A Getaway of Adventure!

On the very first day when we were traveling from California to the Dominican Republic, all of the students were pessimistic and already creating assumptions of our trip and the students there. I still remember the awkwardness we all felt when traveling in the same vehicle during the first day in the city, but it feels so distant as four days into the trip we all could not stop chatting! This is also because one of the main values of Global Glimpse is diversity and inclusiveness within relationships, along with equity among us all. These values included the locals as well! They were all extremely welcoming and excited to host our group, which made this experience all the more memorable. They loved chatting, laughing, and working with us as some of the children even tried communicating to the students through google translate. Through these connections to the locals, it compelled us more to help improve their living circumstances. We all felt very happy and satisfied that WE put in our time and effort to help others as we all hoped to. Global Glimpse truly opened the eyes of many students to underserved communities and how impactful it is to see them rejoice together as our hard work paid off. I was completely pushed out of my comfort zone and did things I likely would have never done without being provided this opportunity. Global Glimpse also does a very good job at balancing many hours of education and fun activities such as going to the beach, playing with the children, or free-time where everyone plays games, enters the pool, or goes to buy items in the city! We are both educated and enjoying ourselves simultaneously. In truth, I decided on my major for international business because of this service-learning experience and I would not change a single thing about these two weeks of cultural immersion. This program changed my perspective on life and created fun memories with great company. I think any student could find things to learn and appreciate by traveling with Global Glimpse! :)