Tweet Roll
- Last, last chance for long-term quests leaving in August! Contact us ASAP! t.co/rJqPqJNt
- An update from Honduras! Check out Allie's thoughts on a recent article in the @BostonGlobe about gap years! t.co/psO2LnFi
- TODAY is the last chance to sign up for our long-term programs leaving in August! t.co/7L0kK2jB
Meghan Tribley, Volunteer in Chile
Meghan Tribley, 22 years old, Volunteer in 2010
What did you enjoy most about your Quest experience?
Making a difference; on the last day at the day care it was really rewarding to see the playground completed and to see the kids so excited about what we were doing.
We were able to see that we really were making a difference in their lives.
What was most challenging about your Quest experience?
Learning how their methods of construction were different from ours in the United States; there were no power tools, and we had to create our materials from scratch. We would go get dirt, mix it into mud, and mix it with straw.
It was really a lesson in patience and I learned to accept the process.
Tell us how you feel overall about your experience.
One of the best parts of the whole trip was when we went down south to the village; I really felt like we were in Chile. I was amazed by the attitude of the people down south; everyone was so friendly and patient despite the language barrier. There were lots of funny moments down south, especially with the other volunteers at the organization we were set up with.
Another great moment was when we spent the last night in the village and we all went down to the beach and stood there together, silent, just soaking it in. I couldn’t help but think, “what we’ve just done is so cool.” We all felt amazing knowing what we have done, where we had gone, and what we are going to do.
I love to travel and coming back home after making such an impact has really inspired me. I learned a lot about myself and it taught me a lot about what I want to do and what I think is productive. It’s kind of hard being back at school and sitting still, knowing how much we accomplished in such a short time.
Some advice I have for future travelers is no matter where you go embrace the culture and soak up as much as possible! Be aware of how people do things, and make the most of everything.
- Read more about the University of Idaho Group Trip to Chile on the United Planet blog.
