Below is an college application essay from Justin Maniscalco, the son of Rita Maniscalco, a coaching colleague, about his trip in Feb 2008 to help the villagers of Puerta Chuburna in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

Amazing.

One of the core values of Villanova, as an Augustinian university founded on the teachings of St. Augustine, is that students and faculty learn from each other. As you imagine yourself as a member of the Villanova community, what is one lesson that you have learned in your life that you will want to share with others?

Jackie Robinson once said, “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” During February of 2008, I was given an opportunity to have my life impact the lives of others. Along with forty other students, I traveled to the small fishing village of Puerto Chuburna in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico to construct concrete roofs on thirteen houses of under privileged families. The lessons and realizations learned on this trip were life changing, but the lesson I learned before going on this trip was another which I will never forget.

My mom and dad have always held a parenting philosophy which includes saying yes as often as possible. However, when it came to handing over $1,200 for a third trip for me in a relatively short period of time, they chose to say no. My parents saw this as an opportunity to challenge me to achieve my goal without their help. I was not at all disappointed or angered by their decision, but rather determined to reach my goal independently.

Brainstorming for fundraising projects, I had the idea to discuss this challenge with my pastor at the Massapequa Reformed Church. Reverend Dr. Stephen Giordano was overjoyed to hear of my expedition and was very eager to help in any way he could. Like my parents, he proposed a challenge to me. Rather than simply announcing my mission trip to the congregation and accepting donations for me, Pastor Steve required that I speak for, what we call, a “Minute for Mission” to the church family and describe the purpose and details of the mission trip. Along with speaking and accepting donations, Pastor Steve and I collaborated to plan a "Movie Night” at which church members gathered to eat chicken and ribs and watched “The Pursuit of Happiness,” which I felt was very fitting for the situation. At the movie, a basket was passed and members could contribute as much or as little as they felt comfortable with. Finally, Pastor Steve also requested that, after I had returned from the trip, I host an adult education hour and put together a PowerPoint presentation of my trip. With the generosity of the church congregation and the “Movie Night” success, I raised $1,500. With all of my heart I thanked the congregation for helping me achieve my goal. I chose to donate the excess $300 to another student traveling with us. The student and I remain anonymous to one another.

The fundraising and the mission trip were a success, and I came home a much more mature young man ready to share my story with the congregation that made this life changing experience possible. My story was a humbling story of appreciating the small blessings in one’s life that one takes for granted each and every day. The villagers of Puerta Chuburna had few sources of entertainment, no high speed internet, cell phones, or media devices, but were content with the grace of God and the companionship of others. The lessons which came from the juxtaposition of lifestyles were not lost on me, however, I feel the lesson of independence and responsibility my parents and pastor taught me was of equal significance. Overcoming a common fear, public speaking, and raising the funds needed independently have led me to become a more confident young man. The lesson I would want to share with others is if one has a pure desire to help, steps out in faith, and combines one’s own unique gifts with the gifts of other caring individuals, there is no limit to the good that can result.