Day 10 – Final Reflection
Student Trip Blog
Today, our main goal and theme was getting introduced to our CAP Project, which focuses on sustainable development! But before we got into that, we had to start with wake-up and breakfast. Today, we got to sleep in for an extra hour (let us tell you, we were SOOO excited!). Binika and Gavi were our Liders del Día (LDDs), and they had the important job of waking everyone up. By 8:30, everyone was downstairs and ready for breakfast… except for one room. But they eventually managed to make it downstairs, LOL!
For breakfast, the kitchen made us sweet grilled cheese, a slice of ham, pineapple, and drinkable oatmeal. Gavi even used some of her goat milk caramel to sweeten her coffee—and she says it was pretty good!
Around 9:00, we hopped on the bus to visit , where we were introduced to our CAP Project. The students there were so happy to have us and brought so much energy and passion to the project. We also met our Speaker of the Day, Elisabeth, who previously served in the Peace Corps.
The students gave us a tour of their school, and we thought it was really cool that they were able to choose and focus on interests they were passionate about. We also loved seeing how comfortable they were with one another, especially when they would call out and greet other students walking by. Elisabeth then had the students give us a mini-presentation about the project, followed by some icebreakers so we could get to know each other better.
After that, our student guides showed us around the school and the area where we will be working on our project. Despite the language barrier, it didn’t stop us from making connections—which is sooo important when traveling to a new country.
After about an hour and a half, it was time to say our “see you laters” and hop back on the bus to get our supplies. Once again, these students were amazing (big love to them!), and we even got a picture with our CAP guides!
When we returned to the hotel, we had a delicious lunch with our Speaker of the Day. After lunch, we learned more about our CAP Project and began developing plans for how we could work alongside the Panamanian students and tackle the project together. While this definitely brought some frustration and stress to the group, we were able to work through it, communicate our ideas, and create a plan to the best of our ability.
Our Thoughts on Being Liders del Día — Day 4
Binika: The highlight of my day was definitely the seminar. It stressed me out tons, but it also encouraged me even more to embrace my leadership and help my peers develop a plan for the CAP. Although I was nervous at first, what motivated me was my interest in helping everyone understand what we will be doing.
Today, we also got to call our parents, and I had a really nice conversation with my family. In the meantime, Steph taught us a game called “Big Booty,” which is a rhythmic game, and we thought it was really fun!
Throughout the day, a lot of students were also focused on creating friendship bracelets, which we were lucky enough to have thanks to Elenore and Melina. They were a little distracting, but they were definitely fun!
Gavi: Hello again! It was really fun being the LDD with Binika! She was incredibly supportive, especially when I was having trouble being commanding (I’m more of a coach, BTW). So, give her a shout-out!
The highlight of my day was meeting the students. They were so sweet, and even though I had absolutely no clue what they were saying, we were still able to get along with each other. (Yes, Ma, I tried speaking in Spanish!) [This is GGL: Global Glimpse Leader Alx, you should be so proud] I can’t wait to see them again on Monday and get my hands dirty with this project.
To Ma, Ethan, and Loki: I loved our call! Don’t worry, there is more to come. I know you’re excited. I love you all!
I agree with Binika—the friendship bracelets were pretty fun. Even I got scooped up into it! They were a little distracting, but don’t worry, we’re still being respectful and staying on top of things.
So parents, if you’re having trouble getting teens to bond—or teachers, if you’re having trouble getting your students to bond—try making friendship bracelets. That’s all I have to say for now.
“In case I don’t see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.” — The Truman Show
Comments (44)
Cynthia Delgado
What can I say my dear Gavriella Serrano 💗💗💗 you are a strong caring and loving person… your personality says it all!!! ❤️ I know for sure that when you wake up in the morning you will give it all to see the kids (comunidad Las Tablas, Panama) happy… and that makes us Proud of you 😘 Love Dad, brother, Loki 🐕 & Mami
Dios te Bendiga!!! 🙏🇵🇦
Cynthia Delgado
Que feliz me siento de saber q fuistes lider del dia mi Nieta Querida Gavy Serrano! Siempre aprendiendo cosas buenas y ayudando en la comunidad, no solo en Westfield MA si no tambien en Las Tablas Panama.
Que orgullo llevo en mi corazon!
