a brother because we were a team. I saw sympathy in their actions, which inspired me to incorporate this quality more routinely in my life.

    At night we would visit at villager's homes and spend time socializing and getting to know one another. Though they lived in terrible conditions, the residents of El Fundo were cheerful and satisfied. Towards the end of the trip we invited all the children in the community to our camp. We spent the day playing games and singing songs with the kids. It gave me great honor and pride to bring such happiness to these children's life. Even though their shirts were tattered and feet were bruised from walking barefoot through the mountains, they where absolutely overwhelmed with joy. The "kids day" allowed me to realize how it feels to help someone who is less fortunate, and through this experience I have learned the value of generosity .