Cynthia heeft eerder dit jaar vrijwilligerswerk gedaan. Ze heeft voor haar school het Scripps College in Claremont Californië een leuk artikel geschreven.
You know those really cheesy romantic summer blockbusters that have the slogan “one summer can change your life,” or something cliché like that? Yeah, well I never bought into that idea, because usually my summers consist of work and Netflix. But this summer was quite different; in fact it could be considered a “life changing” summer.
I was lucky enough to have interned in Colombia this summer with my best friend, Nere! We were both able to fund our trip thanks to grant funding from the CP&R office. Without their financial support, I could have never been able to travel to one of the most beautiful and friendliest countries in the world.
For four weeks, we were teacher’s assistants, workshop coordinators, and the token Mexican taco makers at a foundation called “Mi Casa en Ipauratu.” The foundation brings much needed help to the children with disabilities of a rural area of Colombia. The foundation provides a special education for the children, as well as tries to provide as much additional aid as they can. During our stay, la fundacion was able to raise enough money to help provide one child with a wheelchair so that his mother didn’t have to carry him whenever he left his house. And the place runs on donations!
The work I did at the foundation was so incredibly fulfilling and helped me realize I had a true passion for teaching. However, getting to Colombia was not easy. Not only did it take 22 HOURS to arrive. (Word of advice, don’t buy the cheapest flight option, ever!) I was also denied the first time around by CP&R. But, I still emailed them relentlessly. And because of my interest when some money came around, I was given the grant. Convincing our parents to let us leave the country also took a lot of effort. And I mean A LOT. Tears were shed and nostrils were flared. But eventually they came around and gave us la bendicion as they dropped us off at the airport. Internships sound like a lot of work and getting funding can seem complicated and maybe even traveling can sound like a distant dream. But if I can offer you just one piece of advice it would be to just GO FOR IT!
If you are interested in interning in Colombia over the summer give the foundation a look!
They specifically said they want to work with more Scripps students!
http://www.ipauratu.org