1. What made you want to volunteer abroad?
To be honest, the first time I considered volunteering abroad was when I encountered a homeless man on the train to school in the winter of 2016. He was visibly fragile, old, and sick – wearing a beat up ski jacket with worn out sandals, while wheeling his oxygen tank. I was stunned considering the temperature must have been at least five below zero that morning. As the train doors opened, he attempted to get in, but he slipped, dropping all of his change.
While a few people helped him stand up and gather his change, I held the doors open, until he was able to board. As soon as he was on board, I took hold of him as he gathered himself up the steps; his breathing was anxious and raspy, a hard sound to listen to. When we got on flat ground, we began searching for a place for him to sit, however the train was packed.
Initially, I thought it would be best if we just sat down on the steps but eventually, a kind gentleman offered his own seat for this man. As soon as he sat down, we began to exchange names, where we were from, and where we were heading. He seemed to be a positive, brave, and knowledgeable man, who has had a few unfortunate bumps in his life. Ultimately, the train came to my stop and we bid each other goodbye.
I got off that train feeling altered, and honored to have had the privilege to meet and help a kind gentleman as himself. It was that cold winter morning, that I recognized the extraordinary beauty of lending a helping hand to others in need. That is when I told myself I wanted to volunteer.
2. Why this specific country and program?
While researching, I came across a quiz to determine which region I would best fit. Central America popped up, and I decided Guatemala would not only be unique, but also an area where I would be forced to get out of my element.
3. What has been your specific role in this project?
I volunteered in the Childcare Program at a local preschool for single, divorced, or working families located in San Lucas (about 15 minutes away from Antigua). There were three age groups in the preschool–each group having a variety of unique and energetic kids, each one with their own and special personality.
I tried to utilize my time as best as I could in each age group, so I wasn’t giving too much attention to any specific group. Along with being a big goofball with all the kids, other roles I had were to encourage kids to share, play nice, brush their teeth properly, sing, dance, and so much more. Additionally, if all the groups were busy, I would help the wonderful staff clean/polish dishes, mop the floors, clean the tables, or even work on side projects that would be later used in the week. Considering the kid to staff ratio was probably 10-1, they love all the help they can get. I always told new volunteers that the most important role was to, ALWAYS keep smiling.
4. Do you feel like you’re making a direct impact on the local community?
There is so much more I wish I could have done to impact the local community, and even more importantly, I felt that the kids had an equal or even larger impact on myself, than I did for them. Nevertheless, if the greatest impact I could give was to bring laughs and happiness into their lives, then I suppose I may have had a small impact on the local community.
5. Have you ever volunteered before?
Back home, I have had a tiny bit of experience volunteering at local animal shelters and events, yet nothing to the extent of Maximo Nivel. I took a chance with this organization, and oh man am I glad I did! This experience has inspired me to volunteer much more in the future.
6. Have you learned anything interesting during your project?
Did I learn anything… YES! Not only did my Spanish improve drastically (shout out to mi profesora, Margarita), but I was introduced to a completely different culture and way of life, outside of the bubble of my home in the United States.
7. What do you get out of volunteering?
Volunteering, at the very least, provided me a new incentive to my everyday life. It revealed what makes me truly and unconditionally happy. It feels so much better to give rather than to receive.
8. Would you recommend volunteering to others?
Each placement is not going to be like you think. Be open-minded and compassionate, and everything will work out awesomely. To volunteers working at any childcare program, be patient, be GOOFY, and never stop smiling.
9. At what age do you think someone should start their first volunteer project?
Heck, the younger the better😊. But seriously, if you are on your own, depending on your maturity level, do what you think is most reasonable for yourself. There was one volunteer traveling with his mom that was probably 11 years old. The youngest volunteer I met traveling alone was 17. Coming from a person who traveled alone when I was 20 years old, it was the best thing I have ever done.
