This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Virginia I.

Looking back on it all now I feel a bit overwhelmed. Trying to fit such an amazing experience like this one in a blog seems practically impossible. I can say that it is apparent that a shift has occurred in my life and I realize more than ever that it is up to me to keep the good changes coming. When you are passionate about something go for it. You have to be able to rely on yourself to make things happen.

It is unsettling to me how easy it is to forget that things like warm water, transportation, dinner, and a solid foundation are privileges and not rights. It takes a trip like this to see that even I find myself feeling jaded and ungrateful at times. Seeing the poor financial conditions of Calnali as opposed to being told about them made all the difference in the world. We were able to see first hand the reality of how serious the problem is. We didn’t just learn about the culture and conditions, we were apart of them. It was refreshing to me that although Calnali was poor in money and material things, it was rich in natural beauty, color, and culture.

I will be the first one to admit that there is so much I don’t know but I feel like my eagerness to learn and willingness to change has been revitalized. This trip forced me to test my flexibility and step outside of my comfort zones mentally and physically. One of the hardest parts of the trip was leaving while there was so much more to be done. It makes it easier knowing that we gave it our all and seized the chance to make a difference.