It's an experience that has changed my life."

"We worked with the parish nurses," said Phillips. "They taught us about the HIV/AIDS crisis happening there."

The students were given choices about what they would do there. Some went on home visits and stayed overnight in those homes. Others worked in the clinics. Erica did both. Her overnight visit was with a Carroll alum and current Peace Corps volunteer, Kate Menninger.

Phillips' work in the clinic consisted of observing the nurses and listening to their assessments of patients. "I carried blood in a vial to the lab once," she said with a laugh when asked about her hands on experience with the patients.

"My favorite part was working in the Neighborhood Care Point," said Phillips, reflecting on her trip. "It’s a place where kids who can't afford school or are too young for school can come and eat one meal and learn preschool. We brought them toys, played soccer and they sang the alphabet for us and did their numbers.

The expedition was led by Carroll Nursing professor Cynthia Gustafson and her husband, Pastor Loren Gustafson. There was a presentation by the Nursing Department showcasing the Swaziland trip on October 2. The Director of Parish Nursing in Swaziland, Thandiwe Dlamini, was presented with an honorary degree at the presentation.

Will there be more trips to Africa in the future for nursing students? If so, Phillips has some advice. "It's worth whatever you have to do to go. Take out a loan, or miss your little brother's graduation, like I did. It's an experience that has changed my life."