Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with UBELONG in Peru?
Huili: I first learned about the UBELONG organization through a friend who attends Cornell University. I grew interested after browsing through the organization's website regarding its various projects. Each section contains detailed information on the host country, available projects, Q&A, and photographs. I have always dreamed of traveling to Peru, and UBELONG's offer of a caregiving project in Cusco, Peru made my decision very easy.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Huili: I spearheaded a team of 8 college students on a caregiving project in Cusco, Peru. For two weeks, we volunteered at the rehabilitation Center for malnourished children. Each day, we dedicate approximately 5 hours to facilitating the meals and organizing recreational activities for the 30-40 children at the center. These activities varied from indoor singing, reading, and drawing to outdoor field trips. Many of the children came from underprivileged family backgrounds and were extremely excited by our appearances and enthusiasm.
We also had a chance to volunteer at the local clinic for disabled and orphaned children. This was only once a week, but we were able to wheelchair the children from within the usual hospital wall to outside playgrounds. We shared stories and watched cartoons with them. These activities made us feel the positive impact we were able to give for the children. Even to this day, their laughter and "hasta luego" still linger.
Moreover, because Cusco is a city full of history and impending discoveries, during our afternoons and evenings, we ventured to museums, Incan ruins, and markets. We also had the opportunity to make friends with the other UBELONG volunteers from all over the world and listen to their stories. Every night a different recreational event would be provided at UBELONG's partner Spanish school. We had a cooking class on traditional Peruvian food as well as a salsa dancing class. Over the weekend, our team had a opportunity to visit the breathtaking Machu Picchu as well. Every moment of our journey was memorable.
How has this experience helped you grow personally and professionally?
Huili: This experience has affected me in many ways. Professionally, I learned the importance of organization and taking initiatives. Organization was necessary to keep teams oriented and focused. We were given the option of inputting new ideas and creating new activities for the caregiving project. For example, we invented several new games to play with the children. Through observation, we also made suggestions of how to improve the meal feedings. Personally, I was grateful to know that our presence brought the children joy.
Our help, however small, was appreciated by the staff of the rehabilitation center. By being immersed in a new culture, I was able to open my perspectives and improve my Spanish speaking skills. It was a pleasant change from the fast-paced urban lifestyle of New York City, where our team was from. We had a chance to slow our footsteps and fully grasp our surroundings. At the end of our journey, many of us made goals of returning on future service trips with UBELONG.