Student Stories
Student volunteers play an important role in every international medical mission - helping to change children's lives and their own.
Operation Smile sends two student leaders and a student sponsor on missions to help educate local children and families about burn care and prevention, oral rehydration therapy, nutrition and dental hygiene. When students help children in need, they learn firsthand how they can make an impact on the world and the personal rewards gained from giving back.
Student volunteers educate school children in Mexico
Student volunteers educate children in Mexico on burn care, dental hygiene, nutrition, hand washing and oral rehydration therapy.
Student volunteers educate children in Mexico on burn care, dental hygiene, nutrition, hand washing and oral rehydration therapy.
Stephanie
U-Voice Student Alise Bailey meets a special little girl named Stephanie on a medical mission in Bolivia.
U-Voice Student Alise Bailey meets a special little girl named Stephanie on a medical mission in Bolivia.
Students Rock The Smile
The neon lights blazed through the fog and the buzz of excitement filled the air as 800 fans clamored for the perfect view. The crowd screamed as the band took the stage in the packed venue. The first chord from the guitarist cut through the night, sending the room into a frenzy.
The neon lights blazed through the fog and the buzz of excitement filled the air as 800 fans clamored for the perfect view. The crowd screamed as the band took the stage in the packed venue. The first chord from the guitarist cut through the night, sending the room into a frenzy.
Xavier University Students On A Mission To Heal Smiles
Xavier University students answered the call for Operation Smile student volunteers, traveling to the Philippines for a medical mission that changed the lives of 129 individuals from Northern Mindanao forever.
Xavier University students answered the call for Operation Smile student volunteers, traveling to the Philippines for a medical mission that changed the lives of 129 individuals from Northern Mindanao forever.
Miranda Ramos
14-year-old Cielo walked 3 hours just to bring her 2 year old brother Buan. I am so amazed at Cielo's maturity and compassion, I will always think of her as one of my heroes.
14-year-old Cielo walked 3 hours just to bring her 2 year old brother Buan. I am so amazed at Cielo's maturity and compassion, I will always think of her as one of my heroes.
Haley Oberhofer
As we hopped off the bus, our team’s biomedical engineer said, “The United States is a dream; this is reality.” The quote lingered in my mind throughout our stay. At what point do we wake up from dreaming and face reality?
As we hopped off the bus, our team’s biomedical engineer said, “The United States is a dream; this is reality.” The quote lingered in my mind throughout our stay. At what point do we wake up from dreaming and face reality?
Anas
Sometimes medical mission volunteers are able to help resolve other abnormalities children might have, children like Anas.
Sometimes medical mission volunteers are able to help resolve other abnormalities children might have, children like Anas.
Hayden Thompson
Student Volunteer Hayden Thompson recounts her experience at the medical mission in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines during "The Journey Home".
Student Volunteer Hayden Thompson recounts her experience at the medical mission in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines during "The Journey Home".
Student Volunteer: Michael Boyle, Paraguay
Student Volunteer Michael Boyle shares his experience: "Since I have been involved with Operation Smile, I have never experienced a more overwhelming and rewarding feeling than going on a medical mission."
Student Volunteer Michael Boyle shares his experience: "Since I have been involved with Operation Smile, I have never experienced a more overwhelming and rewarding feeling than going on a medical mission."
Kate Quigley
“Annes was probably the cutest, most adorable child I had even seen, “said Kate Quigley, a student volunteer during a medical mission to Alexandria, Egypt, "I hoped beyond hope that I would see him again."
“Annes was probably the cutest, most adorable child I had even seen, “said Kate Quigley, a student volunteer during a medical mission to Alexandria, Egypt, "I hoped beyond hope that I would see him again."
Natalie Hernandez
Natalie Hernandez, a student volunteer of Operation Smile in Cambodia, was able to witness the unconditional of mothers for their children and a community changed forever.
Natalie Hernandez, a student volunteer of Operation Smile in Cambodia, was able to witness the unconditional of mothers for their children and a community changed forever.
Volunteer
