High Schoolers - Serve, Run, & Explore Peru!

I loved the unique service opportunities we had the chance to participate in, since I would not have been able to do the same service in Boston. I also liked how we always had the choice to push ourselves to work hard, whether it was choosing to run longer or deciding to continue hiking, even when the destination seemed impossible. Overall, I loved experiencing so many new adventures and learning how hard I'm actually capable of pushing myself.

Hiking Machu Picchu was one of the most difficult adventures I have ever experienced. However, given the chance, I would not have changed my mind about doing the trek. Although it was hard, it was incredibly fun to spend five days hiking in two unique environments. From snow capped mountains to the humid jungle, I learned more about what it is to persevere.

I went on STRIVE's trip to Peru in the summer of 2017, and I had an exceptionally energizing, memorable, and fulfilling experience. As a rising junior in high school at the time, I was a bit tentative preparing for my trip to Peru, as there were so many question marks surrounding what my three weeks there would be like. Would I make friends with the other kids on the trip? Would I enjoy the service and cultural activities? Would I survive running at altitude?? ;) To my delight, I quickly discovered upon my arrival that essentially every aspect of the trip I was nervous about were actually the very ones that would end up being most fulfilling to me. The running opportunities were so well designed to fit the desires/ambitions of everyone on the trip, carefully enabling us to do as much activity as we desired in such a high altitude region. The service experiences were diverse, well thought out, and intentionally selected/designed (everything from putting up fencing at an animal shelter to working on Incan ruins!). And of course, I met the nicest, most energetic, and most lovable friends along the way. :)

I could go on and on about the magnitude, variety, and quality of the experiences I had with STRIVE, but I want to most importantly point out that the reason I had such an overwhelmingly positive and meaningful trip was because of the leaders of the program, Tyler and Nic. Spending several weeks without anyone you know in an entirely different part of the world is kind of a big thing to do as a high schooler. Both program directors are such genuinely caring, sincere, passionate, and down to earth people. I really feel as though their philosophy about the program set the groundwork onto which every other component of the trip could kind of fall into place. They know how to keep things fun (soo fun!), and they also know how to guide everyone towards appreciating what matters most. You can trust that over the course of the trip the STRIVE directors will guide you through not only an amazing series of once in a lifetime experiences and memories, but also guide you *towards* a fuller, richer version of yourself.

I truly feel as though I returned from Peru in 2017 feeling more fulfilled than ever -- as a runner, as a citizen of the world, and as a gal looking to have a blast during her summer vacation. I know that my experiences from STRIVE will always be etched into my memory as a fabulous part of my high school years!

Strive Trips Peru was an amazing experience! The running was a blast and I came back from Peru more inspired and motivated than ever! The high altitude training really helped in the coming cross country season where I PR'd by over a minute! However, the best part of Peru was the people. I met lifelong friends who shared similar interest and were just as adventurous! Pisac, Peru was beautiful and the hostel we stayed in was perfect for everything we needed! The hostel had a great grassy area with a gazebo that was perfect for late night talks and exploring as many kinds of Peruvian Candy as possible! The staff was great and all of the interns were equally amazing! Overall, Peru was the highlight of the summer and will forever stick out in my memories as one of my favorite experiences!

I participated in STRIVE Peru in 2017 and it was probably the most exciting and rewarding experience of my life thus far. In addition to meeting incredible people (students, interns, leaders) who shared my passions while also bringing completely unique things to the program, I learned so much about myself and significantly broadened my world-view. In Peru, every day was different as we ran through the mountains, tutored english for the local children, shopped in Cusco, played games at our hostel, tried new foods (like guinea pig!), worked at conservations or animal sanctuaries, or made new Peruvian friends. I also participated in the Spanish immersion week before the main part of the trip, during which I took daily Spanish classes, explored the small mountain town, and lived with a host family. The last few days of the trip (the trek to Machu Picchu) were an incredible way to wrap up the unbelievable month I'd just spent falling in love with the country and people I was surrounded by. If you are at all considering taking part in STRIVE Peru (or Kenya!) I STRONGLY encourage you to do so. You will gain so much more than you can possibly expect and probably have the most fun and eye-opening month of your life.