Day 10: Closing reflection Day
Student Trip Blog
We started the morning off by playing some music at their doors. (maybe they liked it, maybe they didn’t).
The day started off with a quick trip to a local school on the outskirts of Constanza. We split up in groups and went to different families homes to help them with chores and get to know each other.
Irené (first picture below) was a delightful and happy mother of three girls and had contagious outlook on her life as a fulfilling and happy, even with it’s simplicity. She explained her daily routine of hard work to keep her home a welcoming and warm place for her family and her visitors. Her smile as she talked to us never wavered. They even shared their joy and love of music with us and as we danced we all felt a part of their family immediately.
Miguel, a hard working father told us about the difficulty of life in the DR for those with less money have few opportunities of health care and social support (second picture below). Yet, Miguel works hard everyday to provide for his family regardless of the social and political circumstances he is faced with.
As a group we all were humbled by the privilege and opportunity each of us have and were inspired by the joy and outlook on life that others have without them.
Jugadores
We all went back to the school for lunch and had an opportunity to play games with the kids: basketball, freeze tag, volleyball, and “pañuelo” (“catch the bacon” – a game a little like capture the flag.
As we got to play with the families and kids, everyone got to get to know each other a little better and we became each other’s “panas” (a name for a dear friend).
All too soon it was time for us to leave with “chocalas” (high fives), and hugs. We all hoped for another opportunity to visit soon and were forever changed by the experience.
CAP (preview)
For the last part of the day we visited our CAP (Community Action Project) site. We drove a short distance across town to a “Asentamientos Informale” (Informal Settlement) – a community that was developed outside of formal planning and regulations without basic services like sanitation, clean water, and sound housing.
We met four families with whom we will spend three days preparing the land, building forms, preparing a base, pouring concrete, leveling it, and finishing the surfaces for their homes. It will be hard work to bring the cement up the steep hills, but it will be worth the effort to do what we can to help some families with safer and stable homes.
closing statement
When we returned to our place of stay as we reflected about our day, Ms.Jenkins couldn’t have put it into better words – that the individualized society that we have grown used to in the United States has left us with a warped perspective on the connections or relationships that we have, easy to throw or run away from issues and feel confident that we are better off alone. But these communities have demonstrated how important our “comunidad” and “familia” is and that we must cherish the bonds we have created and work to overcome any challenges that arise.
Note from GG staff:
Comments submitted on this blog are reviewed by the Global Glimpse team before appearing publicly. Approved comments will be visible on the website within 24 hours. Thank you for your patience and for supporting your student’s journey!
Los comentarios enviados en este blog son revisados por el equipo de Global Glimpse antes de ser publicados. Los comentarios aprobados serán visibles en el sitio web dentro de las 24 horas. ¡Gracias por su paciencia y por apoyar el viaje de su estudiante!
Comments (13)
Alyssa
Be safe Noah missing you lots
Misha Andaya
Awesome recap of your day Noah! It’s extremely humbling to see how other communities struggle and the things we take for granted. Be kind, be generous, and share that quirky Noah sense of humor with those around you. Miss you kiddo and don’t forget the fridge magnets!!!
❤️Tita Misha
pamela robinson
I appreciate you Erick & Noah forthe full update. The families looked so happy to have you there! While working on the CAP project , I truly hope they have any type of contraption to help to bring the cement up the steep hills. You guys are young , but I wouldn’t you to strain anything. Have fun and get to know each other better! Hey Casey!
Pamela
Mary Jane
Great blog today. Sounds like another meaningful experience with the community. It’ll be exciting to see what you will do at your CAP site.
Love you Mymy!
Mom, Dad, & RyRy
Bo, Ollie, Natto, & Georgie
Hey Glimpsers
Just wanted to say we are so proud of all of you! It’s been awesome reading your updates. Yall not just traveling, you’re growing, connecting, and making a real impact.
Keep showing up with those big hearts and open minds. You’ve got people cheering you on from home. Can’t wait to hear all the stories when you’re back.
Jane Andaya
Wow Noah—what a beautifully written reflection! I’m so proud of you for participating in the Global Glimpse program and for embracing this journey with so much heart and openness. Reading about your experience immediately reminded me of how your grandparents, Mama and Papa, grew up in the Philippines. Like Miguel, Papa worked incredibly hard to support his family—first in the province and then here in the U.S.—despite the drastic differences in culture and community.
I’m so glad you were able to feel a sense of “familia” during your visit with the local families in Constanza. I hope you take time to recognize the powerful similarities across cultures and also deeply appreciate the differences—they both hold value and can teach us so much about resilience, love, and perspective.
You’re shaping up to be such a great role model for your cousin Xander. Keep leading with empathy, curiosity, and gratitude. We’re all so proud of you and cheering you on from home—con mucho orgullo! 💙
With love,
Tita Jane & Xander
Larah
Que lo que, Noah! Good job on the post. Chocalas to you and Erick! 🙌🏼
It is admirable that the group was humbled by today’s interactions. The ability to be self-aware and recognize your privilege shows personal growth and will help foster empathy and compassion. Only 6-7 👐🏼 days to go. Wait, how many days??? 6-7 👐🏼! Please continue to lean in and embrace this incredible learning experience.
Now, put those muscles to good use and carry that cement up the hill. You didn’t think you can miss football for a whole week and not get any workouts in, did you? Ha!
Take care, GGers. Love you, Noah.
❤️Mom
Lorraine Torres
Well written, Noah and Erick! Sounds like your trip is off to an amazing start.
Noah, I just wanted to say how proud I am of you! I hope you’re soaking up every bit of the experience, meeting new people, learning cool things, and maybe even trying some interesting local snacks (you know I’d want to hear about that part!).
Can’t wait to hear all your stories when you get back. Love you.
❤️Tita Lo
Sonali Jog
Hey Glimpsers, It must be eye opening to see how people in these areas live and how their access to resources is limited. Can’t wait to see you all in action! Through your CAP, you will be making a huge contribution towards better living of people there!
PS: Love how the day leaders are sharing a glimpse of your day! Nice job!
Hope you are having a great experience, Shaunak!
Joe Andaya
Wow Noah and Erick what a heartwarming glimpse into your journey! 💛
Your stories about Irene’s and Miguel’s hard-working spirit really hit home for me. It’s amazing how much love, laughter, and connection can happen in just one morning. I can see how much you’re learning, not just about the culture, but about community, resilience, and the power of showing up for others without expecting anything back in return.
Keep shining and soaking in every moment. We’re so proud of you both!
Much love,
Dad
The Snake Man
Dear Noah,
One year ago, on this exact day, you met me exactly 20+ times. And today, we meet once again. Who knows? We might meet again. Only time will tell…
-The Snake Man
Erika Gallo
Thank you guys for sharing your adventures. I always look forward to seeing the next days. For some odd reason Carmen and Simone’s post from last night, when you click the read more it jumps to some else’s trip. (Hopefully this can be fixed?) Love you Carmen 🥰
Jessica
Rowan!! We love reading the daily updates and getting a glimpse of everyone’s daily activities. What an amazing opportunity this is and we look forward to learning more. Keep doing what you do, we love you!!