10. Would you recommend this project to others?
To others considering volunteering in a childcare program, but aren’t sure if it will be worth it, I highly, highly, highly recommend this project. You will learn so much about yourself, the individual, the culture, and what it is like to be in an enthusiastic environment. It is a truly humbling experience.
11. What has been your experience at our Student Residence?
In Antigua, I stayed at the residence with 20+ volunteers ranging in projects from medical work to coffee farmers. Every minute I spent in that house was fantastic, even if I was the only guy in the house for the first week. Eventually, a few other guys showed up, but the house is an awesome place to meet new people, develop plans for the weekend, or to just sit back and relax.
12. Do you feel you’ve improved your Spanish language skills since being here?
Again, my Spanish teacher, Margarita, was fantastic. She made learning Spanish fun and engaging. Along with my lessons, I allowed myself to learn each day from social interactions in town and on the project. If only I practiced my Spanish in the US as much as I did in Guatemala…
13. Were you able to explore/participate in adventures during your time abroad?
During my time in Guatemala, I was lucky enough to travel all over the country. The first and third week of my trip, I traveled to Lago de Atitlan, a MUST GO while you’re in Guatemala. There are tons of stops around the beautiful, volcano bordered lake; I was able to do some cliff jumping, kayaking, hiking, exploring, and the night-life in the surrounding towns are a blast. Along with that, I backpacked up Volcan de Acatenango, which was SICK! For those who have not had any hiking/backpacking experience, the hike up is steep, but not too long. The Sherpas take plenty of breaks, you eat lunch at a beautiful clearing, and the view at camp is mind-blowing (pictures do not do its justice). During my hike, the rain was coming down so hard we were all soaked head-to-toe, but, if anything, it made the journey that much more memorable and accomplishing. The last week a few buds and myself spent time at a pretty isolated beach spot called “El Paredon”, a chill beach spot with some rad waves, a pool bar, and great company (another MUST GO). There were so many other destinations I wish I could have explored, but my time was limited.
14. What stood out to you the most about your experience?
Tough question… but the thing that probably stood out to me the most while volunteering in Guatemala was most likely the humble, loving, and passionate people of Guatemala. It is a very warm and affectionate culture, and my experiences I partook there left me never wanting to leave. It just shows there is much more to this world, so get out there and experience it yourself.
15. What are your future travel/volunteer/study abroad plans?
As soon as I graduate College in Spring of 2019, I am sending it over to Cusco, Peru for round two of volunteering. I figured I’d go a little more south until I come back up North for a well needed visit to Antigua, and hopefully San Lucas.
16. How has this experience impacted/changed your view of the world?
It has changed my viewpoint towards this world downright entirely. Volunteering brings the best out of people, and with so much hate in this imperfect world, I think it is important to give your love and time to others–it’s much more powerful than you might initially think.
17. What was one thing you didn’t expect from this experience or this country?
One thing that I didn’t expect from this experience was the opportunity to meet so many genuine and amazing individuals, who had similar interests and passions as I did.
18. Best thing about the cuisine?
Everything I ate in Guatemala was unreal. In Antigua, even the street food impressive. It was super fun to travel around and try new places to eat. I am not too picky with my food, but I still miss a lot of the food I ate, especially the tacos from Sunset Terrace.
19. Most memorable moment?
This is may be the toughest question… yet if I had to choose, the most memorable moment of my trip was during my last volunteering day at the Childcare Program in San Lucas. When it came down to the last hour, the magnificent teachers and Andrea (a Maximo Nivel leader and another great friend) sat down all the kids and I and presented me with a gift of gratitude. It was one of the most humbling experiences I had ever had in my entire life. The wonderful teachers and CRAZY, SMART, and UNIQUE kids of San Lucas helped change my life for the better. They helped me discover something I couldn’t even find on my own – what it truly feels like to be simply and utterly happy. Thank you
20. Rate your experience with Maximo Nivel, 1-10
11.5
George K.