Immersive Trip to self discovery

The greatest lessons we learn are ones we don't remember learning. Traveling alone as a teenager is already nerve-wracking, not to mention being phoneless in Guatemala only furthered my path to self-discovery and pushed me outside of my comfort zone.
As I ventured out into the unknown I discovered new things about myself including my ability to think quickly on my feet and my love for sharing stories. Our lives back home were unimportant now. Forging deeper connections with the environment and others around me blinded my initial discomfort which led me to be more open. Whether it was tumbling up the mountains or hurting hands from kneading tortilla dough I was reminded of the effort it took to build something meaningful.
These challenges pushed me to thrive in any circumstance and make meaningful relationships. Being exposed to unfamiliar situations pushed me to discover things about myself, including my passion for fostering a better community that is inclusive of all.
Upon my arrival differences, I realized aspects of my life I had taken for granted which My host family jokingly poked fun at me for. Now I was a stranger in new surroundings, aiming to gain more knowledge. Through weaving clothing and learning how to make traditional dishes, I acquired a deeper consideration of the little things in life. Activities like eating at the dinner table together contrasted with my busy life in America as long shifts usually hindered my household's ability to accomplish. No matter how occupied they were, it was a daily occurrence. It was bonding through laughter during late-night Uno games and screaming at the TV when our fútbol team missed a goal that I earned connections that could transcend language. Teaching my host siblings more English while they taught me Tz´utujil reminded me of life back home of helping my brothers. Assisting others with their goals has always been a passion of mine.
Taking what I learned and applying it to clubs I lead like Spanish Honor Society and Black Girl Summit has helped amplify the message of service and giving back to underrepresented communities. This year we have implemented menstrual kits and donation boxes to aid those who cannot afford necessities during their period. In the Spanish honor society, we host activities such as toy drives and educational events to inform our students about ways to give back to the world around us.