World Bridges Participants Travel the World
The 2006 Graduates Share Their StoriesThursday February 8, 2007 9:39
Each year World Bridges selects a diverse group of young leaders active in their communities to participate in the Leadership Exchange Program (LEX). Six months of training, including travel preparedness, cultural awareness, globalization and fundraising, culminates in the participants traveling abroad for the first time. Each young leader volunteers in a community-based program, where they have the opportunity to both serve and learn, while experiencing life in another country for the first time. World Bridges participants report that their experiences in the program are life changing. Here are their stories…
Angelina Graham, 36, Oakland
Thursday February 8, 2007 9:29
Being a part of World Bridges has been an eye opening experience for me in so many ways. Before being accepted into World Bridges, I really wanted to be a part of the global effort to help others in need. Through these journeys we learn more about ourselves, our place in the world, and how making a small contribution can send ripples through a community.
I have found through my WB trainings and interactions that the essence of who we are outshines our differences. WB provides the personal tools necessary for the spirit to soar and to make a lifelong commitment to caring about the environment, communities, and those in our immediate circle. Having a place to have my dreams come to fruition is paramount. For me it enhances my belief that other larger dreams are conceivable and introduces me to others in this capitalist society who dare to challenge the status quo and take a stand.
Personally, I thank World Bridges for holding it down despite the many obstacles connected with this type of work. I plan to do my part to ensure that others have the opportunity to realize their dreams, potential, and place in our global community.
Diane Tadano, 26, Oakland
Thursday February 8, 2007 9:27
I spent 38 days in Peru where my travels and volunteer work took me across the land to many places including Lima, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca, Colca Canyon and Machu Picchu. My trip began by spending a week in Cusco as part of the Garcia Family, who provided me with delicious food and insider information on getting around. I attended Spanish classes and explored the city. My favorite place in Cusco is San Blas Plaza. Many artisans work there and I was lucky enough to befriend one named Cheyeta. We explored the city each time I was in Cusco. We created a special friendship that transcended the language barrier and will survive the thousands of miles that separate us.
From Cusco I traveled in a bus for 24 hours until I reached Ayacucho, where I met the other volunteers. We worked with youth workers in the markets, a cemetery and restaurants.
We also ran English classes and fun workshops for kids at the Casa de Niños, Niñas, Adolescentes y Trabajdores. Everyday, 3-4 volunteers traveled 30 minutes by bus and then walked until we reached the rural community of Anchac Huasi, comprised of 36 families. We assisted the teacher in activities and games. The kids spoke in their indigenous language of Quechua, so using body language and facial expressions to communicate was challenging, yet inspiring.
I am thankful that World Bridges adequately prepared me for what I encountered. I am appreciative of all WB volunteers for providing such great trainings, community connections and support during my travels, all of which made this adventure possible and extremely satisfying.
Melecia Navarro, 24, San Jose
Thursday February 8, 2007 9:26
Emails from Mexico…..
“All day we get to work on this beautiful land. I have hope for humanity when I am here. Life here is different, no real showers, only boiled water that you pour one bowl at a time, bats in the rooms, creepy crawlers, no internet, traveling in the back of a big cow truck on dirt roads. There are volunteers from Germany, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Japan and the US (me), and our camp leaders from Mexico….
I love working in the kitchen with Telma. We talk in Spanish about life in between cutting potatoes, dicing and peeling. We compare and contrast the way certain things are prepared. It felt like a special experience to be making sopes with her! I always try to help Telma while everyone is goofing around outside. She invited me to come back whenever I want. I think I will come back next summer and help them. I feel like they are my family and I think they think that about me, too…
I never thought I would be so sad to leave a place. My experience at the camp was one of the best things ever. Oaxaca is my new home away from home. I will take them up on their offer to visit them anytime. I feel like I could really live there… I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for all your help on my trip. It’s really cool being apart of a world community.”
Charvy Ourm, 21, Oakland
Thursday February 8, 2007 9:25
I caught the travel bug! My first international travel was mind blowing. I had never stepped out of the United States before getting involved with World Bridges. I traveled to Mexico for the first time. My Spanish was limited, but I managed to get myself around. I arrived Mexico City a few days early, so I could adjust to my new surroundings. The first night I stayed in a youth hostel, where I met international travelers from all over the world. It was the best thing I could have ever done.
From there, I traveled North to Morelia, in the state of Michocan. In Morelia, I met my camp leader and the international volunteers. We traveled 2 hours to a small village called El Calabazo. In El Calabazo, we learned so much from the women and men in the community. We taught English classes, but in return they gave us Spanish classes. They cooked for us and we cooked for them. This was a true exchange of cultures.
I had no idea what it meant to be an international citizen until I stepped out of my community and entered a new one. From this one month in Mexico, I had begun to reevaluate my life and the world. There is so much I don’t know outside the U.S. I see the world much bigger than it is. We are just a small part of something much bigger. I hope to continue to build international relationships beyond World Bridges.
Syreeta Pinell, 25, Oakland
Thursday February 8, 2007 9:22
When my friend mentioned this opportunity, I had no idea how much it would impact my life. I have changed as a person and grown immensely since participating. I have always dreamed of going to another country but had not been able to do so until now. For my project I chose to be a volunteer English teacher in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Preparing for the trip was the hardest part since this was my first trip abroad. Luckily the wonderful World Bridges team gave me extensive training and endless opportunities to ask questions. Still I was overloaded with countless emotions including excitement, worry, delight, and anticipation. The true test was trusting and believing in myself to go abroad by myself for a whole month.
When I arrived, I realized that even though I was far away from home, people never change, only language, environment, and culture changes. The people I met during my travels were willing to help, ready to converse and the hospitality was amazing. I taught basic English skills to people 3-63 years of age in 3 communities. I never knew that teaching was so hard and tiring!
If I had the choice to do this again I definitely would. It is possibly the best thing I have ever done. I was able to meet and interact with people from all over the world. I will forever be grateful and supportive of World Bridges and any organization that helps people grow in this way. THANK YOU!
