The Young Leader

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My Fundraising Experience – Thailand 2012

Erin Bryk, Thailand 2012 – Fundraising Reflection:

Last year, I made a checklist of everything I wanted to do before I graduate high school. On the checklist was “explore a new culture”.  This one gnawed at me in particular, because I knew if I wanted to accomplish it, I would have to be proactive.  Fundraising can be a lot of work, but if definitely worth it! Throughout the year, I fund raised the tuition for a service trip to Thailand. I looked at the list of fundraising ideas from GLA to get started.

I decided utilized my artistic abilities for the fundraising, and created a fundraiser in which businesses, family, and friends could pre-ordered photos I would take in Thailand. I created the information sheet and order form, and sent them out in March. My friends and family responded quickly with donations. But slowly, the donations started to come in from businesses. I could tell they were hesitant, so I contacted to the businesses to “add a person” to the name. When I reached my half way goal, I was so excited. I began to feel the reality of it all. And in the end, I was able to raise almost all of my tuition. This was more than I ever thought I would raise from just one fundraiser. It was confident building and I learned a lot of organizational skills from it.

If you have any questions about the fundraiser I did, send me a message and we can talk about it. I’ll be more than happy to send you my order form so you can get some inspiration for yours!

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"Finding Myself Through Volunteering" – Student Essay from Guatemala

Dear GLA,

I am very excited to have completed my second year trip, it was one of the most amazing experiences that I have had in my life. During my trip to Guatemala with Global Leadership Adventures this summer I not only learned a great deal about myself but I also thought  a lot about my past, my background and where I come from.  I am the middle child among 5 children and I live with both my mother and my father. I have lived in Boston for 15 years of my life, my family left our native country of Nigeria in 1997 when I was 2 years old. I’ve grown up as an American, with Nigerian culture poured all over different parts of my life. I believe that my family being immigrants and not understanding too much about the American way of life affected the way I was as a younger child. I was very shy for a large portion of my life, and I regret wasting that portion of my life on being shy. I used to hate conversing with other people and I would usually keep to myself. I would only communicate with the few close friends I had. I had extreme shyness and confidence issues until I began my career at Boston Latin School.

When I came to Boston Latin School, I could tell right away that is was a lot different from many other public schools that I had ever attended and I felt that everyone there was more accepting of different types of people, and people from different cultures. At BLS being different and your own person was the norm. Though I began to embrace who I was more when I entered this new school, I still did not have total confidence in myself and I was still shyer than I wanted to be.  My confidence and my ability to get to know people without my shyness getting in the way did get better as I continued at BLS, but I noticed the greatest change when I began Summer Search.

My Outward Bound trip to Minnesota, my GLA journey in Guatemala, and the Summer Search community have helped me to achieve goals that I never knew that I wanted to before I began Summer Search. On my Outward Bound trip I learned to stop putting myself down, and to start believing in myself more in tough situations. I also gained a load of confidence from that trip. We participated in so many activities that I was so scared to get involved in. We did things from rock climbing to throwing ourselves out of our canoes and I am proud to say that I did get involved in all of it. I did not let my fear get in the way of me experiencing amazing challenges. While I was in Guatemala I learned more things about the kind of person that I am while improving more on the positive things I had accomplished in Minnesota last year.

The goals that I brought with me to Guatemala were not drawing back and letting my shyness overcome me, getting to know every new person that I met and letting people know who I really am, practicing my Spanish speaking skills and helping anyone who needed it in the language area, embracing the Guatemalan culture and completely immersing myself in all the activities. I believe that I accomplished all of these goals while in Guatemala and I also figured out more about what I want to do with my life. I’ve always wanted to travel all over the world, but being in Guatemala amongst the people and learning all their history has made me more interested in learning about all the different cultures of the world.

There were times during my trip when we had our story circle and we were having discussions about who we are and where we come from. These discussions brought me to think about my younger years when I was more ashamed of my background and I just realized how long it has really taken for me to realize how terrible of a thing that was. I always fooled myself into believing that I never thought bad thought about being Nigerian, but I did. And these story circles helped me get my feeling about the way I used to feel about being Nigerian out and after I did I felt so much better. I understood that I did not have to let the way I felt before affect the feelings I have now about my culture, which I have learned to love. I was not easy sharing my story about this to my group but I was able to because everyone there respected what everyone else had to say. Everyone in the group was so different, but we still understood each other and I loved my group for that. None of us were sacred to tell each other information about ourselves, and we all let ourselves feel comfortable to do anything around each other.

