This service expedition was a great experience in many ways -
I learned a lot about communities in developing countries and was enlightened to the way things work in those areas, of which I'm grateful for. Working there and listening to my mentors invigorated a new passion for learning I never had before, leading me into the school year with a positive attitude. I thought my mentors were amazing and supportive and great role models, that I'll likely never forget.
On top of that the program itself was an amazing experience. From seeing macchu picchu to walking around Cuzco, to hiking the Lares trek, every day offered a sometimes challenging, but always rewarding experience. The service was fun too, with the different activities we did. Sometimes simple things like cutting grass can be more fun than you think and entertain you for hours on end!
If there was anything I had to criticize about the program, it would probably be the social situation and participants' attitude towards service. We were doing a good deed yet so many complained about the program they literally signed up for- I know management likely can't do too much about this, but I think hammering in the gratefulness aspect would prove useful to make the children understand what they have and the opportunity they GET to have here.