Doing my part to make the world a better place, paso a paso!

Earlier this year I FINALLY finished my master's degree and was awarded a fellowship to work with under-served populations. I took this opportunity to take an epic multi-purpose 8-week trip abroad to celebrate, relax, study Spanish, and volunteer in Guatemala. Through Maximo Nivel, I took Spanish classes and volunteered with mentally and physically handicapped children, adolescents, and adults. Picking my volunteer project was no easy task because Maximo Nivel is involved in so many amazing projects throughout Guatemala. I definitely plan on volunteering again in the future so I can check out some of the other volunteer projects. For this trip, Maximo Nivel made sure that my volunteer team were prepared in every way. At no time did I feel uncertain or unsupported in my work. Additionally, the staff at the EVS were supportive and helped to ensure that we acclimated to the daily work flow. Being in such an environment really shows how much I take for granted in my life. Things that might seem simple, like having friends to talk to and family to hug. Many of the people I volunteered with were excited just to have somebody to talk to and spend time with. I went in thinking I would be able to practice my Spanish and use some of my clinical skills (I am a counselor) with the kids and adults. Instead, I found myself a student of life. I helped in many ways and made connections with many of the residents at my project site, but I think I learned more from them in the end. I returned home with an expanded perspective and new awareness. My experience was so life-changing that I am currently getting things in order to be able to go back and stay for much longer. As an added bonus, the staff were awesome and many of them have checked-in with me since my return home and have offered to help as I prepare to head back!