Greetings!

I’m Nick, a proud Global Glimpse alum and this summer’s Global Glimpse Intern! In 2022, I travelled to Constanza, Dominican Republic, and it changed my life. 

It has been an amazing summer here at Global Glimpse! Seeing so many courageous student leaders gain a global perspective through exploration has been my daily fuel each day. Our students have sung, danced, and worked through this summer; as a Global Glimpse alum, I couldn’t be prouder of the next generation of Glimpsers!

While I could regale you all with the amazing experiences and learnings our incredible Glimpsers have enjoyed this summer… I think you’d much rather hear it from them! 

Note: You may notice blog posts signed with names like “T3C” or “P2A”—these are Global Glimpse delegation codes that help identify each group of students traveling together. These names not only help us organize trips, they also become a source of pride and identity for each group, students often refer to themselves by their delegation name and form a strong bond around it throughout their journey!

BONDS TO LAST A LIFETIME

TURRIALBA, COSTA RICA

The bonds Glimpsers make on their trips are second to none, and for many, continue to grow and flourish after the trip concludes. This blog by Freja, Amelia, and Jayden of T3C showcases just that – check it out!

“Once we returned from the cheese farm, we changed once again into nicer clothing to prepare for a trip to downtown Turrialba for dinner at Fratelli’s (Italian restaurant). We enjoyed several large pizzas, including but not limited to pepperoni, margherita, barbecue, and pesto chicken. We had a great time bonding and laughing with each other while talking and taking pictures. The bus ride back to the accommodation was full of laughter and song before we wound down with our nightly meeting and bonfire.

Today was our busiest day yet; however, we still enjoyed the time we spent with the students, Carla, and each other.

We learned how to be more sustainable as consumers and also how to become better leaders. We are more than thrilled to pass on the torch to our next leaders, Jackson, Jocelyn, and Reny.”

Read more from Delegation T3C here.

DEVELOPING LEADERS… IT’S WHAT WE DO!

JARABACOA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

One of the best aspects of a Global Glimpse trip is the opportunity to be the Líder del Día (LDD); students get the chance to test and develop their leadership skills. Andrew (JA2C), Nicole, Arlendy, and Luna (JA1B) got their shot during the Community Action Project! These projects are a huge undertaking and require efficiency in planning, communication, and execution. Nevertheless, our Glimpsers are always up to the challenge.

“…I took away many lessons from today’s collected work—most importantly, collaboration and unity. Every single person was working together or on their own individual task, with scarce signs of stalled movement. This kind of teamwork was also surprising, as most of us were all strangers not even a week ago! I’m immensely proud of how much we accomplished today, particularly with the painting and the colored pencil fence. That process required a lot of people to sand the wood, paint it, cut it, and nail it precisely on the fence. Seeing this through the eyes of a Líder del Día was very inspiring, as much of the coordination and instruction was handled by me, Isaac, and Andrew.

Watching our voices have an impact on a large group of teenagers was very inspiring! Reflecting on today from my perspective, I can see why a lot of tasks get done in the real world when everything is coordinated and split into groups, along with an appropriate schedule.”

Read more from Delegation JA2C here.

JARABACOA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

“We made some excellent progress today, which included digging holes for the fence, finishing half the fence, and starting to paint our colorful murals. After three hours of hard work, we headed back to the ranch to get some delicious lunch, which was pork with potatoes, corn, rice, steamed veggies, and fried plantains. After a delicious lunch, we then headed back to work at the school for three more hours. We made some serious progress! The fence and murals are more than halfway done. Some of us wanted to keep on grinding!

We were left thinking about how our amazing teamwork allowed us to positively impact students like ourselves in a different country.”

Read more from Delegation JA1B here.

GRATITUDE AND A GROWTH MINDSET

CHITRE, PANAMA

So why do we hold each one of our Glimpsers in such high esteem? Simply because not only do they do the work and take the time to understand and learn about their new environment—they do so with immense appreciation for the opportunity to learn and for the communities that host them. 

What’s more, they are honest, introspective, and even poetic when reflecting on their experience!

“To wrap this blog up, we just wanted to reflect on what we learned during this process.
I think we can speak for all the Glimpsers when we say that this experience has changed our mindset—making us more open-minded, taking initiative, and helping others, even if the results may not directly benefit ourselves. We will take our new mentality with us into our everyday lives, not only to create a more successful future for ourselves but also to benefit those around us and the future.

Although the work is challenging, it is rewarding, and we will forever be grateful for this opportunity. Thank you to all the people involved in making this happen, like the parents helping support all of the Glimpsers and Kate (the Peace Corps officer), who made the CAP project run smoothly. ¡Muchas gracias!!!!!!!”

Read more from Delegation CH2C here.

A GLOBAL GLIMPSE

CONSTANZA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

An excerpt from a poem written Amanda F., Global Glimpse Student – C2C, 2025

I learned much about how to lead,
to care about what the people need.

That kindness is the way to go,
because what people go through
you’ll never know.

Be a model for everything that they should do,
hold yourself accountable too.

Lend a helping hand, show that you care.
Mix the sand with them, do what is fair.

There is much more to bring back
than pretty pics and souvenirs.

There’s lessons that drive growth and change.
I understand that I have much to be grateful for.
After the people I’ve met,
it’s clear I cannot ask for more.

I want to practice gratitude,
Because that is indeed the best attitude.

I want to be a friend to others,
As they all have been to me.
Someone kind is who I’m meant to be.

A hardworking spirit is one I’m meant to have,
There’s no point in the complaints that I’ve had.

Their lives are tough,
But their hearts are soft.
When I have it rough,
I want to carry out what I’ve been taught.

When my friends ask of our trip to the DR,
I will say that it’s changed who we are.

I will share of the beauty,
The culture, the people.
I will share their lives,
Their story,
And what it should teach us.My journey does not end when I land,
instead I carry a Global Glimpse
In the palm of my hand.

To read Amanda’s full poem and more stories from C2C click here.

A MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHOR:

Needless to say, this compilation shows just a small handful of the amazing things our Glimpsers have done and learned this summer. Narrowing down all the incredible blogs I’ve read to just six was impossibly difficult. I wish I had more space to highlight the work of each and every delegation and Glimpser. I want to extend a huge thank-you to every Glimpser for working hard, making the most of this experience, and writing the most interesting blogs for me to read each morning!

One final note for our incredible students:

The process of personal growth is gradual and littered with difficult choices along the way.
Trust yourself to make the right decisions when needed, and believe in the power of your own voice!                                      
        
Big love,
Nicolas