Page 14 - MGATODAY-Fall2017_lr

Here are most of the MGA students, along with faculty/staff leaders, who visited the Dominican MGA’S PIONEERING
Republic in May 2017 as part of the first Knights Impact international experience. They are aboard the KNIGHTS IMPACT
Adonia, a Fathom cruise line ship specifically designated for “social impact” travel. SHERON SMITH PARTICIPANTS
Jamia Orange
Stevanie Lester
Charlita Wynn
Esmeralda Labra
Sidney Clark
Garrett Steve Stone
Chanel Dominique Rhodes
Jasmine K. Collier
Cassidy Laurin Bass
Kelitha Silien
LaTrina Hill
Lenora Rozier
Victoria Klingler
Tasha Gordon
Edson Silva
LeeZa Solomon
Keiah Williams
Corjenay Denise Stuart
Chandre’ Leon Mells
Moreh Joy Jackson
Shanquel Lashae Askew
Constance E. Jamison
William Joseph Campbell IV
Moriah Grace Jackson

of a variety of English words, starting with items Chandre Mells, 20, a junior business major from Hinesville, takes a
in the classroom, such as “desk,” “table,” “teacher,” selfie after helping members of a Dominican family with their English
“blackboard,” “backpack,” and “drawing.” skills. Tutoring took place in schools and in private homes.
With the aid of a workbook designed for
the occasion, Silva also guided Angelica in using Many of the MGA students stood out among
the words in written sentences. The two quickly the passengers, not only for the purple Knights
bonded and acknowledged success with the t-shirts they frequently wore but for their exuber-
occasional fist bump. ance.
“She’s pretty advanced,” said Silva, who speaks “I’d never been out of my state,” Charlita
some self-taught Spanish. “She’s helping me with Wynn, 24, who just graduated from MGA with
my Spanish as much as I’m teaching her English.” a Health Services Administration degree, said at
Angelica told Silva she wants to be a doctor a trip debriefing open to all of the ship’s pas-
and thinks learning English is beneficial to that sengers. “This is my first cruise. I can’t swim and
goal. I’m afraid of heights. But it has been worth every
“It’s wonderful to see children who can penny I spent to be here. Now I’m wondering
already speak a foreign language,” said Silva, a what comes next.”
Marine Corps veteran and former banker
preparing for a new career in nursing home
administration. “That’s very humbling to me as
an American.”

STANDING OUT

Besides Middle Georgia State students, the
impact travel cruise included students from
several other colleges and universities, church
groups and other folks looking for a more mean-
ingful experience than a typical leisure cruise.

14 MIDDLE GEORGIA STATE UNIVERSITY