Sarah Preston
In December of my sophomore year, my neighbor asked me to go on a service trip with her. I’d heard of School The World before, in passing and directly from others in my town, but didn’t know much about it. Despite that, I took a leap and sent in my application. Since then I’ve had the privilege of participating in three trips total, two to Panama and one to Honduras. Although different from each other, each offered unique experiences that left lasting impressions on both the communities and myself, helping me to see that service trips have a unique way of reshaping our perspectives and deepening our understanding of the world.
My first trip to Panama took me to the community of Quebrada Honda where me and my fellow “change makers” helped to finish two classrooms, install a playground, and put a fresh coat of paint on their outhouses. The community welcomed us with open arms, offering a helping hand and friendships that transcended language barriers.
One month after I got home from that first trip, I signed up for my second trip, this time the July trip to Honduras. While the work in Los Amates was similar to that of Panama, the atmosphere was new. We were again welcomed with open arms and warm smiles, but by new faces, each eager to strengthen our bond and learn from each other. Watching the children’s excitement throughout the week as they watched us slowly make progress truly reinforced the idea that education is a powerful tool for empowerment and change.
The following February I traveled again to Panama, with a new group, and to a new community, Cerro Otoe. Yet again I was given the opportunity to see a new place, meet new people, and gain yet another perspective on our world. What struck me most was the resilience of the people. Despite the hardships they faced, their spirits remained unbroken.
My first trip to Panama took me to the community of Quebrada Honda where me and my fellow “change makers” helped to finish two classrooms, install a playground, and put a fresh coat of paint on their outhouses. The community welcomed us with open arms, offering a helping hand and friendships that transcended language barriers.
One month after I got home from that first trip, I signed up for my second trip, this time the July trip to Honduras. While the work in Los Amates was similar to that of Panama, the atmosphere was new. We were again welcomed with open arms and warm smiles, but by new faces, each eager to strengthen our bond and learn from each other. Watching the children’s excitement throughout the week as they watched us slowly make progress truly reinforced the idea that education is a powerful tool for empowerment and change.
The following February I traveled again to Panama, with a new group, and to a new community, Cerro Otoe. Yet again I was given the opportunity to see a new place, meet new people, and gain yet another perspective on our world. What struck me most was the resilience of the people. Despite the hardships they faced, their spirits remained unbroken.
Each evening, we all gathered for a discussion, sharing a high and a low, and anything that stood out to us from that day. It was during this time that I was able to fully reflect on each part of my day, greeting the community in the morning, finding new friends at recess, and bonding with the parents who tirelessly helped us mix cement all day long. These moments of connection were as impactful as any physical work we did, forging bonds that extended beyond our brief time together.
Reflecting on these experiences, I realize that service trips are not just about the work we accomplish; they are transformative journeys that challenge our perspectives. They remind us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and collaboration. The lessons I learned in Panama and Honduras continue to influence my outlook on community service and the power of human connection each and every day.
As I look back on these trips, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have made a difference, however small, and to have been a part of a larger story of hope and resilience. Each journey has reinforced my commitment to serving others and embracing the richness of diverse cultures. Whether in Panama or Honduras, the spirit of community thrives, and it is a privilege to be a part of it.
Reflecting on these experiences, I realize that service trips are not just about the work we accomplish; they are transformative journeys that challenge our perspectives. They remind us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and collaboration. The lessons I learned in Panama and Honduras continue to influence my outlook on community service and the power of human connection each and every day.
As I look back on these trips, I’m grateful for the opportunity to have made a difference, however small, and to have been a part of a larger story of hope and resilience. Each journey has reinforced my commitment to serving others and embracing the richness of diverse cultures. Whether in Panama or Honduras, the spirit of community thrives, and it is a privilege to be a part of it.
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