With them, I grew so much and saw what it is like to be a doctor, which is my life’s dream. I was so happy for this chance to work them. On my last day, I gave back by buying Dunkin Donuts and we all gave our final hugs. One of the biggest things I will miss is going to get a bolón con queso (ball of plantains with cheese) for breakfast while on my way to work. This is a toasty and delicious morning meal that is very common in Ecuador. Would you like to try mashed plantains for breakfast, too?
After my work in the clinic was over, I picked up many tasks at school. Tutoring was one of them. I was glad to help many students in Ecuador to practice their English. They are all really smart and want to come to the United States one day. One time, there was a student that came to sit with me just to talk about New York. Can you believe that they want to live where you are? They just want to get better with speaking English first. Do you want to learn Spanish someday?
Another great task I had was to help out with graduation at my school. The director stopped me in the office one day and asked, “Can you sing?” and my face quickly blew up like a balloon. I was not expecting this at all. I responded yes and then he asked if I could sing the U.S. national anthem. He says that while students are practicing English language, they have a hard time learning this song. If I were to sing and lead it, it would help feel confident. On graduation day, there I was on the stage singing to represent our country. I was thrilled to give back to them with music and they loved it.
Throughout this entire trip, I have realized many things about myself. One of them is that I feel my best when I am helping others.
