Greetings from Global Glimpse alumni, Aileen and Yumei! We’ve returned to GG this summer to intern in the Bay Area office. We have the amazing opportunity to follow along with student reflections on the blog as they share their travel experiences. We’ve enjoyed reading how Glimpsers are learning to expand their knowledge, develop their leadership skills, become global citizens, and return home empowered to contribute to their communities — just like we did!
We invite you to check out a few of our favorite blogs below and get inspired!
DISCOVERING THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY
BONAO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
“The community we’ve built in just a few days is incredible and I’m so grateful to be able to see how important a tight-knit community is. My time here has led me to appreciate people as individuals and helped me understand how material objects do not create the fabric of society. I hope to share my love of this place with everyone I meet.” Read more…
In this blog post, Samantha shares a reflection that shows the true sense of community that Glimpsers are able to form on their trips. The group is able to keep an open mind about the community they meet and remain positive when overcoming obstacles. Even on their free days, Glimpsers are surrounded by potential learning experiences and make the most of smaller moments to interact and bond with locals.
UNDERSTANDING OUR BUYING POWER
GUARANDA, ECUADOR
“After working in partnership with local communities, our discussion sparked sustainable changes in our own lives, such as learning where our produce comes from and how bigger corporations take advantage of family businesses for their own profits. This inspired us to go to our local farmers’ markets to buy produce that benefits our bodies and the local farms.” Read More…
After hearing first-hand about the exploitative practices that affect local family farmers, Glimpsers discuss the power of supporting businesses and corporations who advocate for fair trade. This blog post by Andrea and Kayla exemplifies the students’ growth as they develop into more intentional and aware global citizens. With these lessons, they were also able to come to a deeper understanding of the work that goes on behind the scenes in the production of the goods we consume day-to-day.
A SHARED JOY IS THE BEST JOY
SAN JUAN DE LA MAGUANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
“I never comprehended the value of my language or the value of my knowledge. We all have something to share, it’s just a matter of finding those who will listen. […] It was at this moment that I felt it. I felt important, I felt like I had something valuable and it was my duty to share. And the more I gave, the better I felt about giving. A shared joy is the best joy. ” Read more…
Every Glimpser has the opportunity to teach English as part of their immersive travel experience. Students design each tutoring lesson, engaging directly with the community and building relationships with the locals. It is amazing to see Gavin step into the role of being a teacher and empowering others to learn.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
CHITRÉ, PANAMA
“I came to the realization that people here don’t need my charity. They need solidarity […] From this trip, I learned that when we set out to help someone, we have to make sure that help is actually wanted.” Read more…
Tiffany and Esther discover the importance of empowering the community to find sustainable solutions. As the delegation works together toward completing their Community Action Project, they realize the complexity of aid and development and maintain an open mind throughout the process.
BUILDING LASTING FRIENDSHIPS
SAN JUAN DE LA MAGUANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
“Sitting in a circle with all my new friends was the part of the trip where I’ve felt most connected to everyone. We casually sat around, like people who have been friends forever, and laughed loudly and admiringly while watching others dance […] In that moment, I felt wholly included, and I felt like we could all look silly without giving a single care, because we were having fun together and how we looked didn’t matter.” Read more…
This blog by Ana embodies the value of unity and goes to show the kind of deep friendships that students form when they embark on their Global Glimpse program. Meeting for the first time at the airport, Glimpsers are pushed out of their comfort zone to meet new people. On top of that, they cannot use their cell phone for 16 days. This creates a powerful environment for connection and micro-moments filled with laughter and fun.
STRANGERS BECOME FAMILY
RIOBAMBA, ECUADOR
“This has been an amazing experience for me, made even more so by the wonderful group of people I got to know. These students have made it fun from the very beginning, and they impressed me with what they were able to accomplish when they got down to work. The connections that were made, the feelings that were felt, the things that were learned: all genuine and hopefully long-lasting. ” Read more…
GG Leader Jeff shares a heartwarming final note from his travel experience that shows the bond he formed with his delegation. GG Leaders are educators who often learn just as much as Glimpsers and return home inspired to share their newfound inspiration and lessons in their classroom.
We hope you have enjoyed these outstanding blogs!
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
