Q&A: Southampton school's Susan Wright

Name: Susan Wright

Job: Assistant principal, Southampton Intermediate School

Community: Westhampton Beach

What she's up to: One of about 50 educators who built a school in Constanza, Dominican Republic, through Lifetouch Memory Mission, a company known for classroom pictures, and World Servants Inc., an international nonprofit charity group.

Why: I really believe we have to say to our kids, "It's about service."

What did you learn about the differences in education between here and there?

We have the infrastructure -- the books and the technology. And we have great teachers. But we need to be respectful of our learning process, because there are people who don't have the schools or the opportunities.

How was the experience with the children?

They were kids. They played and goofed around. . . . There was a lot of nonverbal communication. A lot of hugging.

Would you like to return to build another school?

Absolutely. There is talk about bringing us down again; a little chatter about building a second floor to the school.

What made the trip so memorable?

When you're passing bricks hour after hour, and digging and cementing and scraping -- it's hard work! But it's a real bonding experience. Personally, when I retire, this is what I want to do.

Do you plan to bring your experience to your own students?

I plan to put together a presentation, and in the new year, have a time for questions and answers about the experience.