By Camryn Smart
This summer, a group of students traveled across the world for an experience that combined service, adventure, and new friendships. Led by Mindy Hawkins, the group of approximately 24 students spent their summer in Africa helping local communities and experiencing a culture very different from their own. Getting to Africa was an adventure in itself, as the students traveled for approximately 33 hours, flying from Los Angeles to London before continuing to Africa. Along the way, the group missed a flight and had to take another flight to a different part of Africa. Once they arrived, the students focused on giving back to the community. One of their main projects was helping build houses for families living in a village. Approximately 10 people had been living in one house, so the new home would allow five family members to move into their own space. For Ashlyn Lisser, one of the most meaningful parts of the trip was the relationships she formed with the children in the village. She spent time with them every day, playing soccer and getting to know them. “The most memorable part was becoming friends with all the kids and seeing them every day and playing soccer with them,” Lisser said. She also noticed how excited the children could become over things that students back home might take for granted, changing the way she viewed her own life. Tirma Griffiths had a similar experience, as her favorite part of the trip was spending time with the children and watching them find happiness in simple things. She especially connected with one boy who wanted to stay by her side throughout the trip. “He really just wanted to be by my side with everything,” Griffiths said. “He didn’t ask for anything, but when he did get something, he was so happy.” The trip also gave students a new perspective on what they consider necessary in everyday life. Both Lisser and Griffiths noticed that many people in the communities they visited had very few possessions but were still incredibly happy. Lisser said one of her biggest lessons was realizing how simple life could be compared to the busy and stressful lives many students experience at home. “It’s so simple, and ours is so complex, but they’re so happy and we’re always stressed out,” Lisser said. Although service was the main purpose of the trip, students also had opportunities to explore and experience new adventures. One of their biggest adventures was visiting Victoria Falls, where the group participated in activities including zip lining, a bungee jump, and a swing overlooking the falls. Griffiths described the experience as both exciting and terrifying. Seeing Victoria Falls itself was also memorable, especially because the mist from the waterfall made it feel like it was raining. The students faced some challenges as well, as a few became sick during the trip, including Griffiths, who became ill on the final night. Throughout their travels, the group stayed in several different places, including a hostel-style hotel, a village compound, and a resort. Despite the challenges, Griffiths said the trip brought her much closer to the students she traveled with. Spending so much time together created friendships that continued beyond the trip. “I feel like I’m so close with them, and I could tell them anything,” Griffiths said. For Lisser and Griffiths, the trip was more than simply traveling to another country. It was an opportunity to serve others, experience a different culture, form lasting friendships, and return home with a greater appreciation for the world around them.