Stakes to steaks
Student Trip Blog
Hey guys, it’s Dev Schaeffer, your solo leader of the day today. Today was also a very crucial day in many regards as it was the first day of our Community Action Project, which we will be working on as a group for three days. In terms of what the project itself is, we are currently working on extending the ecological trail along the river to bring a higher level of tourist attraction to Jarabacoa and the surrounding area.
The work entailed framing a staircase out of dirt and rock up a hill with shovels so that we could start to place an actual staircase. At the top of the hill, other Glimpsers used pickaxes to begin working on a viewing point for the area. We once again woke up at the bright and early time of 7:00 AM (I had to wake up at 6:30 to fulfill my duties, but who’s counting, right?), and by 8:45 we were off to the CAP site. We worked hard (and hardly worked) until noon, when we went back to the villa to eat lunch, and once again returned to the site at 2:00.
My main goal today was to really keep morale high throughout the difficulties of the labor that we were working on. I know as a sports player that momentum can shift in a moment’s notice if we get lazy as workers (cite Falcons vs. Patriots 28-3 for reference). We’ve really been working on keeping a consistent pace throughout the day and today we really started to showcase a lot of growth in that. I truly believe that we have a special group and we’re really having an experience that I will simply never forget.
At times, today got heated. I’m guilty of having an outburst that is unbecoming of myself. But the most important thing was that when it was time for dinner, we hugged it all out and reminded each other how important that we are to one another. I just really admire the level of strength that we display every day, and people here have become family to me as every day feels like it takes a week, and we get to know each other better and better.
I loved being Leader of the Day, it put me in a position that I wasn’t comfortable with, and I still worked really hard to make sure that I could live up to the potential that we have as a team. There were a lot of challenges, especially with me being the first (and hopefully only) leader to not have a partner to bounce off of.
I love this group, I love the family that I’ve made here, and personally I can’t wait to pass the torch to the next leaders because it’s been a really long day.
-Dev
(P.S, the CBS crew left us today, but not before interviewing a couple more of us.)
Comments (10)
Tammy Summers-Hunter
Simply amazing. You all should be really proud of yourselves. I know I am very proud of you son. Ayden you your team keep up the great work. Love Mommy
Taisha Gutierrez
I am in awe of all of you guys, this is truly amazing . Zariha you are amazing my sweet girl . Keep up the good work . You all are making a difference.
Zarihas Mom ♥️
Ernestina Salazar
Verlos trabajar, están haciendo un trabajo increíble, Lizbeth estoy tan orgullosa de ti.
Roselande Aubourg
I am so proud of you guys, @ Christina I miss you baby.
Journelle Clark
Hi Dev! Thank you so much for your honest post. It reminded me of Bruce Tuckman’s five stages of team development—Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing. I learned about it this year. AI (sorry Judea, I know she’s not a fan) helped me summarize:
Forming: Joining the group and meeting everyone.
Storming: Clashing over ideas and work styles.
Norming: Figuring out how to work together.
Performing: Smashing goals as a perfect team.
Adjourning: Finishing the project and saying goodbye.
Sounds like you had the toughest day to lead with keeping spirits high during the storming stage—so I’m guessing. In any event, I’m glad you all hugged it out during dinner and got through the day. It really stood out to me when you wrote, “I just really admire the level of strength that we display every day, and people here have become family to me as every day feels like it takes a week, and we get to know each other better and better.” As I was reading, I thought I admired you and your commitment to your role. The outburst, though “unbecoming of you” (as you described in your own words) showed just how passionate you were about the project, the community you are serving, and your new Global Glimpse family. 🙂 many adults haven’t even been tasked with that level of responsibility. You persevered and managed to muster up enough energy to eloquently write about it. your teammates in DR and on the field are lucky to have you. Congratulations to you and the rest of the Global Glimpsers for a job well done. I told and showed everyone who I encountered today your work. Impressed is a mild interpretation of their response. In any event, keep the blogs coming. P.s hi sweet princess. Mommy loves and misses you very much. Grumpy Grampy says, “hi lil duck” and granny says, “hi stink butt.”
Bonnie Ocasio
This is truly amazing to be apart of something so much bigger. A small piece of work and dedication is definitely going to go a long way. Liam- we are all so proud of you and your determination throughout this trip. Continue to achieve greatest.
Love,
Mom
Sammi Weissman
So cool that you are doing all of this and that it will be presented for everyone to see!! Keep up the great work!!
Rhea Nichols
Love all the pictures but the top picture is iconic and should be a poster or an ad for, use your imagination to decide what for. Every day sounds unique and very special and the kind of experience that is not available in ordinary travel. Enjoy it all.
Love to all and Levi, Adonis is responsible for any typos. He’s purring in my ear and I can’t see the keyboard.
Love, Grandma
Niko Strbac
So proud of you, Levi and the whole group, for the amazing work you are doing!
Ernestine Audige
Hey! I’m so proud of you all!!! Keep up
The good work! Miss and love you Morgan