Alumni Perspectives

"It's hard to pick a specific favorite memory from the trip because there were so many to choose from. Whether it was dancing with locals in a square at night, learning about sustainable solutions to water issues in rural communities, walking to Palm Sunday mass while singing with a community, spotting monkeys while driving, visiting the Nazareth school to learn about education—especially special education in Honduras—or simply playing spoons with my group after meals, laughing, and reflecting on our day, every moment we spent in Honduras impacted my life in some way, and the week has become one of my favorite memories."

"I was pleasantly surprised by the sense of safety and comfort I felt within my group in such a short time. As a commuter, I appreciate the familiarity of home, but I quickly found that the supportive atmosphere created by my fellow participants and our chaperone made it easy to adapt. While I missed my family during the week, this experience also allowed me to embrace my independence and reflect on the sacrifices they have made for me. The trip left a lasting impression, deepening my appreciation for community and connection."

"Participating in ¡GO! emphasized the importance of learning about, understanding, and then immersing myself in a different country to get to know how people are differently impacted by certain social justice issues. It’s one thing to read about it and research, but it’s more significant to talk to different people living in the places you visit. You can get a more raw and nuanced view of the issues they are facing. It’s an experience you’ll forever cherish."

My favorite GO! memory was our final night in South Africa. We had a BBQ as a group and with our guides Mike, Melvin, and KG. It was really like a family dinner and we shared laughs, stories, and great company. For our final reflection, we gave speeches and I think it was at that moment when I realized I wanted to stay. South Africa was a beautiful country and I spent that project with amazing people.