EDventure is a great program. Yes, it will put you in situations you may not think you are capable of but I think that is what makes it great. I for one was afraid of going to Cambodia. I told myself I wanted to go and usually when I decide something it changes after I’ve had time to think about it. This time I decided I wanted to go and the only way I was going to go is by making the first step, so I did.
That moment was pivotal for me because I decided I couldn’t turn back now. I am my own worst enemy. I get real excited about something and then, I think and talk myself out of it. This time I acted quickly and had to follow through. I fund-raised all the money I needed to go on the trip and with the support of my family I was on my way to having the best three weeks of my life.
When I arrived in Cambodia I met with my organization leaders, Jaime and Cari, at the airport and throughout the day other volunteers came. I think you get more out of a program when you do it with complete strangers. That way the immersion of the new culture and the culture of the people you meet create two adventures in one.
When I first met the children at the school that I was going to teach at for the first time I fell in love with them. Once I got out of my comfort zone that is my home in the United States I realized outside of where I lived these children are nice, loving and eager to learn. They are waiting to soak up every bit of information that I had for them. The two weeks of teaching went by so fast I was left feeling like I wish the trip lasted longer.
I had been afraid of meeting strangers, taking on this new culture and being away from home for three weeks and I wasn’t ready to leave the children. Thinking back on this trip right now I get a little teary eyed knowing I will not be with my new friends everyday like we had been for three weeks and that I will not see these such beautiful, loving, playful children or be able to teach them.
Going on this adventure has pushed me to want go back to Cambodia in the future and travel more. The experience was wonderful. I believe it made me stronger as a person because I was so honest and open with meeting new people, emerging in the culture, talking about my life and learning from others. I wouldn’t change going on this adventure for anything.
– Jessica Rocha
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