Global Glimpse provides unique summer experience

Senior Kate Johnson (front row, second from right) poses with the other students on her trip to Ecuador. (Courtesy: K. Johnson)

By Claire Stevens,
BlueDevilHUB.com Editor–

Several Davis High students made the most of their summers by traveling abroad with the program Global Glimpse to volunteer in various countries.

Senior Kate Johnson traveled to Riobamba, Ecuador, for 15 days with the program. There, she and the other students on her trip worked with locals in the community of Guamote.

Projects included building cement storage, English tutoring and painting a mural.

During the trip, they also spent time learning local culture and politics.

“I think I learned how to be more involved in my community and to better respect different cultures,” Johnson said.

Senior Bryn Goedde-Matthews also traveled to Riobamba with Global Glimpse. She felt she gained many things from the trip including leadership skills, friends and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

She recalls a favorite memory from the trip in which she assisted helping a six year old read and write when she visited an organization for kids who work on the streets selling candies or shining shoes.

“I really enjoyed working with the community,” Goedde-Matthews said. “Getting to help and work with the locals gave me a better understanding of their daily life.”

Johnson’s favorite memories were being with people who were committed to the project and wanted to make a change, though she also notes that it was very fun being able to climb the nearby Chimborazo in the Andes.

Both Johnson and Goedde-Matthews got involved in the trip after being nominated by a counselor or teacher last school year. After students are nominated, they can choose to apply to various countries. They agree that it was an experience they would recommend to other students.

“It builds so many new relationships and a new understanding for how I can help my community,” Johnson said.

The experience also opened her eyes as things were more modern than she had expected.

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