The following post features student writing.

My name is Emilia C. I live in Brooklyn, NY, and I’m going into the 9th grade. Last summer I completed a community service trip in Costa Rica. This satisfying community service helped me put my lifestyle into perspective, and interacting with the locals taught me so much. This phenomenal experience encouraged me to choose this trip to the Dominican Republic. So far, this experience has met and exceeded my expectations. I love seeing the smiles on people’s faces as we are building them a floor, and I am grateful for this experience.