Abuela Sandra 💗 🇵🇷
Cynthia Delgado
Hi to everyone, enjoy your weekend in Las Tablas Panama 🇵🇦 Dios me los Bendiga! 🤗🙏
Cynthia Delgado
Kids today is Saturday say…. Wepaaa 🤗 🇵🇦 📸
Kristy Demers
It was great to get to talk to my kiddo today and hear about a few things. It looks like you all are getting to k on one another great and having some fun. I’m so excited to hear more about your project next week. Heard you all were going to the beach sounds fun enjoy. Chelsi keep pushing forward and embrace this experience. Haylee misses you tons as do we all. Enjoy and talk soon
Love ❤️ Mom Dad Liam And HayHay
Agnieszka
It was so good to finally hear your voice yesterday Angelica! ❤️ I didn’t realize how much I missed you until we talked. Hearing about your days and all the things you are doing made me feel a little closer to you. The school visit sounds so special, and I can already imagine you getting your hands dirty and making everyone laugh like you always do! 😂 We are all missing you so much and can’t wait for you to come back and tell us everything in person. Enjoy every moment, my girl! We are so proud of you! ❤️
Aimee (McK’s Mom ♥️)
Hi Everyone! The adventures continue! I can’t wait to hear more about the CAP project and see more pictures! McKayla, I wonder if you were the room that had a hard time getting to breakfast on time , lol 🤣! I love to hear that everyone is forming relationships and bonding; what a great experience ♥️. McK, if you are doing the friendship bracelets , teach me when you get home; I used to make them 100 years ago when I was a kid! I’m so happy to hear you are using your Spanish skills while in Panama , it’s such a great quality to have and use . McKayla , I loved hearing your voice on the call and I know you are doing well and making the best out of every situation! Being outside of your comfort zone can be scary, but you will learn so much about yourself ♥️. P.S: I had your Dunkin refresher order today , don’t be jealous! Love you McK! Funny Faces ! ♥️
Jen Cadran
So proud of everyone breaking out of comfort zones on this trip.
You’re all in a unique spot right now, fully immersed in an unknown land of mostly strangers. Most adults would struggle and you all are really pushing through and thriving, amazing work!
Looking forward to seeing more on the project, Rob gave us some notes on our call, what a great gift to add to their school! 💚
Rob, Lincoln is sending along many slobbery kisses and big pup snuggles 🐶
Patrick Mullins
Wow! Sounds like a busy day. Nice to hear that you are making connections with people in the local community. I’m excited to hear about how the project comes together!
Elenore, I was so happy to be able to talk with you yesterday! Have an awesome day!
Jessica Vachula-Curtis
I’m so proud of all of you! It’s very brave to step out of your comfort zone and travel to a foreign country. Trying new foods, speaking the language and learning so much about other cultures is amazing. This will definitely be a life-changing experience for all of you and you are an inspiration to others! Have fun, make new friendships and keep being incredible human beings. Rob, I’m super proud of you and I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures.
Kelly Stevens
Rob, I am so excited you get to have this experience! Soak up every minute! Xoxo love ya kiddo!
-Kel
Karen Kelley
Hello, it’s Rob’s Amma! Love reading daily about your adventures. This is an experience of a lifetime for you all. I’m sure it’s hard at times but keep on going cause the memories of this trip will be yours for a lifetime.
Rob, Dean slept over last night and he says, “Hello”.♥️
You’ll have to teach him the “Big Booty” game. Actually, you can teach me too!
I love yeah Rob
I’m so proud of you. Love Amma
Cynthia Delgado
Good morning Beautiful young lady Binika for being the LDD with Gavy!!! 🥳
Dios te Bendiga! 🙏
With Love, Mama Serrano 😍
Kristin
It was so nice to see and hear from you yesterday. The stories you share always make us laugh. I can’t wait to hear how the project is going. And make sure you do drink some coffee.
Love you,
Xoxox
Mom
PS Presley can write on her own — she has the link. As does Connor & his family 😉
Maybe they can post something fun and embarrassing 😳
I guess I’ll stick to plain boring posts from now on and not the emojis filled ones 🤣
Yoshina
Hii McKayla, I hope you’re having lots fun while you’re over there. The CAPS project sounds really interesting including the fact that you worked alongside other students who didn’t speak much English, I know your conversations with my mom helped you translate and understand better. I miss you sooo much and you better read all my text when you get back!!!
Love, Yoshina💗
Sara Switzer
Thanks for your call last night, Renato, it was awesome to hear the happiness and excitement as you talked about your trip so far. Sounds like you have a great cohort of kids with you. I’m really excited about the service project and I can’t wait to see how it turns out. I’m in Maine with Caity, who says “make good choices and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do”.
Nancy Kopec
Keeping busy , can’t wait to see more
Wayne Alderman
What a wonderful opportunity to see how people live in other parts of the world! Have fun. You’ll never forget your great experiences. Maybe even make life time friends and write letters. Proud of you all!
