What inspired you to go abroad?
I have always found it fascinating to try and test my limits and experience adventures far outside my comfort zone. Personally, I felt that going abroad would shed a new light onto my perspective of the world. I would now look beyond the everyday struggles imagined to be the worst, and place myself in a truer version of reality. I knew I was excited to travel and help as many people as I possibly could. And by going abroad, it gave me the ability to do so.
The School
Why did you choose Global Service Adventures?
Within the academic year in my school community, students are eligible to choose whether they want to participate in the volunteer organization in Jamaica or a destination vacation in a place of the community's choosing. For the first year, I was having a really difficult time choosing which program I would want to join. The deciding factor was when I asked a question to myself: which trip will make more of an impact? When I arrive back home, which trip will have made a significant difference to me and the people I had met along the way. Answering that question was the moment I decided to join Global Service Adventures in 2016.
What was your favorite part about Jamaica?
My favorite part about Jamaica, specifically Manchester, was the rich and beautiful history. It seems as if every building, every street, and every town had a story behind it just waiting to be told. Throughout the eight or nine days days I was there, each day I would hear just a little bit more. By the end of the trip, I was enamored with them, and disappointed I wouldn't be able to hear more.
What made your experience abroad unique?
Every factor of these trips made them unique to me. Even though I volunteered in the same school and slept at the same estate, the trips I went on were unique in their own way. The major difference was the people whom I was surrounded with. Both the group of girls who accompanied me from my school and the group of people involved in the program differed.
I am grateful for that fact because each trip brought new and exciting challenges, which resulted in learning new ways to communicate and evolve.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
I can honestly say that without the support of the local staff, I would not have gotten through, let alone grew in the way I did. If I had any thoughts, ideas, or questions, I felt completely comfortable to go and ask. These people are the most genuine, kind, and caring individuals I have ever met. These people made this experience the best I could have ever asked for. I have made life long relationships that I wouldn't want to change for the world.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
The only aspect of the experience I would change would be the perspective I went in with. Throughout the first couple of days, I would compare everything to my reality back in the States. I would consider which was better, happier, even more sufficient. I kept looking at every aspect through an American lens, which I suppose I was preempt to do so. But as the week went on, I learned the best thing I could do was just acknowledge the fact the countries are two completely separate entities and each should be celebrated in it's own way.
School group
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
We would all wake up to the smell of breakfast and race to be seated first. After breakfast, we would travel to the school we were volunteering at. We spent the first couple of hours switching between the most important subjects, such as English and math. This was often my favorite part of the day because I could see the visible change I was having on these children, such as seeing the smile on their faces when they finally understand a problem or definition of a word.
From the classroom, we would head out to lunch. Lunch consisted of about seven minutes of eating and about forty minutes of playing games and racing. I swear I ran more this week than I ever have in my life! We would exchange games and songs, learning new aspects of each other's way of life. From lunch, we would head back into the classroom for about two hours.
We would return back to the estate to freshen up and get ready for whatever was planned for the evening, whether that would be going out to dinner, having a dance/sing-a-long session, or a mass. No matter what was planned, I am almost positive a sing-a-long broke out in someway. From there we went to bed, ready to recharge for the next day.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
The group of girls I traveled with were fans of playing cards. So often, you could find me around the house along with a few of the girls cheering over the card game. Another activity I often found myself doing is drifting toward the local staff asking random questions I thought about during the day. These led to the best conversations loaded with similarities and contrasts between our cultures.
Farming day
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
My accommodation was a beautiful estate that is filled with rich history. It had everything we needed, and even those we wanted. My favorite aspect of the estate is the breathtaking view that is waiting behind every piece of glass. You can't help but be mesmerized every time you step out onto the balcony.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
One piece of advice I would give is to be ready to go all in. It is completely acceptable not to feel complacent or comfortable all the time. The only way to truly grow and evolve is to be out of your comfort zone and be open for what comes next. Just remember this trip is not necessarily for you. It is what you can do for the people you are helping on your trip. Take risks, have fun, and ask crazy and borderline ridiculous questions.
Now that you're home, how has your time in Jamaica impacted your life?
I like to think that I have more of an open mind. I will automatically agree to take risks and be ready to jump outside my comfort zone. On the flip side, I know I have the pleasure of appreciation. I now take a step back and really think about perspective.
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
Absolutely! I can guarantee no matter which program you choose within JVE, you will experience a trip of a lifetime. You will make bonds with people you never thought possible, see yourself grow and learn invaluable lessons, and lastly fall in love with a new culture and country.
