Hello there lovely family and friends!
Today is day five of our trip and I am super excited to share our experience with you all! Today’s theme was Aid and Development. We focused on what factors would impact our Community Action Project (CAP) and how to make a sustainable project that is both feasible and needed by the community. We kept these topics in the back of our minds throughout the day and reflected on them once we met with our CAP partner and discussed our project’s design.
Our first activity of the day was to go to La Escuela París and meet with the principal to find out more information for developing our CAP. He gave us a tour of the campus and explained some of the needs and problems that the school faces. Then we got the chance to ask questions that would provide important information for deciding on the details of the CAP. We also got to spend some time talking to the students. Spending time with the children was a very powerful moment for me. Each one was so eager to learn our names and find out information about us, whether it be age or favorite color, they had questions about everything. They all walked around and asked us to sign their notebooks and take pictures with us… but mostly they just wanted to be the ones to take the photos! 🙂 Each student had so much happiness, energy, and love for being at school. Today made me think about how much we take our education for granted. Students all around the world want to learn but struggle to find the opportunity to gain a high quality education. This pushed me to think differently about how I view going to school. In the past I have found myself complaining about how hard a class is or how much work I have, but now I am more appreciative of the education available to me. I have access to so more resources than most people around the world and now that I have a wider perspective, I am even more grateful for the things that I used to take for granted.
While at Escuela París we met a young boy named Carlos. He was the most inspiring person I met today for many reasons. Physically, he was the smallest of the bunch, but he had the biggest personality. He was easily the most social student of the group. This stood out to me especially because I was Líder del Día (Leader of the Day – LDD). Carlos’ personality was contagious and everyone followed his lead. He spread so much joy, excitement, and positivity and showed the leadership qualities that I hoped to embody during my day as LDD. In addition to learning from Carlos, I also learned how important it is to take initiative and have confidence through my experience as the LDD. With the support of the Global Glimpse Leaders and my peers, I was able to further develop my leadership and interpersonal skills. I learned how much of a difference you can make in one person’s day by making a small decision and how important it is to do so at the right times and with confidence.
Later today we discussed more about our CAP based on the information we collected. We chose to re-paint the walls, pillars, and benches, paint a mural, and improve their computer systems. We began to brainstorm/plan the logistics of the project and then quickly transitioned into tutoring prep for the first of seven English tutoring classes. Everyone went into it with some nerves, but came out of it feeling amazing about their abilities. I was so happy to see everyone encouraging each other and working together to make their class run smoothly despite the obstacles they faced. Afterward we had a small debrief and Nightly Meeting, then off to bed.
Today I saw immense growth within the group and a strengthened bond between each Glimpser. To quote one of our Glimpsers, Sergio, “I feel like we’re becoming a family,” and I couldn’t agree more. Today I grew as a leader and learned about how to be there for my peers. The day taught us a lot about the community we will be supporting and how we can push ourselves to do things we could have never imagined.
Time for lights out! Logging off,
Lilia Kazerooni, Glimpser
I agree with your assessment of taking things for granted. We all do that but I am so happy that you all get to experience other’s perspectives at this early age. This will have profound effect on all of you.
Knowing Shrey, he is very sensitive about everyone around him, sometimes too much 😉 Try to write your experiences and feelings everyday if you can in a journal.
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. Mariah, we know all your hard work will have a lasting impression on the community. Great work. We hope to hear from you real soon! Lots of love-Mom & Dad
Hey Glimpsers, you are doing a great job understanding the Panamanian culture and have amazing plans to help out. Lilia, you did a beautiful job writing this blog. Shrey, i’m So happy I started my day with talking to you. You made my day!! I hope you had a fun filled free day. Can’t wait to read what you did today. Remember- you have playing cards, Ludo, and speakers, use them during downtime and have lot’s of fun!! Love you to the moon and back- Mom
Aw so proud of you Sergio miss and love you keep up the good work wish you were here to help me pack ! -luzsha
Hi Bella,
So happy to see a picture of you doing well. Hope you’re having a great experience and I can’t wait to hear all about it. Love and miss you, Jessica
Aww, what a great experience glimpsers! I’m so happy that all of you feel like you’re creating a family bond! <3 so proud of you Bella! Hope you’re having fun love you!
I hope you’re having a great time bella, i know you’re going to enjoy painting the school so much since you’re so crafty. Have fun & stay safe love you sister !
Hi Lilia, it was so good to hear your voice today (I was ready to answer all spam calls after missing your call the last time). Sounds like you’re gaining good experiences and a different/unique perspective. If nothing else, now you can relate to my childhood times and the experience of a coin operated pay phone 🙂
Love you, Dad
We are so proud of you Lilia. Thank you for doing such an amazing job. Keep up the good work and remember we love u.
Taraneh, Eli, Saiid and Arash
Sergio, mi Wapo! I’m so very proud of you Son, keep up the good work and we are all missing you and cant wait to see you
Love you Papi
Nina, Soco, and Manu
You guys are really doing well and awesome teamwork.
Esther you look great in the picture. I can’t wait to hear more from you.
I love you❤️
I am delighted to hear about the formative experiences you are all having, Glimpsers!! Lilia, I was touched by your description of the children’s energy and joy for being in school, Carlos’ positivity and leadership, and how these experiences have inspired a greater sense of gratitude and understanding of the difference you can make. Thanks for providing a window into your journey – I am happy you are all becoming a family. Lilia, I love you lots!!
Big Hugs,
Mom
Hey Michael!
I’m curious to learn how your experience was like today! Was it exciting meeting everyone? Keep on pushing through the heat and the no electronics!
– Angela and fam