Andrea Barber
Cool that there are the speaker of the day to provide an intro to the CAP expectations and a guide for the Global Glimpsers to navigate such a large undertaking. As mission participants you are leaving a positive impact in the lives of these community members.
I’m in education so it’s fabulous that you get interaction with students perspective from another culture. No better learning experience than hands on in the moment. We do body beats with our elementary students but staff get into it too.
Gratitude that your schools are paid for and built from the city contractors. I’ll be curious to see which jobs everyone picked. As a speech assistant, communication can be tricky amongst yourselves, never mind in a loss of translation. There are so many aspects of functional communication that is not considered. Emotions being one that easily affects communication. Kudos for working through it as a large group.
Biniki & Gavi thanks for taking the lead today. Good perspective and growth from these experiences. Could you guys translate my message from yesterday? I got to cheat with Google Translate.
It was great to hear from our kids. Seth I can’t wait to read your perspective tmw. So excited to hear you are at the turtle sanctuary today.
Safe travels
Mama Barber xoxo
Tony Barber
This is great. This is a great way to follow along. I’m soo happy for seth to be able to go there and see how it is
Jenn McCaffrey
Sounds like another amazing day! How cool to get to do your project at a high school! And meet the students! And practice your language skills! Amazing all around. Congrats to the leaders of the day! It sounds like you did an amazing job with a very hard assignment.
Milina – it was so fabulous to talk to you yesterday! Your sister, brother, and I miss you so much, but are so proud of you! We love you so, and also hi from Bristol, Cricut, Pastel, Olive, and Hera. xo
Ps. Glad the friendship bracelets are a hit!
Pps. Hope you enjoyed your time at the beach!
Kathy aka Grandma
It’s Saturday and I’m all caught up reading about your adventures in Panama. Elenore, I see how happy you are between enjoying the goats and creating the friendship bracelets you are in your element of fun and creativity.
I’m looking forward to reading about the special project you will be doing with your new friends. ❤️🐱🥰
Cynthia Delgado
Hey Gavy! There are no words that can truly show how proud I am for all you do and all that you have become! It has been an absolute pleasure watching you grow and excel! You are such a beautiful person inside and out! You wear your heart on your sleeve and she be proud of all that you have accomplished at such a young age! You going to do such amazing things when you become an adult and you will change the world. I love you and can’t wait to see you once you get home. Vicky-❤️
Cynthia Delgado
Hi Gavy! Just wanted to send you a little message to let you know how incredibly proud I am of you and everything you’re accomplishing. It’s so amazing to hear about all the wonderful things you’re doing – helping the community. What an incredible experience you’re having! You should be so proud of yourself for stepping out of your comfort zone, learning new things, keep enjoying every moments, making memories, and doing amazing things. We’re all so proud of you back home! ❤️ 🐢 Reem – ❤️
Cynthia Delgado
Gavy is the role model many wish to aspire to be kind, friendly, grounded, knowledgeable, responsible, funny and so much more. When i met her i thought she was just another name on the icon wasn’t enough to make her memorable. At least that’s what i thought until i got to know her. She’s deeply passionate about what she believes in and what she likes, she brightens up every conversation with her smile and her words. She cares deeply about her family and has done so much – not just for her, but for her whole community. She joined the Cadets, hangs out socially, attends hybrid school, has fun, and balance it all. Even with all her accomplishments she still remains humble. Gavy isn’t just a role model, she’s a friend and one I’m so grateful to have met. Talinna <3
Cynthia Delgado
Gavy, you have grown up to be a very intelligent, respectful, goal driven, focus, and funny young lady. A social butterfly. My family loves her very much and hope and pray that the Lord keep blessing her with success and all the desires of her heart.
We love you very much Gavy! Johanna, Joshua & Carl <3
Cindy Grandmont
Gavy Serrano
We are proud of you! You are a caring, passionate and strong young women. This world needs more beings like you. Keep traveling, learning and sharing, it builds and creates healing in this world.
Love You
Cindy, Carol, Aidan and Sophie
Cynthia Delgado
My dear Gavy & Binika! 🤗
🤔 I think you & the group build una Letrina 🤭 ( Gavy can explain), 😅 maybe a closet to put away school supplies, or build a soccer field for the kid & youth to play soccer ⚽ in their break time.. tell me when you get back home sweet Gavy 💗 enjoy every moment 😘 Love Mami 💝
Adilza Bordas
Hello Gavy,
What a wonderful opportunity to be part of this sustainable project and helping the children of Panama. You’re a very intelligent, caring and dedicated individual I know you will do so many great things. The future looks bright for you continue to shine and make us all proud. I will be praying for your safety as well as your classmates. God bless you always.
