Hey everyone,
My name is Ana and this summer I spent 10 days in India and then 9 weeks in Ecuador working for a non-profit. I went with two friends and MLK Scholars, Kiera and Alys, to help implement a mini-retreat for 40 girls of a non-profit called Ashastan. In addition, we got to travel around and do things like see the Taj Mahal and ride camels! After a breathtaking trip around the country, I headed to the Cotopaxi region of Ecuador deep into the mountains. I worked with an organization called Amigos de las Americas on community development and youth leadership. I was able to work in 4 different rural communities and oversaw the implementation of 4 community development projects! Overall, my summer was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget :)
Ana Aguilera
Boston University ‘13
This past summer, I ended up working at Boston University. This was my second summer working for the university and I loved every second of it. I worked for the Boston University Community Service Center for FYSOP (The First Year Student Outreach Project). I, along with nineteen other BU students, helped plan a week’s worth of community service for over 1,000 freshmen to do the week before school started. I worked with the issue of Gender Focus, which focused on LGBT rights, domestic violence, and body image issues. I stayed up many late nights planning but I learned so much about these issues, found some great community service organizations in Boston, and formed unforgettable friendships. FYSOP is a great program that I’ve been involved with my freshmen year and it has really shaped my college experience, so get involved in it if you can.
I also went to India at the beginning of the summer as my friend Ana Banana mentioned in an earlier post. I had never been out of the continent before so it was an eye opening experience. We worked with a missionary organization that houses, mentors, and provides schooling for young Indian girls. The girls we worked with were amazing and I hope to go back someday. Traveling to India was a great way to kick off my unforgettable summer of 2011.
Kiera
Hey All,
I had such an incredible and life changing (literally) experience this summer. To start off with, I worked for the Admissions Office as a Student Admissions Representative. That just basically means I welcomed guest who came to tour BU, answered phones, replied to emails, you know all that fun jazz of an office. But, what rocked the most is that I got to live for free on-campus…shout out to BU Housing. Overall My job was incredibly fulfilling because I could see the difference I made in the prospective students who figuring out where to attend college. But, living in an apartment in Boston was a life lesson. I learned how to efficiently live on my own; from buying groceries, to cleaning the apartment, and even learning how to cook.
By the way, my cuisine is supreme. I also discovered Boston through so many amazing restaurants. There are so many great places to eat outside of North End and Newbury Street. By chance I discovered this beautiful and quaint coastal town called Rockport. If you have the chance, take the commuter rail north and you will fall in love with Rockport’s small Mom and Pop shops, the delicious seafood, and majestic atmosphere.
Living in Boston is a must because it is a completely different city than during the academic year. The city hosts everything from an all-you-can eat ice cream fest, free movies on the Esplanade, a breathtaking Fourth of July celebration, and even free dancing at Government Center. In short, this was the best summer I ever had.
Santiago ( @Santi_Tweets)
Hi Friends
This is Sandra Archer and I am a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences studying psychology and public health. This past summer I went to Punta Gorda, Belize on a public health initiative trip and it was the most amazing and indescribable experience I have ever had. The number one killer in Belize is Diabetes and so our intervention was compromised of school/classroom lessons, home visits with diabetes testing and counseling, clinic visits with testing and counseling, and hosting a community fair for testing and raising awareness within the Punta Gorda community.
The first day in Belize I was completely overwhelmed, with the 6 hour bus ride from one side of the country to the next and then being greeted to a house and town without running water for two days. It definitely was not the Hilton on Miami Beach but despite everything it was all so beautiful, the people, the clear skies, sea breeze, and the relaxation within the air. All till now, months and months later, I love take myself back to the moments I had there.
If you are interested in hearing more about my story and trip then you can visit http://www.bu.edu/bostonia/fall11/belize/
Peace, Love, Happiness, and Hope
Sandra
