Day 8: Cap Execution Day 2 (Aleenah & Aarin)

Greetings everyone, I am Aleenah Parrish. Today, I had the pleasure of being Leader of the Day. Today was CAP Day 2; we helped Mujeres De Manglar (AMURAM) paint tires that would be used as planters. These tires were painted in a creamsicle orange and almost like a mint chocolate green. But I am not a mint chocolate chip lover, sorry. Anyway. In pairs, we ventured off to a table where we painted signs in Spanish. My partner and I created a sign that said, “La Esperanza Muere Al Ultimó.” This translates to “Hope Dies Last.” This means a lot to me, and knowing that I have created a sign to be left somewhere in Panamá will give me some peace of mind that someone will read my message and understand it. We also continued filling bags with the soil mixture, a process that we finished quite quickly. I appreciate my group so much because they do not hesitate to work. Everyone is so kind; as a leader, it is easy to work with willing and kind people. 

I am enjoying my trip; it is so beautiful here in Panamá. I have a lot of time to think when I am not laughing with my peers, especially my roommates. Having time to think is so important because life is so fast that it doesn’t come so easily all the time. I will miss it here dearly. I also want to take some time to thank those who have helped me get here. First and foremost, Sra. Fawson, my Spanish teacher, for nominating me; my mother, who has paid for my trip here; and my father, who mentally prepared me to leave internationally by myself. P.S. I miss our jokes and time together, Dad. 

With much love,

Aleenah Parrish

I’ve always believed that an inextricable part of being a good leader is setting a good example for others. When other people look up to a leader – and I mean a real, powerful leader – they don’t just see someone who relays scripted instructions. They see an ideal, a reflection of their best selves. This can look like many things: effective, articulate speaking, conveying confidence, or simply being someone that other people look up to and trust. A good leader, at the very least, embodies these characteristics. In my own journey as a leader, my main goal is guided by this understanding: to be a leader is to let others see their best selves in you. 

Love,

Aarin