Dominican Republic Summer High School Leadership Program

I would like to greatly thank the global glimpse organization for providing me with this amazing opportunity. This trip completely changed my perspective and life for the better. Throughout my trip, I learned meaningful lessons including the value of empathy, generosity, and courage. When I got to meet the community members and interact with the children, there was nothing but pure joy that filled my heart. This experience has granted me eternal gratefulness in my life, while encouraging and motivating me to continue helping others for the rest of my life. I also gained independence as I was away from my parents and family, it forced me to engage with people I've never met, yet by the trip it felt like I had known them for years. Furthermore, another aspect of the trip I appreciate immensely is the no phone policy, this truly allowed me to experience and enjoy the trip completely without distraction. Not only was I living in the present moment, it felt healing to escape the internet and truly connect with a new part of the real world. Additionally, there were moments that caused deep emotions to appear for me. When we visited the sugarcane plantains, it was hard for me to accept the truth about these peoples lives, it absolutely broke my heart. However, witnessing this, caused a shift in my perspective even further, and allowed me to carry what we have learned about empathy and love for the rest of my life. For my trips CAP project we built a trench and inserted pipes in order to deliver clean water to a community. This was such a joy being able to help a community achieve this great accomplishment.

On the very first day when we were traveling from California to the Dominican Republic, all of the students were pessimistic and already creating assumptions of our trip and the students there. I still remember the awkwardness we all felt when traveling in the same vehicle during the first day in the city, but it feels so distant as four days into the trip we all could not stop chatting! This is also because one of the main values of Global Glimpse is diversity and inclusiveness within relationships, along with equity among us all. These values included the locals as well! They were all extremely welcoming and excited to host our group, which made this experience all the more memorable. They loved chatting, laughing, and working with us as some of the children even tried communicating to the students through google translate. Through these connections to the locals, it compelled us more to help improve their living circumstances. We all felt very happy and satisfied that WE put in our time and effort to help others as we all hoped to. Global Glimpse truly opened the eyes of many students to underserved communities and how impactful it is to see them rejoice together as our hard work paid off. I was completely pushed out of my comfort zone and did things I likely would have never done without being provided this opportunity. Global Glimpse also does a very good job at balancing many hours of education and fun activities such as going to the beach, playing with the children, or free-time where everyone plays games, enters the pool, or goes to buy items in the city! We are both educated and enjoying ourselves simultaneously. In truth, I decided on my major for international business because of this service-learning experience and I would not change a single thing about these two weeks of cultural immersion. This program changed my perspective on life and created fun memories with great company. I think any student could find things to learn and appreciate by traveling with Global Glimpse! :)

When traveling with Global Glimpse you are essentially experiencing something way different than ever before. You will learn many lessons in a new environment that allows you to see the world from a new perspective. Personality, I enjoyed my trip to Jarabacoa, Republica Dominicana because I was able to make new friends and explore the most beautiful views, try new foods, and experience a new culture. I have learned a lot about how to be a great leader just like Global Glimpse has intended for us.

This is an unforgettable experience that will change your vision about life. From my experience, not having access to technology was very helpful for me because I could have a break from all my activities, have time for myself and build new friendships. What made the program powerful is spending time with the community because they told us about their work, family, perspective of life, etc. Which had a huge impact on me because made me realize that not everyone have access to the basic needs as it should be. Therefore, receiving financial support if necessary, obtaining important information in advance and feeling safe throughout the trip are key elements to not miss out on a great opportunity and get out of your comfort zone.