This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Bucknell chapter.
Senior Katie Trojanowski has certainly left her mark on the Bucknell community, but she’s also made a huge difference in Nicaragua. As an avid member of the Bucknell Brigade, Katie has traveled to the country several times to help improve the lives of many Nicaraguans. She continues to provide aid all the way from Lewisburg, and we’re so excited to have such an inspirational student as this week’s Campus Celeb.
Hometown: Glen Ridge, NJ
Class year: 2012
Major: Bachelor of Science, Mathematics; Bachelor of Arts, Spanish
How did you first get involved with the Bucknell Brigade?
I first got involved in the Bucknell Brigade in the fall of my sophomore year. My older sister had gone on service missions throughout her time at college, and I was eager to find a similar experience on Bucknell’s campus. I asked around, found out about the Brigade, attended an interest meeting, and I applied as soon as I could. Something about the idea of stepping outside of my own comfort zone to help people and to learn about another culture was extremely appealing to me—little did I know I would learn about myself in the process! Once accepted to be a Brigadista, I became more involved by fundraising and advertising for the group, and learning more about Nicaragua’s history, culture, and struggles. I’ve now traveled with the Brigade twice, served as a trip leader, and am co-chair of the Crafts committee; we sell Nicaraguan crafts to the community to raise money for the cause!
Were you involved in similar programs before Bucknell?
Traveling with the Brigade was my first official trip out of the United States! I had done a variety of service before, some of which dealing with individuals less privileged than myself, but I had never experienced anything like this trip before.
How has the Brigade changed you?
My experience in Nicaragua has made me much more conscious of my lifestyle, and how I can live to promote compassion and philanthropy. It made me realize how lucky I was to be blessed with the life that I have, and that I need to take full advantage of every opportunity and get the best education that I can so that I can continue to help others in the future. On a smaller scale, the Brigade has changed my daily habits—I try to only buy organic items, promote fair trade organizations and local businesses, and I recycle and waste less, and I encourage others to do the same!
What is your most memorable experience from Brigade trips?
Though I will always remember every second of my time spend in Nicaragua, I will always cherish the moments I spent at the medical clinic that Bucknell built and supports in Nueva Vida, an impoverished community outside of Managua. At the clinic, I had the opportunity to translate for Dr. Don, where I learned the true strength of the Nicaraguan people. Small children would come for a check-up and would be dancing around the room, telling you about their friends and the dog they just saw, while Dr. Don diagnosed them with pneumonia, lack of vitamins, and parasites. This spirit is a common trait of Nicaraguans—they have a tremendous faith and pride in themselves that is unlike anything I have felt in the States and is truly incredible to witness.
What would you tell someone who’s interested in getting involved?
GET INVOLVED! Email me, or head over to the Office of Civic Engagement to find the right people to contact. Though a huge aspect of the Brigade’s mission is traveling to Nicaragua, it is not the most important part. We are always looking for individuals to participate in our Fundraising, Outreach, and Crafts and Coffee committees, and welcome new ideas for fundraisers and publicity!
Favorites:
Spot on campus: the little ledge that overlooks Freas Hall by Vaughn Lit.
Meal at Bucknell: anything that’s cooked at the Newman House
Freeze flavor: Banana ice cream with Nilla Wafers and peanut butter fudge, or mint ice cream with Oreos and hot fudge—I’ve almost tried every flavor!
Thing about Bucknell: the family that I have created on and around campus
Class taken: Sign Language with Professor Slike
A few random facts:
I bake a new sweet treat every Sunday.
I aspire to own my own small business.
I never wear matching socks.
My favorite Pandora stations are Beyoncé and Juanes
Eve-eve’s of holidays are my favorite days of the year.
My favorite shopping is food shopping.
