Chaperones

Having traveled to La Romana to volunteer for the first time when she was 25,  Ms. French took Watkinson's first team to the D.R. in 2010. "I love being a small part of a global network of volunteers who are working together to improve the quality of life for Haitians living and working in the Dominican. And I love introducing Watkinson students, parents, and alumni to the amazing friends we have made there."

"The greatest reward I get out of chaperoning the service trip each year is the friendships that come from spending a week living and working outside of everyone's comfort zones.  While in the Dominican Republic, we are more than just chaperones, students, doctors, nurses, and parents... we are Rick, Maryam, and Brooke.  The bonds we all build working together stay with us even after we disembark the plane in New York City."

"Last year, I watched our students engage in meaningful work to improve the lives of others. As our egos were stripped away, I witnessed our students' growth, empathy, and determination to make a difference at the bateys, medical clinics, and with the translators who supported us on our trip. By the end of the week I was filled with both a profound sense of gratitude for the experience and pride for our students. For our students, this trip reaffirms the value of service and cultural exchange in fostering empathy and understanding across borders."