Other things that I learned about myself in Guatemala is that I can do whatever I set my mind on doing, I’ve finally come to grasp that I am very different from other people.  Along with the different person that I am comes a very special, interesting and amazing person. I’ve come to appreciate who I am and where I come from, and I’ve gained so much more confidence. I love this new me and I feel like I am ready to take on anything the world throws at me!

There are so many people who have helped me get to the point of being as confident as I am now and believing in myself as much as I do.  I will of course begin with thanking Summer Search and all their wonderful staff. Summer Search is one of the most amazing programs I have ever encountered. What this organization does is amazing, and I am not sure how other Summer Search students have been affected by the program as a whole, but I really do believe that this program has changed my life and I am proud to be part of such an amazing family. I’d like to thank Casey in particular from the Summer Search family, she has been an amazing mentor, who always thinks about me and is providing me with great opportunities. I am very grateful to have her as my mentor because I feel like everything she says to me is really genuine and I believe that I can trust her, and she has played a huge role in helping me cultivate what I have gained from my two Summer trips into a better me. I would like to thank the Guidance department at my school especially Mrs. Clougherty for truly being the best and most supportive staff at BLS, Ms. Sylvester for being my second Guidance Counselor at that school and bringing Summer Search to BLS. Mr. Montague, who is the head guidance counselor at BLS has also helped me with many things. I would also like to thank Ms. Esteve for helping me with summer jobs for both summers I attended trips through Summer Search and for just being an amazing woman. I’d like to appreciate my whole Outward Bound family from last year, and my new GLA family from this year. Everyone on my trip this year was essential to making my experience complete including our expert staff: Ryan, Orlando, Adrianna, and Laura. My family has been a huge part in my success as well, they have been supportive of me going on my trips and being in the Summer Search program the whole way through. I am just extremely grateful for all the opportunities that have been provided for me in my life, and I hope more come my way and I also hope that I will be able to give back for all them in the future.

Fehintola R. Abioye

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Volunteering in the Galapagos – The Eighth Wonder of the World: by Christina Rennison

It was a humid Sunday afternoon in April of 2010. I had just returned home after winning a three-day soccer tournament, and I was exhausted. I was lying in my bed watching Law and Order: Special Victims Unit when my mother swung my bedroom door open with a smile exploding from her face. I asked her why she was so happy, and her smile grew even wider. I stood up and walked closer to find out what was going on when she grabbed both of my arms and started jumping while screaming, “You’re going to the Galapagos Islands!”

Three months later I was saying goodbye to my friends and family as I departed for Quito, Ecuador. I boarded the plane, placed my ear buds in my ears, and let the music drown out all other noises around me as I closed my eyes. Four hours later I was surrounded by unfamiliar languages and faces. I slowly walked through the airport trying to read the “helpful” signs. After wandering around aimlessly, I found my destination: customs. I approached the desk where a short, stubby man was sitting typing hundreds of letters per minute. He said something to me in Spanish, and I just looked at him with a blank, clueless expression. After staring back at me for a few moments, he grabbed my passport from my hand and continued typing into the computer. After what seemed like an eternity, he handed me back my passport, said “Bienvenidos a Ecuador,” and pushed me aside. I grabbed my luggage and walked through a sliding glass door where I met up with Heather, my counselor, and the rest of the people that would be traveling with me for the next two weeks. We all introduced ourselves and took a van back to the hostel. By the time we arrived it was already midnight, so we were given our room assignments and stayed there for the rest of the night.

I woke up the next morning to my alarm beeping. Avery and Lili, my roommates, and I slowly got up to begin getting ready for the day. All fifteen of us were in the lobby of the hostel by six A.M. sharp. Tired and lifeless, we all boarded a bus to begin our journey to Galapagos Islands. The journey to the islands was much more difficult than most people would think. It involved a forty-five minute bus ride, a ten-minute boat ride, a three-hour plane ride, which would take us to Baltra Island, a ten-minute bus ride, and then to get to our final destination, Isabela Island, we needed to take a three-hour boat ride. The trip took most of the day, but at last we were on Isabela Island.

