Volunteering for Aldeas de Paz was a life-changing experience that has impacted me in ways beyond what I expected. Originally, I had signed up for the “Teaching & Tutoring Activities” program. I expected to be teaching only one class, but after arriving at Aldeas de Paz, there were numerous opportunities to make a difference in addition to this program. Three days after arriving in Samaná, I found myself teaching English to doctors, Computer classes to adults from the area, and basic classes to children at the local school. Aldeas de Paz provided me with each of these incredible opportunities. Through teaching these classes, I formed close bonds with the students while making a difference in their lives through the power of education. Samaná is undoubtedly an impoverished community. But make no mistake, the people there want to learn. If you involve yourself in a different program of the plethora offered by Aldeas de Paz, the same applies. Samaná is a community in need but a community that longs to improve. Whether you help in tourism, NGO management, teaching, or medical work, your efforts will go a long way in bettering the lives of Samaná’s citizens. In addition to the tremendous philanthropic benefits of volunteering, my review would be incomplete without highlighting some amazing personal aspects of my stay. First of all, Manfred, Julia, and Yunior, the three administrators, are some of the most passionate human beings I have ever met. They do everything in their power to welcome you, make sure that you are enjoying your stay, and help you with any projects you aim to pursue. Second, the other volunteers with Aldeas de Paz are wonderful people. We regularly ate dinner, traveled to pristine beaches, and walked around the town together. I am currently 17 years old, and although I was a bit nervous at first to be staying alone in Samaná, these volunteers helped me adjust to living alone. For other prospective high school volunteers, there is no age barrier to volunteering with Aldeas de Paz at a young age. Other volunteers as well as locals from the community will make you feel at home from the first day. Another great benefit of Aldeas de Paz is that the volunteers hail from other countries. This means that not only are you interacting with the entirely new, fascinating culture of the unique Dominican people, but you are also living with and learning from people representing a multitude of other cultures. I met people from all corners of the earth, including Martinique, Aruba, Germany, Spain, Canada, and more. You form a community with the other volunteers that is like no other- it makes you feel at home despite being thousands of miles from your home. Finally, volunteering with Aldeas de Paz is personally rewarding because working in a town like Samaná truly gives you more perspective about happiness. Seeing the smiling faces of the citizens of Samaná and the gratitude they express for your help despite the poverty that engulfs them infects you with a happiness that you will carry with you forever. If you enjoy helping those in need, Aldeas de Paz is for you. Given the potential you have to make a change, the amazing community of Samaná, and the immense personal benefits of volunteering for this organization, signing up to work for Aldeas de Paz will be one of the most rewarding decisions of your life.