Beyond Capitol Hill: Refugee Youth Tutoring and Enrichment

Honestly, Rustic Pathways has changed my life for the better. I have previously done a program with Rustic in Arizona in 2015, (good works + grand canyon) and both trips have exceeded my expectations. More specifically, the Baltimore program was incredibly inspiring and truly impactful. Getting to work with such amazing individuals from all across the United States and the world really shifted my perspective on how I view things in life. The refugee children are so sweet and seeing their growth in their English speaking and reading skills over the two weeks was so enlighting to watch. It's really rare that you get to work with refugees, or even meet one, so the fact that this trip allowed me to do both was incredible. I remember the first day of service, and these girls I was working with were super nervous to meet me, but at the end of the two weeks, they were heartbroken to see me go; they wanted me to say longer. Not only was the service work incredible, but the friendships I've cultivated through the two weeks was unbeliable. We got so close and we still talk to this day, even though our program took place in July of 2016. I've come to realize that it's the little things that we all really bonded over. Like the music in the car or staying up super late playing Pokemon Go and tons of card games, or laughing hysterically over a funny story someone told at the dinner table one night, it all added up. We became a close family during this short amount of time. In all, I guess I would say that I came into this program a small 16 year old girl that was very shy, and hesitant to try certain things, but I came out such a stronger individual and friend. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is open to trying new experiences, living in a new environment, and getting to meet such incredible people from all over the world. This program has truly changed my life for the better, and I thank Rustic Pathways for the great gifts of this experience you've given me.