Fulfilling a longtime ambition, Maryland volleyball defensive specialist Abigail Bentz traveled with The Humble Walk to multiple locations in Haiti in an effort to learn about the culture and relief efforts in the country.
Bentz visited Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, Grand Guave and Le Palm during the 10-day trip and worked with nonprofit organizations. The Humble Walk is the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Maryland. The group left in the end of May and returned last week.
“I am so glad I had the opportunity to travel to Haiti,” Bentz said. “I have always wanted to participate in an experience like this, and I'm grateful I had the chance to do it while still a student at Maryland.”
In Jacmel, Bentz and her fellow students learned about the lasting impact from the 2010 Haiti earthquake. The rising sophomore also traveled to a model village created by the Lutheran World Relief Foundation, which focuses on obtaining clean water for widespread use.
“It was eye-opening to see the humanitarian efforts,” Bentz said. “Seeing what the Haitian people have overcome and are working through was impactful.”
The group volunteered at a Haitian orphanage before finishing the trip at a Haitian university, helping fellow University of Maryland students teach English and the Running Man Challenge.
An aspiring journalist and student in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism, Bentz sees the trip as an experience to increase her understanding of the world.
“I've always wanted to travel a lot, and I hope to work as a journalist internationally,” Bentz said. “I think it's important to have an understanding of different cultures and countries, and I think this trip is definitely one of the pieces that will assist my future career.”
“I'm glad I had the ability as a Maryland student to take this trip,” Bentz added. “I've had a lot of great opportunities as a college student, and this is one I'll remember for the rest of my life.”
Abigail Bentz visits the model village, which focues on accessible clean water.
Bentz volunteered at a Haitian orphanage.
