Luke Johnson - Class of 2017

In the first semester of my sophomore year at St. Norbert College, I made the decision to join the TRIPS Program, a unique student organization that gives students the opportunity to participate in a number of alternative break service trips. After an application and interview process, I was selected to attend a trip entitled: "Children's Medical: Stitched with Love." This trip would take place in December following finals week, and our destination would be Le Bonheur Children's Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

I can confidently say that going on this trip was one of my favorite experiences in college thus far. At Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, our group of nine students had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families by offering our time and services. From taking a hot drink cart around the hospital to helping run various activities such as an art room and movie room, our small group of St. Norbert students was able to help around the hospital in a variety of ways. Our trip to Memphis also gave us the opportunity to receive a tour of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, visit the National Civil Rights Museum, and spend time bonding and reflecting on our service experiences as a group.

After the amazing experiences and memories this trip has brought me, I look forward to future opportunities to travel and serve both on my own and as a part of the St. Norbert College TRIPS Program.