A new perspective

My nerves were through the roof going into this trip. I didn't know any Spanish, was pretty shy, and overthought just about everything possible. However, that slowly started to change as we landed in Quito. Everyone in my group was warm and welcoming in every interaction, even after a long day of flying. With time, I realized I didn't have to always have my guard up and loosened up. They created a great safe space where I was able to be myself again and I was cracking jokes left and right, always making the people around me laugh. I picked up bits of Spanish here and there but mostly had the program coordinators or one of my peers translating for me. I've learned so much during this trip, especially from the local high schoolers and indigenous communities we visited. I didn't know what I was expecting to see and hear but it has certainly changed how I think about the U.S., cultures, and my own future. The leader of the day system has taught me a lot about planning, looking after one another, and confidence. I was never a morning person. Back home, I always liked to sleep in whenever I could. But it wasn't a problem on this trip. I was up bright and early because I was really looking forward to our activities and spending time with everyone. I think one of the biggest factors in the success of this trip was the no phones policy. It really forced us to talk to each other and connect on a deeper level. From bonding while talking on the roof at night, little shenanigans in the hotel courtyard, and braiding our program coordinator's hair while he worked, there are so many little moments that I will remember and treasure for a long time because we were there, immersed in the moment. Although I did miss my phone from time to time because I wanted to listen to music, not having it for 2 weeks wasn't as big of a deal as some people made it out to be. You don't really think that much about it when your day is packed with fun activities and you have great funny people around you.