You came to the Dominican Republic quiet, inquisitive, nervously taking in your new surroundings and each other. Dealing with the oppressive heat and your clumsy baggage, for some of you this was the first time travelling to a new country. You stepped forward bravely into an experience that would irrevocably change you. 

Our first order of business was to rest at the delightfully strange Hostel Primaveral. The gorgeous rooms, comfortable beds, working internet, fresh water and five-star breakfast lifted spirits enough for the long drive towards chicken, rice and beans. I remember some of you saying you could eat it for every meal. That you love chicken, rice and beans. Little did you know you this was reality. Chicken, rice and beans in all of its glory was your world. 

You arrived at Hotel Quemaito with skin that would soon be a bug bitten, rash infested, puss oozing, sun burned blanket of misery wrapped around your tired muscles. And so the work began. The laboratory at Cachon was the first taste of labor under a relentless sun. Without a drop of sweat Billy and his fellow Dominicans ran circles around us as we mixed cemento. You played soccer with the children. You began to form lasting friendships. 

The days roll on.  We asked hard questions, searched for Bills shirts, and went grocery shopping. We explored the jungles and rivers of Los Patos, lost our glasses in the sea, and found that we could work as a team in the clinics. Vitals and interviews and pharmacies and doctors mixed with chaos and broken Spanish. We overcame our egos while working toward a common goal and in the process started exhibiting the traits of leaders. 

We got paint on our skin and clothes. The Dalmatian Wall was completed and made glorious with our hand prints. We climbed the hill for our water and listened to our mentors say “attention to detail” too many times to count. Chicken and rice and beans for lunch. For dinner: chicken rice and beans. And mangoes.

The bustling Haitian Market. Dusty and over-crowded. Salted fish and motos. Tight avenues of stands selling shampoo, pink sandals, soda.  Every smell. The border was a dynamic and exciting thing to behold. We observed the stark differences between Haitian and Dominican culture. How could this small island be so diverse? We were also observed in this space. Curious shoppers and store owners speaking at us or just looking. Uncomfortable for some but valuable for all. 

We spent an afternoon in a strange alien landscape with trees caked in beehive formations of calcium.  An old town lost in the depths of that salt.  Brown and murky, the apex predator of that place swam about with his eyes on us. The boat meandered its way through interstices of dead branches and we watched him float lazily in the heat. On the land, stranger still. The population of chameleon made this desert seem less like the Dominican and more like Jurassic Park.  

The bus journey. Samuel was our captain. He bravely navigated unpredictable roadways and traffic. Potholes and speedbumps. He begrudgingly put up with our pop music that had blown his speakers into smithereens after a summer of sing-a-longs.  As a group we listened to the same twenty rap songs on repeat everyday with open windows. Being a DJ would be an easy job in our generation. If medicine doesn’t pan out we could blast T. Cole (or whatever) at high school reunions and get paid like 200 bucks a gig if we’re lucky. Anyway, Gracias Samuel. 

For much of this time we wondered what kind of impact we had if any, and began to realize the true impact might be the one formed on us. Through films, lectures, and mentor groups we thought deeply about the problems facing not only ourselves but the world. How could we go back to our own communities and begin to make them better? What kind of leaders would we be? How can we produce a sustainable future for all? It is our hope that these more difficult questions can one day be answered.

For whatever reason you initially came to the Dominican Republic, whether it be to blandly spruce up your resume, or because your parents made you, or you have a genuine curiosity about the world, a desire to help, we hope that this morphed and changed.  Like much of life there might not have been an Aha! moment for you in the past two weeks. Good! Go home and think. Process. Invent. Reinvent. Challenge your own assumptions and look into the mirror!  Like all good challenging things, we hope this trip made you think critically and deeply about the world and its inhabitants. We hope you made friendships and contacts, and that your curiosity and respect for the wonders of this planet have increased.

Lastly, we (Emily, Jonathan and Chelsea) would like to thank you for changing us. We were constantly impressed from day one. Your infectious energy helped us persevere through sickness. When things didn’t go to plan you always rallied.  You displayed a willingness to grow and think.  If we could bottle your inquisitiveness and sell it, we would. Thank you for coming and being a part of our program and more importantly our lives. We hope to see or hear from you and wish you all the best.

