“It was important for me to go abroad because I truly wanted to immerse myself in a new culture while also making a huge impact for the children. I have always had a passion for serving others and wanted the opportunity to do so on an international level,” reflected Nicholette George, a political science and criminology and criminal justice double major who participated in the Buck-I-SERV Guatemala: Hug it Forward program.
Hug It Forward is a multicultural organization that facilitates education and awareness around improved trash management methods via the construction of bottle classrooms. George and a group of Buckeyes worked together to in the local community of Panatzán to build these bottle classrooms using eco-bricks.
“Through this experience, I learned just how valuable an education is and how fortunate I am in the United States to pursue higher education. In Guatemala, only 68% of students enrolled in primary school complete it. Additionally, any schooling beyond the elementary level has extensive costs. I truly gained a greater appreciation for my education!”
When not working on the classrooms, students traveled to the Mayan Ruins in Tecpán and the city of Antigua, which was formally the capital of Guatemala.
“As my graduation in May is approaching fast, I will always value the lessons and experiences from this program. The local community of Panatzán primarily spoke Spanish with very little knowledge English, so communicating with them required patience and compassion, which are essential characteristics for any career.”