Ecuador Global Exchange Program Reflections

Here are some of the initial reflections of the junior class who all went to Ecuador for two weeks in February for direct immersion in life beyond our borders. The class will be working on presentations locally to share more about their experiences.

"I had a lot of successes personally. I feel like I've needed to get out of my routine at home and school. Having an experience like this has opened my eyes to a lot of things I think I've been trying to see. I'm hoping that when I return home, I will still be able to hold on to this point of view I've gained here because I feel healthier and more balanced than I have ever before. I've also really appreciated having the leadership of Mathias and Nicole on this trip because I really admire their way of life and it's been great they they've shared their perspective with all of us. They are both incredible people and I feel like meeting both of them has helped me understand a little bit more about how I want to live my life. Thank you Nicole, Mathias, Beth and Liz for everything" - Aliana

"Both physically and mentally I am more fit and sound than I ever have been."- Ariel

"Everything has been a success because even the hard struggles bring out the best in others. I helped some people out and I think that I carried myself in a respectful manner. I have found that this trip taught me new things about myself and life" - Lexi

"I was able to cook over an open fire...ummm. I kept an open mind for most of the trip. I felt like I offered support to my friends and helped out a lot. I enjoyed being involved." Maggie

"I made a goal to take a vacation from a lot of things by going on this service learning trip. It has been a hiatus from worrying about home, having strong expectations and complaining about mundane annoyances. It went really well for me. I took the trip as it came, without the sense that I could control my experience. Home was far from my mind and I was where I was. I didn't complain about stupid things and realized just how much I dislike people who complain constantly. I appreciated Nicole and Mathias's way of life and compassion. Their philosophy and warm energy has become a very special part of my life. I love you both!" - Connor

"Things I got out of this trip: stronger friendships, caving, cool items, nice scenery, time to think about life "- Austin

"I'm happy I made it through. I don't think I'm really at the point where I can take out and examine the specific accomplishments, but I am happy I made it through so perhaps later I'll be able to better reflect on it. " -Ben

"Service learning is learning by becoming a part of things. Rather then just observing you become a part of things and you leave something in the place you visited. The most challenging part of this experience was the home stay, if you consider it service learning. Working in the potatoes farm, picking up rocks wasn’t hard for me. I enjoyed it. But trying to build an actual relationship with my host family was challenging. I think that one success I had was being able to take care of myself when needed to but also being part of the group. I really enjoyed this trip a lot! "  -Lena

"Liz and Beth 10/10 excellent help, good support! Spanish class was very useful! " Rita

" Successwise, I did well getting past my physical struggles and made it through! I also tried my hardest to participate in things, even for just a little bit. " -Meghan

"I have many experiences and they were successful" -Aaron

"I think that one success I had was just the fact that I made it though the trip. Another success is that I made it though the hiking!" -Autumn

"I got over the language barrier in the end. I stayed happy and positive through the trip!" -Josh

"I found that I was pushing myself saying that if I could just get over this hill or past the sign then it would be great. Also, I tried to talk to people in Spanish whenever I could and if I had trouble I would ask. I really enjoyed this trip!" -Sean

1. Community service is an act of solidarity. I wouldn't say it's a deed but a virtual aspect of healthy human relationships. Therefore, coexistence isn't a revolutionary idea but rather a sacred pillar in need of sustenance and support. Personally, I find service learning to be one of the most valuable forms of education.

2. Realizing on a raw level how degrading/ripple effect prone just a single negative thought is was challenging. I also pushed myself beyond my physical and social comfort zones to be able to "do the job."

3. My role as a group member took a few different shapes. First, I think that my energy was overall (more or less at times) positive and supportive. Secondly, I learned a lot about tolerance. Thirdly, I was curious (maybe a little too much at times) and reasonably resilient. I'm for the most part content with how I contributed to the group. To be honest, I've come to appreciate even the consequences of my behavior, whether it be the mint incident, bargaining with a market vendor and caving in complete darkness, because I couldn't have formed such tight bonds without such experiences. -Caitlin