Senior Shreya Raj volunteered in Zomba, Malawi through Operation Smile from June 19 to July 1 to help children with cleft lips or pallets receive new smiles. Shreya went on her mission with two other students from Pennsylvania and N.J.

Shreya’s role during screening was to meet the families and entertain the children. After screening, certain children were selected for special surgery and operated on throughout the week. 

“They were so entertained by such simple things like bubbles and coloring; it really warmed my heart to see [the children] so happy,” said Shreya.

Shreya went into the operating room for two out of the five surgery days, and Operation Smile gave 99 children new smiles and changed lives.

“I loved my mission, and it was such an experience being there knowing that I was helping change lives,” said Shreya.