We were split up into two groups and went our separate ways to meet our host families. Eight of us arrived at the tiny pink house we would be calling home for the next six days, and smiles lit up on all of our faces. Our host mother, Olga, welcomed us with a warm smile. She did not speak English, however, so it was difficult conversing with her. We were assigned our new roommates and immediately sat down for dinner. Being the picky eater that I am, I had to force feed myself the mysterious meal. After dinner we met up with the other group and toured the island. Stray animals, dirt roads, small buildings, bicycles, greasy foods, and crude men surrounded me, and I could not have been happier. As we walked by the beach, cameras appeared in everyone’s hands as pictures were being snapped continuously. We were told that the next six days would be focused on community service and observing marine life through snorkeling. During our stay on Isabela Island, we worked at a place called Campo Duro. We helped care for and protect rescued tortoises. I learned all about tortoises and the wildlife in Galapagos. Not only did we participate in teen volunteer programs, but we also snorkeled with Orchid whales, White-tipped Reef sharks, marine turtles, fish, manta rays, and sea lions. Terrified of everything that lives in the ocean, I was very doubtful about snorkeling. Finally, I decided to be brave and put my head underwater. Once I did, I could not leave. Beautiful fish with red, yellow, orange, and blue swam all around me as curious about me as I was about them. Manta rays were zooming through the water flipping through the air on occasion. I had never seen such a beautiful environment. The next six days were like heaven on Earth. Sadly, our stay on Isabela had to come to an end. We packed up our suitcases, said goodbye to Olga, and made our way to our new destination, Santa Cruz.

Although leaving Isabela was depressing for the entire group, everyone was excited to experience life on a different island. The trip from Isabela to Santa Cruz consisted only of a three-hour boat ride; therefore, we had the entire day to explore. As we arrived to the island, we met our new host mom, America, and settled in to our new home. We visited Lonesome George, the only tortoise left of his kind, and then traveled around Santa Cruz. Even though Santa Cruz was beautiful, it could not even be compared to Isabela. The new island was much more modernized in the sense that it had paved roads, well-constructed buildings, and fancy restaurants. We snorkeled, cliff jumped, tried unusual foods, and enjoyed the beautiful beaches during our stay. Finally, the four days were up and we were on our way back to Quito, Ecuador.

Our final two days in Quito were depressing, yet we all became closer than we ever were. We went to more open-air markets, enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Quito, and visited the Equator. The last night everyone exchanged phone numbers, E-mail addresses, and Facebook names and went to sleep early. The next morning everyone went to the airport in organized groups. David, Noah, and I were at the airport at 6:30 A.M. We walked through customs and security together and said our goodbyes. I arrived at Miami Airport to find my mother jumping up and down in excitement to see me. Before I could get a word out, the questions began. “Were the people nice?” “How was the counselor?” “Were the islands beautiful?” “Which island was your favorite?” I told her I would show her pictures and answer all her questions soon enough, but first I needed a warm shower and a nice nap in my familiar bed. Although I missed my dogs, friends, and family, going to the Galapagos Islands changed my perspective on life forever. After visiting a third world country, I cherish everything in my life. I will always remember the memories of Galapagos and the people I shared them with, and no other place in the world could ever compare to it.

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Volunteering in the Dominican Republic – Perspective for my Own Life by Emily Strachan

Upon arriving in the Dominican Republic and seeing the lush, green landscape and breathtaking Caribbean coastline, I realized that I had set foot in a whole new world. After getting acquainted with my fellow volunteers, we set right off on various service trips in this foreign land. We began working on a river clean-up with a Peace Corps volunteer and a group of native teens who explained some of the challenges they face living in their world. They were similar to us in many ways, but being introduced to their exotic culture was thought-provoking. I am so grateful for all of the interactions I took part in during my stay in the country as I had plenty of food for thought. Later, we were involved in a tree-planting project with another Peace Corps volunteer and Brigada Verde, a group of children who were learning about the environment. The courageous women who initiated these projects inspired me to consider joining the Peace Corps once I graduate from college.

On my journey to the island of Hispaniola, which the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti, I was able to help supplement the basic material needs of the local community, as well as connect with them through utilizing my knowledge of Spanish. As we were passing out supplies to people living as refugees and providing medical provisions to the ill, I was overcome with emotion seeing the impact I was making in the lives of these people. Though they lived in such different circumstances than I, we were able to establish a connection despite a language barrier. I discovered that the language of the heart is universal, and as I reached out to these resilient Dominicans living in poverty, they left a lasting imprint on my heart.

