In their own words: What are you going to take home with you?  How has this experience changed you?

Olivia – If I think my life is bad, I should think of other people’s and know that I have it good and better than others.  If people in the worst situations can stay strong then I can.  I have learned to just find reasons to love my life and not think of how I want to change it; to accept and cherish what I am given/have.  I also have learned how to be a role model and that each decision I make can impact someone and can change their view on who I am.

Jen – I will definitely take home a lot of memories.  I will never forget the kids, the things we have done together, and the stories they have told me.  In the beginning of this experience I saw the kids coming from a very different environment than we live in as kind of different from us, but by the end of these two weeks I’ve realized that they are in facet just like us.  We are all kids, and now I feel almost related to them in a way.  I also have opened up during these two weeks to try things that I never would have on my own and have added a new perspective to what I know.

Katie – I think I am going to take home the excitement and energy the kids have every day about camp.  When I was their age, I always dreaded going to camp and couldn’t wait for it to be over.  These kids are always so happy at camp and constantly tell us they don’t want to leave at the end of the day.  I think this trip has allowed me to see how resilient kids are and how they are able to overcome so much.  So many of them have dreams like they want to go to college, become a doctor, design video games, and many others.  I hope these children can accomplish these dreams and not be influenced by negative surroundings.  These children have given me hope.

Katherine – After this experience, I’m definitely going to take home more patience.  Since I have been here, I have learned to be much more patient and understanding of everyone around me no matter who they are.  This experience has changed me in so many ways.  I’ve become a more open person and have learned how to talk to people in a way that means a lot to them.

Susanna – I’m probably going to take home a sense of achievement from coming here and actually seeing a change in the kids I worked with.  This experience has changed me to make me more grateful for what I have in my life (a loving family, a safe home, etc.) and it has made me more aware to other people’s needs.

Meg – It has really opened my eyes to the difference in lifestyles.  We always hear about it, but seeing it in real life is so different.  I will never take anything for granted after seeing how some necessities are not given to all and how valuable they actually are.  It has had such an immense impact on my I can’t even comprehend it.

Kate – I will take home pictures and memories from the 2 weeks with the kids and our high school group.  I feel more patient and willing to adapt to help kids.  I no longer feel intimidated by kids who misbehave either.  It would be easier to just pass them off to another helper, but I would much rather get to know them and what I can do to stop their bad behavior and let them have a good time.

Julianne – This trip has taught me that each child in some way is so unique and how far a little love can go.  Just spending time or playing a simple game (like duck duck goose) means the world to the Pontiac kids.  I have learned to become more open and outgoing because once the kids knew I trusted and really wanted to be with them, they opened up as well.  I will take home the thoughts of their laughter and smiles as it is obvious that being here, interacting, and have fun with these kids truly means so much.

Kileen – I am going to take home the new friendships I have made.  I have changed by growing more patient and the kids taught me to not care what other people think and to just be me.

Jackie – I’m going to take home a lot of patience from these two weeks.  I feel that I have changed in many different ways; I listen more carefully to the kids, and I have gained more respect for teachers.

Myriam – I’m taking good friendships and warm cherishing memories.  I have changed my attitude a lot.  I feel like these kids have opened my eyes to reality and really helped me to have a new mindset in life.

Below are some pictures of our adventures…