I was nervous, to say the least. I arrived not knowing anyone and having never set foot in Guatemala, but

I came with enthusiasm and a strong drive to be part of the mission – expanding access to education in

rural communities around the world. School the World provides children with opportunities for career

exploration, builds a foundation in literacy, and helps them dream beyond what they once thought

possible, ultimately deciding that school is for them.

On our first day we were welcomed with a beautiful ceremony where students, families, and community

members gathered to greet us. Girls wore traditional dresses, children held colorful balloons, and there

was a path of pine needles going to the entrance. We were introduced and thanked over and over again, a level of gratitude that felt both humbling and deeply moving. To break the ice, we played games –

musical chairs, tag, dancing, and hitting a piñata. What started as a group of strangers quickly shifted into something more connected. Through laughter and shared moments, we bonded with ease. By the end of the day, we had already begun working, painting the outside of the classrooms with rollers and bright yellow paint. I remember the children observing us from a distance, smiling and waving.

Day two was when the real work began, and it was unlike anything in my everyday life. We mixed

cement with water, working on multiple piles at once and passing buckets along in an assembly line to the classroom floor – I was definitely building muscle! Thankfully, community members worked alongside us each day, offering both help and encouragement; I’m not sure we would have finished in a week without them. The children would run up to hug us every morning, a constant reminder of their gratitude that motivated us to keep pushing forward. It also reflected the impact of the welcoming ceremony and how quickly we were able to build a bond with them. There were moments when I felt physically drained, unsure if I could keep going. My body wasn’t used to that kind of labor. But every time I looked around, I was reminded of the purpose behind it all, helping create classrooms that provide a space for education, something every child deserves. That reminder kept me going, and I can confidently say it was worth every bit of effort.

Recess became one of the most joyful parts of each day. I was excited to share the small toys I had brought and to spend time playing with the kids. The moment I brought out stickers, I was instantly surrounded by excited voices shouting, “¡Dame uno!” – “Give me one!” My hands began to shake, not out of fear, but from the worry that I wouldn’t have enough for everyone. The overwhelming joy from those children after getting a sticker was unforgettable.

I also had the opportunity to visit the home of a family of nine living without electricity. The oldest

children, still in their teens, were already working to help support the household and did not have the

opportunity to continue their education. School the World has brought this community an opportunity for children to stay in school, while also supporting families through educational programs and resources. Despite their circumstances, they welcomed us with warm smiles and open arms. They invited us into their daily lives, letting us feed the baby goats, grind corn, and make tortillas alongside them. Their father worked every day in the cornfields, while their mother sewed dresses as a source of income. The mother would spend about three weeks making a single dress or skirt and earn 30 quetzales – about $4 USD. This experience was a powerful reminder that what truly matters is gratitude for what we have. Many people around the world have so little and are forced to make difficult sacrifices – such as giving up education – in order to survive and support their families.

The other volunteers made this experience even more meaningful. Everyone came from different backgrounds, representing various companies, yet we were united by a shared purpose to help expand education to children who do not have the resources available. That common goal showed in everything. We supported one another, worked hard, and built genuine connections. Spending that week with people from all over the world, all driven by the same mission, is something I will always cherish.