Many Hands Make Light Work in the Nursery

Undaunted by a sour economy, and assisted by a service-learning scholarship, University of Iowa senior Erin Roth and junior Laura Nutt joined a summer team to Romania. Here are their thoughts about reaching out across the Atlantic to brighten the lives of abandoned babies and toddlers:

“I learned to be open to new ideas…just because you’re used to one way doesn’t mean there isn’t another way to accomplish things. We provided a variety of care for the infants and toddlers - feeding, teaching, diapering and giving them the stimulation, love, and nurturing that they need. Because Global Volunteers sends up to 16 three-week teams of volunteers to Tutova clinic every year, each volunteer’s contribution is matched over and over again throughout the children’s early years so that they receive nearly constant attention and care.

Everyone can make a difference. People make do with what they have. Even though they don’t have much, I thought the clinic was well-run. My experience really opened my eyes to many different career directions I can take….to continue helping children with special needs.

Erin Roth