Life Changing Experience!

This summer I went on 2 week a trip to Constanza, Dominican Republic, with Global Glimpse, and it changed my life. I met 21 incredible students and 4 incredible leaders. I made connections that will last me a lifetime, and I made so many memories that will stick with me forever. I was surrounded by unique and insightful people who made every day perfect. Even the briefest conversations had the greatest impact on me — I still remember a 30 second conversation I had with one of the leaders on my trip.
Not only did I connect with the people who came with me on the trip, but I connected with the community. I created bonds with the kids from Rio Grande when we went to their community to help clean houses and cook. We also played basketball, volleyball, tag, raced each other, and just spent time playing outside together. Despite any language barriers, we were all able to positively impact each other.
We also went to another community and layed cement floors for families who had dirt floors. This was our CAP: Community Action Project. The work was difficult but still fun. We sang songs, talked, hugged, and played with the kids all while mixing cements. It was amazing being able to make an impact on the families of the community, and impact their life in the same positive way they impacted ours.
When we got back from the community we were all tired but happy, and spent the rest of the day playing Uno, soccer, and just sitting and having meaningful conversations. We ended every night by giving big love to each other — we gave shout outs to everyone who made a positive impact on our day. Sometimes we would go on for 30 minutes giving new big love because we had so much to say.
It's hard to put into words how impactful my Global Glimpse trip was, but I gained so much empathy, agency and global perspective. I have never, and probably will never again, experience anything as special and eye opening. I saw parts of the world I have never seen before, and met so many people who I never would have met if I didn’t sign up for the trip. Big Love to Global Glimpse for giving me the opportunity to broaden my global perspective, gain empathy and agency, and meet students and leaders that would change my life forever.