Vatissa Mitchell, Volunteer in Nepal

Vatissa Mitchell, 27 years old, Volunteer in 2011

What did you enjoy most about your Quest experience?

The best part of Nepal was definitely the children and the people that I volunteered with. They have such a positive outlook on life and a magnetic energy.

What was most challenging about your Quest experience?

The challenging part of Nepal was just adjusting to the stares. Western culture usually teaches you that staring is rude but in Nepal people bluntly stare at people that are different from them so it's a little awkward.

Tell us how you feel overall about your experience.

My cultural experience was amazing. I had Nepali language and cooking classes. I also did a lot of activities with my host families, which gave me an amazing insider view.

Nepal was an amazing experience for me. The children that I worked with were so positive and full of light -- which I found refreshing and inspirational. It was really a life changing experience for me and I suggest that everyone take time and volunteer with a culture completely different from their own if they have a chance. Staying with a host family makes you feel like you really have a support system while you are there and it just enhances the overall experience.