Andrew Bianco embarks on international service experience in Guatemala

2017 Sep 18

Andrew Bianco of Sharpsville was among nine compassionate Baldwin Wallace University students and two faculty/staff advisers who spent two weeks this summer participating in a BW International Service Experience (ISE) in Guatemala. Bianco, a graduate of Hickory High School majoring in chemistry, served Mission Guatemala, an organization that focuses on improving the quality of life for impoverished Guatemalans through nutrition, education and health initiatives.

The group helped with a construction project for a school in San Andres Semetabaj. They also participated in a community beautification project in the village of Santiago Atitlan. In addition to the service elements, Bianco experienced the rich Mayan culture of the region through a natural cloth dying and weaving cooperative and a ceramics cooperative. The final days of the trip were spent exploring the historical city of Antigua where students participated in self-directed explorations and a guided tour of the city.

Bianco also served as the trip leader with support from faculty/staff advisers Annie Heidersbach and Julie Robinson. He had this to say about the trip, "Leading this experience was an incredible way to learn more about myself in areas of my own leadership style, communication skills, and expanding my understanding of how I can develop as a global citizen. Working with an organization that welcomed me into their community with open arms has challenged me to facilitate that same level of warmness and respect in my interactions in my daily life that made Guatemala feel like a home away from home."

ISE offers students an intense service experience in places like Africa, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. ISE is part of the BW Alternative Break service program that provides students with opportunities to make a difference, travel to another area, learn new skills and meet people with similar interests. ISE and Alternative Break are part of the community service programs organized by the David & Frances Brain Center for Community Engagement to support BW's mission of empowering students to become contributing, compassionate citizens. Community groups interested in partnering with BW can contact the Center at 440-826-2403 or BrainCenter@bw.edu.