Final Reflections

Hi! We are your final Liders del Dia – Lupita and Amanda 🙂

last day in the Dominican Republic!

We spent the morning in the Gazebo of Altocerro where we all gathered in circle for our final seminar. We reflected on our experience in the Dominican Republic. We discussed leadership styles, reflected on what we learned and what we’d like to stop doing, continue doing, and start doing with our life choices. We talked about what lessons, friendships, and memories we will take back home with us from the trip. Some shared that they want to bring back gratitude, others said they want to make people feel seen, while others expressed wanting to lead by example. Whatever it is we want to bring home with us, we all certainly have one thing in common: great memories of our great experience 🙂

Our morning was full of joy and tears as everyone shared their “Big Love” with one another. Despite the many different schools, hometowns, and family backgrounds that we come from, we found that we complimented each other in an amazing and fulfilling way – whether it was when we’re working on cement, dancing as a group, sharing a meal, or getting to know each other in one-on-one. One thing is clear — we all truly feel like one big family <3

During The Final Reflection we were asked to respond to a variety of prompts to help us reflect on our experience. One of the prompts was about one person within the group of students who has inspired us. Many of us found it difficult to choose just one because each of us draw so much, so differently from each. As we learned in the day’s quote by Anthony Bourdain: “we all are not only taking much with us, but leaving something behind.”

We are so grateful for our Program Coordinators – Pamela and Emilia who have demonstrated endless patience, kindness, and joy throughout the long days – waking up at 5AM or even 2AM some days and staying with us until late at night playing games on the field. Getting to know them has been such a pleasure and we feel fortunate that they were so generous to share their cultures and wisdom.

Thank you to our Global Glimpse Leaders Kanika and Tom for always adding meaning to our experiences and discussions with their wise words, having us reflect on our experiences, and checking in on us when we are not feeling well. There is much that they do behind the scenes, within the group, and for each of us individually. Their presence and efforts have made a world of a difference. Without them, it simply would not be possible. A special shout-out to Mr. Chang, for taking on the extra work and the the extra responsibility when it became necessary. He is caring and funny and our connection to home – bridging two cultures and making sure our journey was a safe and learning experience.

We will miss you all SO much!

Our Journey Home

We boarded the WaWa once again and headed to Santiago where we stopped for pizza before seeing the The Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración (Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration) a monument and the highest building in Santiago commemorating the Dominican War of Independence.

In the evening we found ourselves back in the same hotel that we we stayed when we first arrived in Santiago not too long ago – but which felt like so much more. We had our last evening meeting with final thoughts and started our final goodbyes. As a small token of our appreciation we gave both Emilia and Pamela “Rolex” watches studded with “diamonds” bought at a gift shop in Constanza.

Families – we are headed home! We miss you and we love you. But each of our personal journeys won’t end there – this is only the beginning of our growing worldly perspective of open minds and open hearts. There is much that we are taking from this one experience, and we will embrace what we’ve learned over these amazing 10 days for the rest of our lives.

Much love,

Lupita and Amanda <3

A Global Glimpse
A poem by Amanda F. Global Glimpse Student – C2C, 2025

I entered into a place,
that I had never been before.
As I got off the plane,
I knew I had much to explore.

The trees lush and a green,
mountains all around.
Clouds hanging low,
so close to the ground.

Music played, loud and upbeat.
Vibrant colors displayed,
and dogs roamed the streets.

I readied myself to venture into the new,
I told myself to forget everything I knew.

It wasn’t just where I was at that was so pretty,
it was the people who lived in this city.

The memory of one girl stays.
She took my hand,
and showed me the way.

When I had no one to dance with,
she gave me such kindness.
Though I was a stranger who could not speak,
together we danced to the beat.

The families we met stay in my thoughts,
I think of how hard they have all fought.

I think of Eri, the boy who could not talk.
He wore a smile so darn sweet,
Placed his hand in mine and took a seat.

Then there were the 10 young girls
who didn’t want to say goodbye,
because it was too soon ago
that we had said “hi”.

We played games, they giggled and smiled.
I felt so proud to be the reason behind their smiles.

They all toppled over me in one big hug,
and proudly presented in their hands a small green bug.

Cement bags went empty,
but my heart became full.
Working with these people
made me feel whole.

I admire these people
for their strength, spirit and hard work.
I want to be the same —
I’ll make damn sure.

I loved the food and its taste.
A global perspective served on a plate.

Statues molded by each of us,
our minds sculpted by what it’s teaching us.

Dances done in unison,
made a big group feel like one.

I felt as if I was free to be,
what feels like being me.

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.