By Fatima Magana '22

SAN CRISTOBAL- “I could not believe that I was in the Dominican Republic!” said Jeziah Farrar ’26, marketing major. 

Farrar '26

Part of the 2025 social responsibility class, Farrar spent spring break immersing himself in a new culture – enhancing his Spanish and meeting new people. Soaking in every moment, Farrar felt comfortable upon arriving in San Cristobal because every community member smiled and greeted him with happiness.

“Getting to meet everyone before working with them excited me for what I would experience,” said Farrar. “My favorite project was helping a widow because she watched us work on her home with so much joy.”

Farrar '26 having a conversation with the widow in the DR

Farrar conversed with the widow, explaining that while they did not speak the same language, they understood each other perfectly. Therefore, Farrar stated that there is no need for people to speak the same language; they need to come together to understand each other.

“The church community came together to meet everyone in the class; they asked us to play with them, and they learned my name and were interested in getting to know me.”

Farrar '26 at the beach in the Dominican Republic

Farrar described his overall experience as beautiful, edifying, and inspirational. He sang with the church at their Sunday service, and “Hermoso Momento (Beautiful Moment)” is the song he sang that perfectly describes the entire trip.

“This trip made me realize that I want to help people of all cultures,” said Farrar. “The connections I formed in the Dominican Republic have influenced the path I want to take after graduation.”

Farrar '26 (far left) with the church community in the DR

Like Farrar, explore endless possibilities abroad by traveling and stepping outside your comfort zone. Learn about Mount Union's study abroad program.