STW is a must for travel eager students!

School the World has created an incredibly wonderful student-service program that has shaped the woman I am today! I just recently finished my sixth trip with STW and have seen the program expand dramatically in recent years. Not only are the experiences themselves uplifting, inspiring, and revolutionary for many students like myself, but the role School the World as an organization continues to play in our lives post-travel is exceptional. As an organization, STW truly cares about their student world changers, what is going on in their lives, and how they as an organization can make their students the happiest and most successful in their endeavors. Because of my experiences with STW throughout high school, I have chosen to study Public Health and Spanish in college in hopes of working for a non-profit like STW in my future. My trips have encouraged me to give to and empower others whenever I have the ability to, and have instilled in me a strong sense of empathy and compassion for human life, potential, and improvement. The STW staff have encouraged me to embrace opportunity with excitement and to remain a curious, active, and determined leader and advocate within my community. STW is an extremely hard working, and close-knit organization that I highly encourage everyone to get to know and be a part of!

One of the most powerful aspects of STW's work is the deep connection the organization has with each community it works with, allowing students who travel with STW to form unforgettable relationships with students and community members in Guatemala. While working in the community everyday, some of the most noteworthy activities are shadowing families in the community, teaching the students in their classrooms, and playing with the students at recess! Another wonderful part of STW's trips is that us students are able to see the progression of the school or playground as we work hands-on to finish it by the end of our week in Guatemala. Working to build the school ourselves and knowing that we as a group were able to fundraise the money for the school makes the overall experience even more exciting!