Your Mentor,

-Jonathan Langfield

I’m sitting by the pool, right where Freddy and Samuel would always sit to have their daily chats. Its 7:43pm and our last group is in the dining area watching Poverty Inc. Its cloudy but the clouds are parting ways to make room for the stars to shine. We miss you. You guys made your mark so strong on us this summer. Your spirit gave us strength to finish off the summer strong and made us super grateful to have shared so many amazing moments with a group of 24 awesome kids, group B kids “ahhhhhhhhh- yeah” (use Chelsea voice).

Erin, thank you for having your birthday during the program and allowing us into your heart on your special day, because of you the group got to taste the glory that is Dominican cake. Helen, girl you rocked that limited time only cast like nobody’s business (Jonathan wants you to know that you can wear his shoes anytime)! Didn’t even shed a tear about any of it, that strength was definitely inspiring. CK! I keep watching all the snaps of you beating us all in arm wrestling on that clinic day! Anna, my child! I see so much of myself in you, thank you for sharing the light you have with the rest of us and being hilarious. Arianna, you are such a graceful and intelligent young lady, thank you for holding Group B down during the marketing interview (you too CK)! Sarah, what would I have done without you? My brain would of exploded from translating for sure. Thanks for being a good sport about helping in every way, you were like an extension of the staff at times.

Cassidy, I can’t believe that you were able to maintain such a positive demeanor and be a such a team player despite what was going on at home, girl you are a solider. O and you are hilarious. Lil Camy Vert! Boy did you come out of that shell during the last days, it was super fun to get to know your sense of humor. Bella, how is it that you only every single song played? You were truly a pleasure to be around, you made us not fear the word “teenager”. Miaaaa, thank you for singing to us, your voice is so beautiful (we’ll also thank the paint company for giving you that extra courage to sing all Disney songs!).

Lauren Minutella, the last one to shower, not sure if you know this but you and Juelz, Long Hair Don’t Care, brought the staff so much calm. We’d look at you both and just know that anything that seemed stressful at the moment would pass. Kelly, I really saw you shine during that last brigade, it made me very proud of you and I hope that this experience taught you more about yourself and interests. Chelsea also wants to say thank you to you and Lauren M. (Sarah and Erin too) for keeping her in shape with your morning workouts ☺.

Theo, gosh did you have to steal everyone’s heart? You were a true pleasure to be around and you added so much value to our group, I think you were a big connecting force and you might not have even realized it, keep shining my bruthah, middle finger up to the rest. Mikelle, you kept us on our toes with your curiosity, that will take you far my dear, keep pushing (and lifting), I know that you will make the most out of the experiences you carve out for your life. Olivia, Emily, could you guys be any funnier? Glad I get to share my name with such a cool, down to earth gal, that’s definitely an Emily thing. And Olivia, I can still see you pop, lock, and drop it by the pool, ya’ got skills boo!

Lindsay, when you make it big I’d like my Broadway tickets mailed to my doorstep, not very fond of electronic tickets, thanks! Kruthi, the story of your parents is inspiring, you are very lucky to have that, really good late night talk we shared, keep wanting more dude.  Liv, I saw you step up so many times during this trip, I think you might have volunteered to do everything, super great quality to have. Hannah and Hadley, you are guys were kind of like adults, chill, sweet, responsible, it was beautiful to hear about the friendship you guys developed on this trip. Lauren F., both Giselle and I enjoyed the insightful conversations that we shared with you, you are so mature and clear headed, you left us very impressed with your ability to absorb the world around you.

And can’t forget about the extra time I got to spend with Julia at the Comfort Inn dawggg! Luxury suits for our tired behinds after a long day of airport fun, it was hilarious to be deliriously tired with you.

You guys were definitely the most social group we’ve had, dangerously social! Haha jkkk. From taking over the River at Los Patos to stealing the heart of the kids in Cachon and brigades. Btw, you guys rocked those medical brigades, seamlessly. No patients, no problem, you became the embodiment of “Rolling with the punches”, and we thank you for that.

Did I already say that we miss you guys? You are all stars, really really really shiny ones. I hope that this journey stays with you forever and that you always remember to be present; that these experiences, no matter how they come about or what happens in the mist of it all, shape the leaders that you are all becoming. As always, remember to be kind and value what you have, save water and don’t litter. Be compassionate, and let yourselves be heard. You rock, see you on the flip side.

