Why did you decide to volunteer abroad on the Help, Learn and Discover program in Ecuador?
Belle: A few older students came into my university lecture one morning and described the program in depth. Later in the week there was an info session, which I thought wouldn't hurt to attend. The owner of the company, Juan, and a few student leaders gave a presentation on what the program was like. I chose this program because I could sense the dedication and passion put in by Juan.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer.
Belle: There were three components to the trip so each day was different. The volunteer portion of the trip was 1/4 weeks in Ecuador. Typically, we would work in the morning digging, mixing concrete, and transporting rocks. At the hottest part of the day we would go back to our hotel and have lunch (the food is amazing). We could relax a bit before we went on another shift. We did many activities with the community, such as building houses or going dancing, playing soccer, and having dinner. It was important for the volunteers to understand who and what they were working for. We didn't work for the company, we worked for the locals.
Ten years from now, what’s the one thing you think you’ll remember from the trip?
Belle: I will remember is the relationships that I built with the other volunteers. Bonding over a common interest of medicine, comforting each other in adrenaline based activities, and working towards a common goal builds strong friendships fast.
What did you wish you knew before going to Ecuador?
Belle: I didn't know much about Ecuador before I went on the trip. However, personally, I liked the uncertainty of it. I liked that I wasn't sure how the food was going to be because it exceeded any expectation I could have had. The weather is variable and you need to problem solve to survive. We didn't have a concrete itinerary and it was exciting anticipating the next activity.
How has this experience impacted your future? (Personally, professionally, etc)
Belle: This has opened more opportunities for me in the medical field. I was in the heat of the action and it has made me more aware of what I want in a career. It has increased my empathy toward the global community and reassured me that making a difference abroad is what will create success in my future.