Hello, my name is Julia Perez. My role for a day was to be the Lider del Dia for Aid and Development Day. I am one who finds pride in helping the people that surround me in my everyday life. In choosing this day to be leader, this would not only benefit my development, but it will also allow others to gain the development they deserve. Our day began with eating delicious, traditional breakfast that consisted of Panamanian chorizo and ojalda, which is very good and you should research it ;). After putting on plenty of bug spray and sunscreen, we traveled to Escuela Paris de Parita, an elementary school that has grades first to fifth graders. This informative visit was very eye opening and definitely created a greater connection within the group, allowing us to discover the problems that could have been fixed forty years ago. It especially proved how hard working and strong the minimum amount of students and the three teachers are. They are going through hardships due to the environment they work in. After this eye-opening mission to support the school, we returned to our hotel to brainstorm ways we can give back to the school, of course for their most necessary needs. For instance, repainting the dining hall and creating a colorful mural as well as providing reading books that will support with educating the children. This also motivated our group to do all we can to provide a service that will help work towards meeting the needs of the school and the community. Of course, the best part of this day is reflecting on the good and the bad, especially maintaining a positive attitude about our opportunity to be of service. This day truly opened my eyes, especially my peers eyes, into pushing for a better community. As Sulak Sivaraksa said, “True development must be in harmony with the needs of the people and the rhythms of the natural world,” a statement that should be taken to account globally. If we want to see positive change in the world, we must have a vision and take the initiative to make an impact (even small ones). Compassion, courage, and commitment are all the key elements in taking the first step to change!
“True development must be in harmony with the needs of the people and the rhythms of the natural world.”
Ahhhhh!!! Julia!!! Hearing your voice right now was amazing!! Missing you! We love you so much!! Keep being the wonderful human you are!! 🥰
Julessss!!! It’s “EmoSis” I’m so sorry I missed your call!! 🙁 I hope you’re enjoying your trip and making the most out of it!! Reading this blog made me beyond proud of the young lady you’re becoming! The way you care for others is so infectious and inspiring!! <3 Can’t wait to hear more about all the work you and your delegation do to help the school!! :’) I love you to the moon and back!! ps I’m not “celebrating” because you’re gone!! I think we’ve ALL been simping without you!! We miss you so much!!!💛💛💛💛 pps: LUKE P got a rose!!! John Paul Jones and Luke S left on the bachelor!! :((
ppps: CHANCE THE RAPPER IS CO EXECUTIVE PRODUCING STEVEN UNIVERSE: THE MOVIE!! Thought you might be excited about that!! :* I Love youuuuuuuu & can’t wait to spend time with you when you get back!! <3
Hola Naiya!! Thank you for leaving a messages for us! We are bummed we missed your calls! Missed both within 13-15 min of you ringing. First time I was on dog doo duty in the backyard and second time I was on the roof washing the skylights. Go figure, a woman’s got to do her jobs 😂. My phone was on the charger and when you said you would call back later in the day I was thinking of later in my day – not your day (keep forgetting about the time change). Papa asked about you and I let him know you called and sound like you’re having a great time. I have had my phone glued to my hip with the volume up for the last two hours. Hoping I will get one more chance but seeing that it’s 4:30pm Panamanian time, you’re probably headed back. Thanks for trying, you know this family and phones….LOL – I even had Seth on Phone watch after the first call😜🤪
If you I miss you again, leave a vm letting me know you got this message.
Te amo mucho!! ❤️ Hope you enjoyed your day off exploring.
Hey Julia!
It’s really great hearing about the perspective you’ve developed in just your first week in country! Despite our perceived challenges we face on our own academic journeys, there are always others more adversity. I have no doubt that you and the other Glimpsers will strive to make a positive impact on this community with the time that you have.
Y recuerda, la cosa mas importante es a hacer muchas conneciones con toda la gente y a disfrutar el viaje.
Mucha suerte y respecto a todo del grupo,
Stegeman
Jaz!!! I was in church when you called and Isa got her old phone back we are sad 🙁 that we miss your call can’t wait to hear your voice again hope you had a chance to talk to your dad today🙏Hope your having a great weekend with all your friends and leaders can’t wait to hear your experience of this weekend 😀keep enjoying and remember we love you sooo sooo much and miss you❤️But know that soon we will be together see you soo my love 😍 mommy Espy
Wonderful post! 👏👏 Feels so nice to know that you all are making positive impact on people’s lives. It motivates me to take the initiative to do something for the community. Aaps, I feel so proud to see you In action 🙂 you are a strong and confident girl!!! keep it going dear; love you lots and lots and miss you sooo much 😘🤗❤️