In anticipation of graduation this May, Deryn Copeland has a lot she wants to accomplish. Majoring in English with a concentration in Literature, Deryn has been to Nicaragua three times through Westfield State's service learning trips working with a non-profit organization, La Esperanza Granada. Every time she has been to Nicaragua, she has fallen more in love with the country. She loves it there so much so that she plans to move to Nicaragua to open a relaxation space. Her plans for the space are not for it to be like a spa but more like a meditation, yoga, and wellness studio. If not a relaxation space, she would like to open a hostile for weary travelers.
During her trips to Nicaragua, Deryn had the opportunity to help build a school from the ground up, as well as teach the students of that school. In doing this Deryn and other Westfield State students got involved in the community. The trips have meant a lot to Deryn; those experiences are dear to her heart and they have had such a tremendous affect on her life that she gets choked up just thinking about it.
Deryn also wants to get involved with AmeriCorps, a program that engages over 75,000 Americans in intensive service each year at nonprofits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country. After having several people stating that she was the first person they thought of when they learned about AmeriCorps, Deryn decided that she would give it a try. Being introduced to Westfield State alum who are also involved AmeriCorps helped push her towards taking the opportunity.
Deryn is passionate about helping others and she cannot wait to start her journey after graduation. Ideally, she would love to make that move to Nicaragua sooner rather than later then move back to the New England area to get her degree, but that time is not now. Deryn stated, "Nicaragua and AmeriCorps is where I would do my soul searching and figure out those next steps!"