Your super grateful Director and… mom,

-Emily Mercedes Castro – @emilyfemily_

Hello to all My Lovely Students!

Hope you all enjoying your last couple days of summer vacation! Currently I am sitting in Chelsea’s Cabana (trademark pending), thinking about all of you guys and the amazing two weeks we were able to share together.

We had a lot of fun memories that I hope you all will treasure. There were the fun bus rides where we blasted throw backs that would make most of us jump out of our seats dancing! I hope you all also remember the wonderful 6 hour bus ride back from Lago Enriquillo. I think that permanently scarred most of you from ever getting on a bus again :). We also had our awesome talent show that really proved just how talented and eclectic of a group you all were. I still have videos on my phone of you guys singing and they still brings tears to my eyes! Also, I am looking forward to the ukulele band releasing their first album.

But you guys also went through your fair share of trials while you were here as well. Some of you came down with horrible heat exhaustion/dehydration/illnesses that had to make you sit out on some of our work days. A couple of you endured the wrath of the Dominican Republic Mosquitos. Others endured more serious injuries that needed more professional medical attention but taught us valuable lessons about health care in DR. But no matter what trials you guys faced, you all were there to support one another and help each-other to bounce back to full recovery. As mentors and directors, seeing you all come together to support each other through the program is one of the proudest moments to witness. YOU WERE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER (Emily still can’t stop dancing to that song).

In the end you all walked away as changed human beings in our eyes. You came down here with open minds and hearts and made a positive impact on the communities you helped. You all possess the skills to become great global citizens and leaders one day. I can’t wait to see and hear about what happens to you all as you continue through High School and go onto College.

Feel free to keep in touch with all of us as we would love to hear about all your great adventures. 

And remember… you’re all sexy and you know it ;).

Best of Luck,

Chelsea <3

-Emily, Sarah, and Tom all say ‘Hi’ too!

Original Group B!!!!

Guys, I can’t thank the universe enough for having such an amazing sweet and intelligent group to start the summer. You guys were funny, loving, full of charisma, hardworking, and flexible.

Brooke, my little trap queen. I secretly loved hearing your singing voice on the chorus of our trap playlist. We all hope that your Dominican birthday is one that you won’t forget. Chloe, you’ve got my vote. It’s so impressive to see a young woman like you be so well versed in so many topics, we couldn’t have had great lectures, I mean discussions, without you! Benjamin! You got the movessss, you got the movessss (Big Sean voice). Thanks for teaching Merengue on the night that I was out for the count, your tunes saved each bus ride, and that speaker was clutch! Sophie, pulling out weeds with you at the clinic was truly an honor. You are a gem and I want you to know that the world is your oyster dude, ain’t no thang but a chicken wang. Now when are we playing ball? Jennifer, you were quiet for like a day and then the leader in you naturally came out. Your ability to make every and anyone smile is one that you should own and be proud of. Brian, look up Corey Gunz freestyles on YouTube. I still can’t believe you can spit Eminem rhymes like you do, who would of thunk!

Mo’ Money! Being in your mentor groups on occasion gave me a chance to see into the future, you are an awesome example to your brothers and the opportunities that you design for yourself will carry on to them. Frank proved that race is a social construct, Lebanon strong! MaQuillan, you brought me peace for two weeks! There is just something about you that lets me know that everything will work out fine. Btw, you are beautiful! Aria, I wonder how much pizza you ate upon your arrival. We watched the glow in you increase as the days went on, thank you for letting us in. Olivia, room check with you were the best, if you haven’t already, join a dance team girl! Reese, holding back the puke like a champ! You are strong beyond your years, a true southern belle.

Lyndsey, you were the happiest, most chill, sick, person I ever met. That positive attitude that you hold will take you far! Ella that sun poising of yours was one for the books, actually I can officially say that it was the worst sun burn of both programs all summer, BOSS! Emily, I have a very strong memory of you being a runner at the clinic in Arroyo, as I watched you interact with people in community and attend to children confidently, it warmed my heart. Nicole B gurrrllll, we shared a moment!!!!! Thanks for allowing me into your heart and thanks letting me share my story, it had been a while since I had gone into the archives of my soul and I’m grateful that we got to connect the way we did.

