Pitt Community College Global Serve is a service learning based program that focuses on cultural exploration while taking part in service projects in a particular host country. The service country was Belize.
I applied for an International Education Travel Scholarship, created a go fund me page, and accepted PCC Foundation donations to help cover the cost of my trip.
This was my first international trip. Although I was nervous, I wasn't going to let anything keep me from experiencing a wonderful opportunity.
Day One: Saturday, March 5th
Travel Route
Raleigh, NC - Miami, FL - Belize City, Belize - San Ignacio, Belize
CELA Welcome Dinner at Hode's
Check-in at Martha's Guesthouse
Walking Tour of San Ignacio, Belize
Day Two: Sunday, March 6th
Morning Lectures
- Overview of Health, Safety, and Culture in Belize, Cynthia Reese
- History and Culture Timeline, Dr. Filiberto Penados
- Challenge of Sustainable Development, Dr. Filiberto Penados
Lunch
Conservation in Belize: Green Iguana Project
We are all wearing our magic CELA bracelets to help us honor our experiences, new places, moments, and the resilient people of Belize.
Day Three: Monday, March 7th
We took a local ferry to get to the Xunantunich Mayan Ruin.
CLICK FOR TOUR INFO
Lunch at Benny's
Biodiversity in Belize - Chiquibul Forest Conservation Lecture
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO
Visit to David Magana's Art Studio in Succotz Village
Dinner at Hode's
Day Four: Tuesday, March 8th
Belize DuPlooy's Botanic Gardens Tour
-Focus on traditional plants for complementary and alternative natural medicine
Canoeing from DuPlooy's to San Ignacio
Yoga
Day Five: Wednesday, March 9th
Morning Lectures
~Health & Wellness in Belize~
Nurse Rosa
~Social Issues in Belize: Family, Poverty, Youth, and Development~
Professor Melanie Santiago Smith
~Service Learning Introduction and School Tour~
Dr. Filiberto Penados
Mount Carmel Primary School
Benque Viejo Del Carmen, Belize
Lunch
BMI Assessment of 100 students in the School Lunch Program
Day Six: Thursday, March 10th
Health Clinic Tour
Service Learning
~Nutrition & Physical Fitness Lesson~
Four Classes 60 minute blocks
Day Seven: Friday, March 11th
Day 2 of Service Learning Health & Nutrition Lessons
4 Classes
House of Culture Traditional Farewell Dinner
I wasn't going to leave until I learned how to play the marimba!
Day Eight: Saturday, March 12th
BELIZE ZOO
Departure to Caye Caulker via Water Taxi
Lecture
~The Belize Coral Reef: Issues & Challenges~
Late Night Swim
Explored the Night Life and Stopped by Ocean Academy High School Prom
Day Nine: Sunday, March 13th
Day of Snorkeling
~Belize Barrier Reef~
Underwater Pics COMING SOON!!!!
(Last Night)
Day Ten: Monday, March 14th
Farewell Sunrise
Tropic Air Flight from Caye Caulker to Belize City
American Airlines flight from Belize City to Miami, FL to Raleigh, NC
I am so thankful for a chance to experience so many new things. I made the most of every second and pushed myself beyond fear, doubt, stereotypes, and the thought that another opportunity like this will arise. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us. I think it is important for us all to see what life is like outside of our comfort zones. Reading a book or watching a documentary can open your eyes to the world around us, but seeing it first hand it priceless.
~Life Reflections~
Different doesn't mean wrong, it means DIFFERENT!
Everyone has a story to tell and a lesson to teach.
God doesn't need your bank account number to bless you with riches.
Don't miss out on an opportunity to make a difference in someone else's life.
Life is so much bigger than your bubble.
Trying something new can be exactly what you need.
Don't wait for someone else to fix a problem if you know the solution.
Be the change you want to see in this world.
Strive to be a better today than you were yesterday.
If I have to go alone, I'll go.
Don't allow others to steal your time or happiness.
I'm blessed to be a blessing.
Don't be selfish with your experiences! Share them and inspire others to take their own journey.
I want to leave a positive mark on this world.
Don't overlook the magnificent wonders life has to offer because you were too busy chasing materialistic items that you can't take with you when you leave this world.
Pitt Community College Travel Abroad needs our contributions to make an experience like mine happen for another deserving student. Join me in paying it forward. Specify that you'd like your funds to go to TRAVEL ABROAD PROGRAMS.
~Life Reflections~
Different doesn't mean wrong, it means DIFFERENT!
Everyone has a story to tell and a lesson to teach.
God doesn't need your bank account number to bless you with riches.
Don't miss out on an opportunity to make a difference in someone else's life.
Life is so much bigger than your bubble.
Trying something new can be exactly what you need.
Don't wait for someone else to fix a problem if you know the solution.
Be the change you want to see in this world.
Strive to be a better today than you were yesterday.
If I have to go alone, I'll go.
Don't allow others to steal your time or happiness.
I'm blessed to be a blessing.
Don't be selfish with your experiences! Share them and inspire others to take their own journey.
I want to leave a positive mark on this world.
Don't overlook the magnificent wonders life has to offer because you were too busy chasing materialistic items that you can't take with you when you leave this world.
Pitt Community College Travel Abroad needs our contributions to make an experience like mine happen for another deserving student. Join me in paying it forward. Specify that you'd like your funds to go to TRAVEL ABROAD PROGRAMS.