This summer, our dedicated school nurse, Jacqueline Silvers, R.N., spent two weeks in Thailand as part of a service project organized through Round Square International. Known affectionately to our students as Nurse Jackie, she generously shares her remarkable experiences with the CDS community, offering us a glimpse into her adventure and the impact of her work abroad.
This summer I traveled to Thailand for the latest Round Square International service project with 44 students from Round Square schools around the world. I was selected to be the team medic for these motivated students who embraced the spirit of adventure, leaving family, friends, and cell phones behind to stay fully focused on this journey.
This project involved building a vocational training center for the local school, in turn supporting the Tom Yum Project and human wildlife coexistence. The students learned sustainable construction techniques: making cob – a natural building material from mud, water, and soil – and using bamboo to build supporting wall structures. Amongst the building work, there were opportunities to learn about local agriculture on a crop walk, and do some elephant-spotting on a Jeep ride in Kuri Buri National Park. We were also fortunate to experience a national celebration for the King of Thailand’s birthday.
Serving as the team medic for young adults from diverse countries and cultures in a distant foreign land was both fulfilling and challenging. My time in Thailand allowed me to expand my practice beyond the community of Carrollwood Day School, applying my skills in a remote location. This experience significantly advanced my knowledge base and boosted my confidence. I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to provide care and compassion on the other side of the world.
The Patriot Nation is proud of Nurse Jackie and her impact both at home, and across the globe. CDS is eager to continue our involvement with Round Square International, with service projects in Vietnam and Kenya on the horizon, allowing our school community invaluable opportunities to make a global impact. Stay tuned for more updates as our Patriots venture out into the world, carrying the spirit of outreach and collaboration with them wherever they go.
Carrollwood Day School is proud to be a member of Round Square, a prestigious global network of innovative schools in over 50 countries. Our membership in Round Square reflects our commitment to fostering international understanding, democratic governance, environmental stewardship, adventure, leadership, and service among our students. Through this relationship, CDS students have unique opportunities to participate in international exchanges, service projects, and conferences, broadening their perspectives and enhancing their global citizenship.