"During the final weeks of the fall quarter, we decided we wanted to do something worthwhile during our break," explained Aaron.
Eileen began by tracking volunteer efforts via the internet. She came across a Central American travel agency that had became a go-between for relief efforts in Honduras following the devastation of Hurricane Mitch. The agency brought Aaron and Eileen together with Rescue Now International, based in Palo Alto, California.
As their volunteer plans were falling into place, the two students were still busy with their college assignments and finals, while raising the funds necessary for their transportation, supplies and lodging.
"Life West and our fellow students were kind enough to help out, as did our families," Eileen explained.
On December 15th, the students and a group of volunteers left for Honduras driving three four-wheel-drive trucks filled with building and relief supplies. The plan was to feed and assist with housing needs in the community of La Ceiba, then help rebuild a girls' orphanage in Trujillo.
On arrival, the team learned that the bridges between La Ceiba and the orphanage had been washed out. After finishing their work in La Ceiba, the two students traveled into the mountains to remote villages, supplying first aid and helping with the clean up and repairs. The students stayed with Honduran families in their mud houses. Aaron said that he was truly impressed with the resilience and kindness of the Central American people.
After three weeks, the two Life West students returned to their studies, weary and thinner, but vastly satisfied with how they spent their precious time away from studies.
Life West Student Council
The students of Life Chiropractic College-West recently elected student council officers who will serve a three-academic-quarter term (winter, spring and summer). This term's officers are Stephen Ronco, president; Sean Patterson, vice-president; Carole Martin, secretary; and Susie Baca, treasurer.
Stephen Ronco, a sophomore from Bangor, Pennsylvania, earned his bachelor's degree in hotel and restaurant management from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. Ronco is an active member of the World Congress of Chiropractic Students, Student International Chiropractors Association, and various Life West technique clubs. Prior to coming to Life West, he worked 14 years in the hotel and restaurant business.
Sean Patterson, a sophomore, is a native from Rohnert Park, California. Patterson attended Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa Community College, both in California.
Carole Martin, a freshman, was raised in Portland, Oregon and attended Mt. Hood Community College before coming to Life West. Martin is a recipient of the Life Assistance Scholarship and is a member of the Student International Chiropractors Association.
Susie Baca, a freshman from Atwater, California, was a psychology major at California State University at Bakersfield before joining Life West. She is active with numerous college organizations, including Lambda Omega Chi, Pediatrics Club, Community Clinic Outreach Club, Student Senate, and the Student International Chiropractors Association.
Dynamic Chiropractic editorial staff members research, investigate and write articles for the publication on an ongoing basis. To contact the Editorial Department or submit an article of your own for consideration, email
.