Excerpts of reflections from some first-year nursing students follow.
“It was very enlightening to learn from Mary Pat Ward about her own life and struggles. She was able to take her struggles and turn them into a reason to help others.” -Maggie Appelle
“It (the course) shined a light on inadequate menstrual resources. Women who are impoverished cannot afford or access these hygiene products, making them lose a sense of normalcy and feeling dehumanized. The project made my passion for women's health grow, and I want to do some similar work in the future.” -Marie Cuomo
“While participating in this project, I have noticed the Jesuit beliefs being incorporated into the reason we engage in community service. The Jesuit education values community, and this project has allowed me to get closer with my new Scranton community.” -Caroline Henry
“The period poverty project will stick with me forever because as nurses our job is to educate and promote health, wellness, and quality of life. This project helped us spread awareness about period poverty to more than just nursing students. It helped us give back to our community and improve the quality of life for those who are struggling with poverty.” -Lee Ann Krug
“I feel profoundly changed by this opportunity. While donating money to fundraisers is such a kind gesture, it does not compare to doing the work and making things happen. I believe that we did something so good which will help so many people and that is something I can be proud of.” -Grace Lane
“Dr. Carpenter always tells us to ‘look at the person in the bed,’ and the Jesuit principle of cura personalis describes caring for the whole person. It is a topic that comes up repeatedly, and this project drew me in because of that.” -Darby Derk
