Students visit Djecji dom Maslina Children’s Center, the oldest children’s home in Croatia. It is a beautiful four-story home situated on the steep hills outside the old town of Dubrovnik, overlooking the bright blue bay. Walking in we pass a basketball court, seesaw, and beautifully shaded pergola. Upon arrival Director, Ilijana Stojanovic, welcomes the students. She speaks about the home and their mission to keep siblings together and build a positive environment.
This is the highlight of my trip. I didn’t think I would have such a strong connection. Even though we couldn’t interact with language we could interact through activity like coloring and smiling. This is my first time in this kind of situation and environment. It makes you step back and realize what you have back at home, and how fortunate you are. Nothing compares to this moment. I knew I wanted to be a psychology major, but now I know I want to work with little kids because I feel like I can connect really well. Briana Geraci from El Camino College
I bonded with a girl named Imma. When we went to the orphanage we brought little coloring books, which gave us all the opportunity to open up. I think we live in a bubble sometimes. I had the harsh realization that not everyone has what we have. I noticed differences from American society. There are many things we take for granted. Katie Jernigen from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
