Each participant in the Passport Scholars Program writes an essay about her summer experience. As an eleventh grader at Howard School of Technology, Ruth traveled to Peru on a community service program and wrote the following essay:
My wonderful experience started on June 27, 2001. I went to Peru, which is on of the countries that the program
Visions helps. When I was on my way to Peru I was really nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. Once I got there I got along with all the participants that were from all over the United States. My trip was a community service project and the two main projects were building a ditch and the other one was working on several canals.
The first main project that we, the participants, accomplished was building a 200-meter ditch and laying tile pipe to bring drinking water to the community and it now serves 720 families throughout the community. I feel very proud to have been a part of this project and helped in something that has changed people lives for the better. Knowing that I was part of making this community a better place gives me a sense of accomplishment. While I was working in the small community of Yanahuara many members of that community were by my side helping me build the ditch. I thought that that was special because that was the way I got to know them and bond with them. That project was supposed to take about four weeks to complete but since we all worked very diligently we got it done in two weeks. The second major project was assisting community members in canal constructing and tubing for irrigation. In this project we worked in several locations. I feel very satisfied with what I did and now I know that many families will have something else improved in their communities.
While I was in Peru, I didn’t just work all day long; some of the activities were stargazing, hiking, fishing, and interacting with the local people. I also went to a shoemaker who taught me how to make shoes. I noticed that it was very interesting, yet difficult. I only made one shoe, not even a pair in one hour and the man makes about 80 pairs of shoes a day which made me realize how hard a worker he is and how fortunate some people in the United States are to not have jobs as difficult as his. I also went to a beekeeper, breadmaker, carpenter, and a lady who does pottery. One activity that I enjoyed the most was when I got to go to a local high school and attend classes for a day. It was different from the school I attend. I noticed that all the students were always attentive and they were grateful that they are attending school. Sometimes here students don’t appreciate the education they are getting and don’t pay attention at school. One day I was going to go to the elementary school, Yanahuara, to teach young kids and that morning one little girl came in late and I asked her why is she coming late and she said that she walks about two to three hours to school every day. I was surprised and I realized that education was important to her and that she is willing to do anything to get an education.
This trip has made me realize that sometimes I can be quick at judging people but I learned that I shouldn’t. I met so many different people that I get along with and have many things in common. I made many new friends that live here in the United States and in Peru and I keep in touch with them. I learned that I have more inner-strength than I thought I had because when I was hiking Machu Picchu, I was having a really hard time at the beginning and while some were resting, I independently decided to hike the rest of the trail by myself and rely on myself. I finished hiking the trail and that is something I’m definitely proud of.
I recommend this experience to any young woman who is willing to try something new and different and learn things about themselves that they didn’t already know. Not only is it a learning experience but also it is very fun. If I could have stayed longer I definitely would of.
—Ruth Martinez
