We recently caught up with Scarlett Walker, a four-time Global Leadership Adventures alumna, to hear how her experiences abroad shaped her journey from a nervous first-time traveler to a confident young leader. From Costa Rica to Thailand, Greece to the Dominican Republic, Scarlett embraced each adventure with an open heart—and came away transformed.
When Scarlett Walker signed up for her first Global Leadership Adventures program in 2021, she wasn’t exactly jumping at the opportunity. In fact, she was “bribed” by her mom.
“I was nervous, insecure, and convinced I wouldn’t have anything in common with the other students,” she recalls. “My mom had to practically drag me onto the plane.”
But by the end of that trip to Costa Rica, everything had changed. Late-night conversations by the pool, dancing in the rain, and group bonding while cleaning up beaches left her with a sense of confidence and connection she’d never experienced before.
“I didn’t think it was possible to change so much in ten days—but I did,” Scarlett says. “I came back more tolerant, more self-assured, and less closed-off.”
Now a college student with plans to study abroad next semester, Scarlett reflects on the impact GLA had on her life, the leadership lessons she’s carried forward, and the advice she’d give to any student considering a trip of their own.
For Scarlett, Global Leadership Adventures wasn’t just a summer program—it was a turning point. After completing her freshman year of college, she reflects on four summers that transformed her worldview, shaped her leadership skills, and gave her lifelong friendships.
Scarlett’s GLA journey began in 2021 with a push from her mom. “She had done something similar when she was younger,” Scarlett recalls. “She believed that through traveling solo and engaging in service and leadership, I’d gain something valuable. She was right.”
At the time, Scarlett wasn’t so sure. She described herself as shy, insecure, and skeptical she’d find much in common with her fellow travelers. “Embarrassingly, my mom had to bribe me to go,” she admits. But once in Costa Rica, everything changed. She connected instantly with her group—bonding over beach cleanups, spontaneous rain dances, and late-night chats by the pool. “I didn’t think it was possible to change so much in ten days,” Scarlett says. “But I did. I left more confident, more tolerant, and more open.”
Over the next three summers, Scarlett returned to GLA—traveling to Thailand, Greece, and the Dominican Republic. Each trip was different, with service projects and experiences tailored to the country’s needs and culture. “In Thailand, we taught English and worked at an elephant sanctuary. It was muddy and it was hard—but it stretched me. I learned more about being a leader there than anywhere else.”
It wasn’t just the service that kept Scarlett coming back. It was the people. “Even if you think service will be hard or boring, the people make it fun and meaningful. Being in a safe environment with friends, exploring new places—that’s what made GLA feel like home.”
In Greece, Scarlett had a full-circle moment. As one of the oldest participants and a returning alum, she stepped into a leadership role, naturally becoming someone others turned to. “I didn’t even realize the impact I’d had until younger students came up to me on our last night, saying I’d made them feel seen and included. That’s when I understood the power of simply being kind and present.”
These lessons stayed with her long after the trips ended. “GLA taught me that leadership isn’t about being in charge—it’s about showing up, speaking up, and making others feel comfortable,” Scarlett explains. She credits GLA for helping her grow into someone who’s accepting, inclusive, and confident.
That transformation didn’t go unnoticed in college applications either. Scarlett wrote her personal essay about how GLA helped her grow. “It’s hard to fit it all into 750 words,” she says. “But I focused on how service and leadership changed me. Colleges love to see growth, so highlight the challenges too. And write from the heart—don’t let anyone else’s words replace your own.”
Today, Scarlett is working through the summer and planning to study abroad in the spring. But if given the chance to take one more GLA trip? “Definitely Ghana,” she says. “There’s something about the culture that keeps drawing me in. I know GLA would make it meaningful.”
And if you’re considering your first GLA trip? Scarlett has a message for you:
“Do it. It’s the best decision I ever made. You’ll be scared at first, but you’ll come out more confident, with new friends, unforgettable memories, and a better understanding of the world—and yourself.”
Scarlett jokes that she could make friends with a fish. “We don’t have much in common, but we both need oxygen to survive,” she laughs. “I’d use that one similarity to connect and make a friend for life.”
That spirit of connection—finding common ground with anyone, anywhere—is the heart of what GLA helped her discover. It’s not just about travel. It’s about transformation.
Inspired by Scarlett’s story? Check out the programs she has been on during her time with GLA:
