Thiel College nursing students share stories of inspiration from mission trip to Caribbean

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College nursing students Alexys Wagner ’25 and Farah Messai ’25 and director of the nursing program Nicole Olshanski, D.N.P. recently traveled to the Dominican Republic for a mission trip that brought much-needed healthcare to underserved communities while providing the students with a life-changing professional experience.

The nursing students and Olshanski, joined a team of volunteers that delivered medical services to 527 people, including 74 children and 453 adults, at Imbert, Puerto Plata, a small, semi-rural municipality located about 30 minutes inland from the city of Puerto Plata on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic. The students aided at a community clinic where optometric and dental needs were met and medication refills were made while services at a hospital included minor surgical procedures and other basic care.

For Wagner, the trip was a powerful reminder of her calling to nursing.

“It was an eye-opening experience, to say the least,” she said. “I am so blessed to have had the privilege to donate and volunteer my time to help those in need. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces reminded me of why I chose to become a nurse. I met the most amazing, selfless doctors, nurses, and people along the way. I would do this a million times over.”

Messai echoed the sentiment, describing the trip as a deeply moving experience.

“I truly can't put into words the indescribable feeling I had during this mission trip,” she said. “I will always hold this trip near and dear to my heart. The surgeons and doctors we worked with were incredible, and their dedication made this experience one of a kind. Seeing patients’ smiles and their gratitude reaffirmed my decision to pursue a career in nursing. This trip has reminded me why I am here: to help others.”

The mission trip was from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2. It is part of Thiel College’s commitment to fostering compassionate, person-centered care through its Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

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