Drew my darling, how beautiful it has been to watch you do your thing, during working days you were ON it and your contributions during mentor groups brought everyone full circle. Cassidy, you taught me a valuable lesson, how to activate data plans for the entire summer, I’m the queen now thanks to you, and your mom! Nicole M, our first Canadian this summer, why are all of you so cool? You could have warned us ya know, thanks for being a positive force in your group. Elif, although you ate all of my Sun Chips on your sick day, I still love you!

Mae, strongest SPF of any student this summer! Thanks for sharing with staff and for always being down to do anything at work sites.

Phoebe, I remember you being nervous about not making any friends because you were the youngest, funny how that works huh? Not only did you friend EVERYONE, you were often the life of the party, keep shining kid! Miranda, my allergy and eczema sister! It’s a food thing gurl, America is poison!!!!! Stay sweet and genuine. Sylvia, such poise, you are the definition of a team player and were the glue in your group. Your leadership skills grew through the program and we totally recognized that. Liz, your smile became a sign of things going according to plan when we, as staff, doubted ourselves. You always assured us that you guys were being stimulated and having fun, thanks for the inside scoop.

Now that the summer is over, I can say that you guys had the best conversation with Michelle at the Haitian Dominican Center. It was a heavy day but I know that you all left impacted by that discussion in one way or another. Always remember to be kind, you never know what someone is pushing through. We love you and can’t wait to see what you guys do in the world. We’re an Instagram message away, we encourage you to reach out when you feel like or are in need a talking to a semi-adult.

Love forever because you are my first group,

Your Director,

-Emily Mercedes Castro

Hey guys,

I hope your return home was everything you expected and more. I’m sure you all missed your family and now you have a chance to spend time with them before going back to school. There’re of course other things you might have missed like food; “no more arroz con pollo guisado” you might be telling yourselves… but I promise you you’ll start missing it!

On the other hand, some of you may feel overwhelmed with your return to school and college applications. My advice is that you remain focused on getting to know yourselves on a deeper level: testing your limits, engaging with different people, getting involved with global issues and gaining new perspectives. Dominican Republic was a giant first step and it is amazing the growth that came out of only two weeks. You still have a long way to go. You’re all potential leaders and I’m sure whatever part of the world you decide to live in and the career you decide to pursue, you’ll make an impact.

During your time here we became really united as a group and today we share many beautiful memories. The day you arrived at El Quemaito you were all so nervous, even though at the same time excited. Those first few days you were all so silent that you could clearly hear even the buzzing of mosquitoes. I must admit I was a little bit scared that you wouldn’t be engaged with the program and wouldn’t participate. Very soon that all changed and your very different and vibrant personalities started to come out. From our self-proclaimed “Asian Power” group, to our Djs and extroverts, to all of you who showed kindness through your smiles even though you didn’t speak aloud all of the time, to the humorous and flirty, you all balanced each other out perfectly! More than the mere sum of individuals, we created a family that I hope will last in time.

I’ll take the opportunity to thank you for being so open to learn new things like Dominican capture the flag in Cachote (despite some bruises and scrapes), for always being positive to my craziest proposals and ideas (like rolling down a hill to get to worksite), for crazily dancing merengue and singing to the top of your lungs at the bus, and for being flexible with the obstacles that we encountered together along the way.

Some of you were sick during this trip but you took it like champions. No one, at any point, stayed behind during activities. Despite not speaking Spanish you made a great effort to communicate with others, especially during medical brigades. Despite the incredible heat (highest it had been all summer) you carried on with work and it honestly surprised me how you showed each other your sunburns laughing as a sign of accomplishment.

I’m happy to have been a part of this experience with all of you because you showed all that’s needed to succeed in a world that is not always what we expect (remember “life and opportunity” from the leadership activity with Erin?).

I love all of you. You have a friend in me and my offer of visiting Dominican Republic again after you’re over 18 still stands.

A big warm hug,

-Giselle

P.S. I still owe you a bachata class!

Feeling nostalgic? You can experience that same sense of friendship and adventure abroad again! Check out all our brand new Dominican Republic program, designed with alumni in-mind, or enroll now.