CHICAGO- During Spring Break of 2010, Barb Roman, a member of women's cross country and track teams, went on a service trip to Nazareth Farm (Naz Farm) in Salem, West Virginia. Throughout the week, Roman helped out at three different sites: building a shed, doing insulation for a trailer, and demolition to a partially burned house. She decided to go on the trip because many of her friends had gone in previous years and talked so highly of their experience. "Really, it was an impulsive move on my part, but definitely one of the best decisions I have made at Saint Xavier," said Roman.
"The first day we hung around the Farm, learned a lot about it, and took a hike up a mountain. Then, each group would go to a different site each day and pick up where the other group left off the day before. It was a lot of physical work. I learned how to use power tools and I helped sledge hammer a roof. Each group also had a designated day to stay at the house and be the home crew, where we would clean, cook, pack lunches, and do other chores around the Farm."
"The first day we hung around the Farm, learned a lot about it, and took a hike up a mountain. Then, each group would go to a different site each day and pick up where the other group left off the day before. It was a lot of physical work. I learned how to use power tools and I helped sledge hammer a roof. Each group also had a designated day to stay at the house and be the home crew, where we would clean, cook, pack lunches, and do other chores around the Farm."
"Arriving at Naz Farm, there was a sign saying, 'Welcome Home,' and I have never felt so at home anywhere else. Everyone was happy and helpful that no one could get frustrated about anything. Naz Farm was so involved. Everything we did we were with and around people, talking, working, cooking, praying, or messing around. The atmosphere was wonderful. It's probably the most impossible place to leave...I did not want to come back to school or home. My experiences helping those in need and living with people I didn't know for a week were so powerful and moving. I couldn't stop talking about Naz Farm for weeks...and I still can't. It's hard not to smile and get excited when I hear someone mentioning something about Naz Farm. Volunteering there also helped me make up my mind to definitely be involved in service when I graduate. This was the place where I decided that I wanted to live a life of service and help the poor and oppressed."
Since her trip, Roman has participated in many different community service project and is also an officer for MSPJ (Mercy Students for Peace and Justice) where she serves as Poverty Chair.
Click Here for more information on the Saint Xavier women's cross country and track teams.
Since her trip, Roman has participated in many different community service project and is also an officer for MSPJ (Mercy Students for Peace and Justice) where she serves as Poverty Chair.
Click Here for more information on the Saint Xavier women's cross country and track teams.