Arrival and Immersion!

Our Merida ABST arrived safely Saturday afternoon and were welcomed at the airport by our mission partner Tricia! They had a great day in Merida on Sunday - mission partners Valentina and José showed the group around town after mass at the cathedral. The group is headed out into a village to spend time there and will be largely out of communication for the next two days. We'll keep you posted!

My name is Marie Burch and I am a freshman Nursing major. I am from Erie, PA. I am excited to travel to Merida to help others in any way that I can, grow as a person, and to learn about and experience the culture.

Hi! My name is Abbey Chenevey and I’m from Milan, Ohio. Here at Gannon, I am a freshman Occupational Therapy major. I am also involved in the Honors Program, Habitat for Humanity, and the Student Occupational Therapy Association. Going on an international service trip has been a long-held dream of mine, so I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to travel to Merida! I am looking forward to experiencing a new culture, country, and language as well as giving back to the people we meet! It is my hope that this experience would give me new perspectives and a greater appreciation of the blessings in my life.   

My name is Taylor Taft and I am a Sports and Exercise Science, Pre-PA major. I am from Harborcreek, PA and I am excited to travel to Merida because I love being able to help people and make an impact. I am also excited to go because I love children. I currently work in a daycare and I believe it will help me to put things into perspective while I’m in Merida with the children and bring something back home to share. I’m very interested to see the difference and understand the culture!     

Caroline Bard

Senior Occupational Therapy student

Hometown: Twinsburg, OH

I am excited to travel to Merida because I have always wanted to expand my horizons by traveling, meeting new people and serving others. This is the perfect way to end my senior year!

My name's Julie Baraona and I am a junior Physician Assistant major. I am from a suburb 20 minutes south of Cleveland, Ohio called North Royalton. I am looking forward to travel to Merida to spend time with the girls at the Mission of Friendship and learning more about their culture. I am looking forward to spring break!

My name is Conner Wasser Kane and I am one of the students leaders for Merida Spring! I am a sophomore Biology/Pre-Medicine major at Gannon University. I am from Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. On campus, I am involved with the Interfraternity Council, Delta Sigma Phi, Relay for Life club, and am heavily involved with community service. Outside of college I spend a great deal of my time working at a high adventure camp, while exploring around where I am from, including fishing in unique spots, kayaking and hiking. I also hunt whenever I get the time off from work or school. On the Mexico trip, I am extremely excited to be able to help out in whatever way is possible. I believe that I can bring diligence and persistence to the group through great work ethic. I am inspired by the belief that you can always help others no matter how large or small that help may be.