‘W’ Student Headed to Jamaica

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Mississippi University for Women student Summer Holder of Columbus has been chosen to participate in the Jamaica Field Service Project, an ongoing service learning program accredited by the State University of New York.

The JAFSP provides school supplies, tutors, musical instruments and instruction to the schools of Jamaica five times yearly, with the support of the Rotary, Peace Corps and the Claudia Williams HIV Education Center of Jamaica. Trips also include music-therapy and community health students who do volunteer work in the area care centers, all under the supervision of accredited supervisors and professors.

Music therapists are able to assist a wide variety of needy populations in Jamaica, including geriatric, homeless, children with autism and developmentally disabled populations.

“When I first found out that I had been accepted I was beyond ecstatic,” said Holder, a junior majoring in music therapy at The W. “It was always a dream of mine to study abroad but having the opportunity to do so for music therapy is really the chance of a lifetime.

“I hope to be able to bring happiness and make a positive change in others’ lives through music therapy,” she added.

Students train extensively before and during their trip, preparing for their work in the care centers under the supervision of American Music Therapy Association certified music therapists.

Currently, Holder is studying Jamaican history and music to use in Jamaica, and Patois, the native dialect of Jamaica. She will depart for Jamaica June 25 for 13 days.

While in Jamaica, students explore the country; the rain-forests, beaches, waterfalls and other national landmarks. Program participants also experience the traditional music of Jamaica, with a strong emphasis on the Afro-Caribbean drumming, dancing and singing that is such a large part of life in the West Indies.

After the Gulfport native graduates from The W, she plans to earn a master’s degree and pursue a career in music therapy.