Why did you decide to volunteer with HLD in Ecuador?
Melanie: I chose to volunteer with HLD because after looking into numerous volunteer programs I felt that HLD was the most honest. As well I believed that for the price HLD would give me the best experience compared to other programs. I also liked the way their projects were developed and set up. There is a lot of controversy surrounding volunteering abroad but HLD isn't imposing anything on anyone. They are working with a community that wants their help and they are making a lasting change for the families that they help. I know where every penny of my fundraised money went and I was able to see the people I was helping and interact with them directly. That is a remarkable experience. Being in that community giving homes to these families and helping the lives of the children is something that touched me deeply.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer in Ecuador.
Melanie: The daily activities depended on what portion of the trip you were on. While we volunteered we would get up early, eat breakfast and head to the volunteer site. Once we got there we would say hello to the community, especially the kids. Get everything set up and get to work. We worked in small teams to accomplish our goals. We would have a nice lunch break and then it was back to work. The work never seemed tedious though, we were always surrounded by interesting events, whether it was children coming to help out or saying hello or watching the people of the village go about their daily activities.
We would work until around 4 or 5 o'clock depending on how we were doing with our deadline. Head back to the hotel then head out for dinner. It would usually be a early night while volunteering as we were all pooped from a long day of hard work. While touring the country our days were always filled with amazing activities. Breakfast would be available until we met up to tour for the day, usually around 9:30am or so. Then we would site see. Sometimes that would mean hiking, water repelling, shopping, seeing monkeys etc. We would have lunch as a group and then head out for more site seeing. Dinner and the evening were usually our free time but often there were fun group activities planned during that time as well. Each day was jam packed with fun and exciting activities.
What made this experience unique and special?
Melanie: Juan, Jose and all the group leaders made this volunteer experience unique and special. Juan and Jose are amazing. They are from Ecuador and know the country so well. They plan such amazing activities and take you to these breath taking spots. Their passion for what they are doing is so strong and they put so much thought into everything they plan. As well the volunteer projects are truly amazing. At the end of the month or the end of the summer when the project is complete you know that you were part of something amazing. You directly changed the life of a child and a family for the better. It's an indescribable feeling.
How has this experience impacted your future?
Melanie: This trip impacted my future by making me feel as though I can accomplish anything if I have the passion for it. I am more conscious of how my actions affect others on a global scale. Thinking about what HLD is doing motivates me to work towards my goals in education and a career.