Last summer and with support from a Hatfield Grant, I participated in the Initiative for Children Program, hosted by Global Leadership Adventures. It lasted two weeks and took place in Alajuela Province, Costa Rica. I first learned about the program through an alum who raved about her experiences and memories. I also researched GLA online to get a sense of their staff, events, and the area.

The Initiative for Children program works to improve youth literacy and empowerment through education. Program participants were tasked with lesson planning to teach English, classroom management, and outdoor gardening to help refurbish the school. Each week, we worked in different groups with specific tasks designed to make our lessons engaging and purposeful for the kids, while also bonding with them through outdoor activities.

The days were usually packed, though occasionally we had lighter days to relax around home base and recharge. A typical day began with breakfast at 7:15 a.m., leaving for the school at 8 a.m., and then lessons and activities until 12 p.m. After lunch we spent a few hours on excursions. After dinner, we worked in our leadership groups and enjoyed a bit of free time after lights out at 10 p.m.

Some notable activities included a community soccer game near home base, our tubing excursion, and the farewell dinner with our peers. Overall, I loved my experience this summer and would recommend that every student who has the opportunity—whether through a grant or personal funding—take part in a service trip. The connections I made with the people on the trip are among my favorite friendships, and I am confident they will be lifelong.

This trip taught me not only how to connect with people who may not share common identifiers with me, but also how to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. I am deeply grateful to the Hatfield Grant for making this experience possible, and I can truly say it was life changing.

________________________

William W. Hatfield 32 Grants are supported by an endowed fund established in 2010 and made possible through the generosity of Guy Hatfield ’65, Ross Hatfield, and the ongoing support of William W. Hatfield’s family. The grant celebrates the ideals of Horace Dutton Taft—service above self—and is given annually to one or more students whose commitment to volunteerism brings to life the message behind Taft’s motto: Non ut sibi ministretur sed ut ministret—Not to be served but to serve.