My most memorable experience in this breath-taking country was visiting a refugee center. The time I spent playing with a group of frisky youngsters is etched in my memory forever. Although they didn’t have lots of toys with which to play, these children created their own fun. The living conditions at the center were abominable, as families with multiple children were given a single cubicle-sized room as a home. Fortunately, we were able to give each family a bag of supplies to make their lives more comfortable. I made the deepest connection with one particular fifteen-year old girl named Brisa. As I was leaving, she seemed disheartened, so I gave her my sunglasses, which had been popular among the other children. I felt as though I was leaving a part of myself with her so that she could know how much she meant to me. As our bus was pulling away, some of the kids chased after it. I realized then that even though we had made an impact on the refugees, they had affected us even more. My experiences with the Dominicans ignited my need to share what I have with those less fortunate around the world.

Witnessing the poverty in the Dominican Republic was an incredibly eye- opening experience. It gave me perspective for my own American life. I have so much more than the bare necessities, yet I rarely take the time to acknowledge my blessings. I even felt ashamed of the excesses in my life and gained a deeper understanding of the beauty of living simply. Often, I am distracted with material things and lose sight of what is truly important. I know now that it is foolish to believe that money will bring happiness. I discovered through the spirit of the Dominicans that life should be valued above all things. Communicating and bonding with the people from across country who traveled to the Dominican Republic with me and the people we met there, showed me that no matter who you are or where you are from, we are all just people. Becoming friends with such a diverse group has given me a deep love and respect for life in all its different forms.

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Featured Essay: Ruby Tucker, Ghana 2010. "A Silent Slideshow"

Their faces run through my mind like a silent slideshow that never stops. Whenever there is a gap or quiet moment in the day, I see their exuberant faces, and actually feel their incredible optimism. It is hard to believe that a little school and clinic in Ghana can change a person as much as it changed me, but it did. One of the most transforming experiences of my life was visiting and working in an impoverished school and clinic in Ghana where most of the children are orphaned and have AIDS. As I write, I realize it is a challenge just to express in words how deeply this experience affected me.

As I stepped out of the air-conditioned van and into the hot African sun, I was greeted by a hundred smiling children, all waving at me. I took a deep breath of the dense and heavy air, waving back as the school’s principal and clinic director led me on a tour of the clinic and the school. As I walked through the small stuffy clinic, I saw two nurses standing in the doorway. They were the only staff members on duty. The clinic was hot and dark, with barely any light in the main entrance area. We entered a room with only four small beds, one without a mattress. The clinic director told us a story about a mother who died recently on that mattress-less bed from AIDS. As we moved into another room filled with children lying on hospital beds, I tried hard to control my emotions, but had to turn away before they could see my tears. I saw children lying helpless and sick, without parents or comfort of any kind. The image of two little girls sharing one bed, both looking deep into my eyes as I stood there, remains vivid in my mind.

We stepped outside onto the dark red dirt that led to the school next door. It was lunchtime, and I helped serve the children their meals. Entering one of the dark classrooms holding bowls of rice, I saw there were no desks inside, only chairs. All the children were sitting in a circle, quietly waiting to be fed. I sat on the concrete floor of the classroom, just watching them eat. Nobody spoke; the only sound was the scraping of their spoons against the bowls as they devoured every last grain sticking to the sides of their bowls. I tried to ask for their names in their local language, but they did not understand my poor attempt. Instead, our exchange of smiles became our mutual language. When lunchtime was almost finished, I saw a little girl trying to steal more rice from a classmate.  Another little boy begged his teacher for more water. The room grew louder, and finally all the children began to play. One little girl clung to me. I asked what her name was, but couldn’t hear her mumbled response, so I just smiled and told her I was Ruby. Now friends, she held my hand and we danced and laughed as other children started to surround us. They each begged for my attention.  They grabbed at me, gesturing for me to pick them up and hold them. As I hugged the first one, and then another, I stared deep into all of their eyes and I saw the warmth there, despite their meager circumstances. That image, of their big bright smiles and their eyes filled with love, holds a place of honor in my heart.

The impact of this experience on the person that I am today is profound. This journey showed me two sides of life. On the one hand, I witnessed how unfair life can be. Yet on the other hand, I saw children playing and enjoying life despite very serious hardships. I am still inspired by the love these children found in their hearts for a complete stranger. I came to help and teach them, but they taught me to search for that same inner peace and joy no matter what challenge I may face. This was the greatest lesson of all.

I feel proud and fortunate to have taken this unusual journey, to have had this meaningful experience at my age. It has so far, been one of the greatest accomplishments of my life. Without taking this journey with Global Leadership Adventures as a high school volunteer, I would not have had this incredible opportunity. This experience allowed me to really test my boundaries, make new friends, see a whole other side of the world, and make a difference in someone’s life. The incredible journey I had is, and always will be, a part of me.

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