A Life-Changing Volunteer Experience in Ecuador

Micah, an Ecuador Global Volunteer and University of Iowa student, reflects on his life-changing volunteer experience in Quito, Ecuador.

I was blessed with the opportunity to volunteer at a daycare center for disadvantaged children in Ecuador for a couple weeks. The kids welcomed us with full hearts and grins across their faces on the first day. The food was exceptional. The daycare providers more kind and humble than I’ll ever be. Nevertheless, I still questioned if I was doing it for more than the generic purpose? Then I met Danna. This little girl ran and hugged my leg without hesitation after simply waving. She always wanted to play tag, hide and seek, eat, and etc. She also had a flattering fascination with my hair. Little did I know that this little girl would teach me so much more in one day about being human than I’ve ever learned in my lifetime. She showed me what pure innocence, love, and kindness look like. She reminded me that regardless of the circumstances, we must help one another because all we have in this world is each other.

Life is a learning experience, only if you learn. This service trip has taught me more than I imagined it would – it was a life-changing volunteer experience. I learned how to salsa. I learned how to renovate high chairs for toddlers. I learned that friendship is the greatest gift of life and is a sweet responsibility, rather than an opportunity. l learned that one of the main purposes of human life is to serve those who are different than yourself. Therefore, I am forever grateful for the experience, the team, and most importantly the children for such an incredible and enlightening experience.

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Looking for a life-changing student volunteer experience?

Visit Global Volunteers’ Student Volunteering webpage to learn more about life-changing volunteer experiences worldwide. Or, chat online with one of our Volunteer Coordinators. We’re ready to assist you with project descriptions, travel questions, registration guidance and other program details.

Meanwhile, you can learn more from other student volunteers on Global Volunteers programs worldwide.  Start with these selected blog posts, written by volunteers in the field:

• Journal entry from a Cuba volunteer: “What does a day of service-learning in Cuba look like?” 
• Reflections from a Tanzania volunteer: “I absolutely fell in love with Tanzania…