Adilza
Amy Clark
Hello love! What an amazing opportunity that you’re living out. Enjoy every moment, treasure the memories, and rest when you can. The things that you’ve learned here will continue throughout your life and give you Amazing life skills to bring to your future. I know your mom and dad are incredibly proud of you. I can’t wait when one day you’ll be in the BOSS office (because it’s YOURS) and I get to say I KNOW HER! Stay safe love.
Jasmilarin Urbina
To my beautiful niece Gavriella, I’m extremely proud of you so much that I don’t have the words to express it. Keep up the good work and enjoy your time to the max. Let your kindness and selflessness shine so the world can see what we as your family do. Love you always Titi Cookie.🫶
Karen Klimek
Gavi,
This is so exciting to see what you are working on. You always do things to make the world a better place. I am so proud of you. This is a wonderful experience for you to remember throughout your whole life. Don’t forget to bring back a souvenir for your family. Maybe even a rock to bring this world back to yours. Keep on being the amazing human we adore.
Laura Marx
What an amazing project and experience you all are having! Gavi, sending you lots of love from Massachusetts. I hope your time in Panama continues to go well.
Kurt Bordas
Gavi, we are so proud of you and extremely happy that you took on this opportunity to not only travel but extend your skills and talents to participating in the local community and contributing your leadership skills to the CAP Project. We pray that you remain safe, continue to grow stronger in yourself, and make lasting bonds for future traveling endeavors. Congrats!
Prayers and Love,
The Bordas Family – Kurt, Adilza, Mikey and Alyssa
Katie Fredette
Congratulations, Gavi! What an honor and a privilege that you have achieved to be the leader of the day! You’re doing great things kid keep it up. Me and Bill are so very proud of you.💕
Jen LaPanne (and Syd)
We are so very proud to call you and your family our friends. You have an incredible role model in your mom, who has shown you how to be a strong, kind, fierce and empathetic woman…and it shows in all the outstanding accomplishments you have made and continue to make. Keep following your dreams and crushing your goals. I can’t wait to keep following the chapters in your story. With you as the author, it will no doubt continue to be AMAZING!!! This girl is on fire 🔥
Jacqueline Rodriguez
This is amazing to see and hear, absolutely love it !! What a great opportunity for all. Gabby, you never seem to surprise me with your beautiful heart and soul. Congratulations!!!
Susan Petrucelli
Hi Gavi! I love to see you doing these great things in the world! What a wonderful opportunity for you! Miss you much! Your mom is keeping me updated on your adventures.
Talk to you soon!
Dr. Petrucelli
Heidi Hiner
Wow Gavi!!! You are doing so many amazing things. I am so proud to say I was part of your journey as your very first preschool teacher!
Laura Fisher
Gavy,
I am beaming with pride as I read all of the wonderful things you and your fellow students are doing! It seems like a blink ago that you were with me in the First Grade and here you are many years later and half a world away knocking life out of the park! This former First Grade teacher is in awe at your growth, maturity and leadership to take on these tasks!
How inspiring you are to those around you with your kindness and in leaning into every bit of this experience! You talked about the highlight of your day in your contribution to this blog! The highlight of mine has been catching up with you here and seeing how you are continuing to fly! The sky’s the limit, girl! Keep soaring with grounded intention
In every step!! Enjoy every minute of this journey and in this experience!
It is quite an accomplishment!
Wishing the best always and the best to your mom, dad and Ethan!
Love, Mrs. Fisher
Sarah Thompson
Hi Gavy, I am so proud of you and am excited to learn about this program you are a part of. I can’t believe you are so far from home but am impressed by your courage to see another part of our great wide world. I really like your Truman Show quote too BTW. Muchos besos from all of us! Have fun, be safe and keep being amazing 🥰
Cynthia Delgado
My dear Binika, you did and amazing job, love your story!!! 😍
Dios te bendiga!!! 🙏 Love Mama Serrano 🥰
C. Delgado (Arianna)
Gavy I love you so much! We’ve been best friends since kindergarten and my life would be empty with out you. I hope you have the most incredible day because you deserve it. I Love U 💗💗💗 Arianna
Jenny and Olivia Occhiuti
Gavy!
You are such a beautiful person inside and out. What you’re doing is selfless and a HUGE accomplishment. You are strong, independent, and a wonderful role model. We are very proud of you! Keep up the good work and just continue being your wonderful self!!
Love,
Jenny and Olivia