Brianna's Global Learning Portfolio
BLUE Missions Internship
Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving as a summer intern for BLUE Missions, leading impactful mission trips in the Dominican Republic. With volunteer groups of over 20 high school students, we’ve constructed essential latrines for improved sanitation and aqueducts to provide clean water to local communities. the projects, I've cherished the opportunity to connect with the locals and immerse myself in their vibrant culture.
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Campo #1
El Firme
Reflections:
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I could not have asked for a better way to start my blue summer. From bringing us freshly squeezed juice every day to organizing the most beautiful despedida I have ever witnessed, this community made us feel so welcomed. As always, they have given us so much more than we could ever give them. I feel so blessed to have been able to lead such a wonderful group of volunteers and watch them experience the campo magic throughout the week. To my volunteers, I am so proud of all of you for learning to embrace this new lifestyle and live in the moment. And to my amazing team of leaders, thank you for helping me make my first trip a success. I can’t wait to see what adventures the next campo brings!
Campo #2
El Zapote
Reflections:
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I feel so blessed to have spent the past week in the most beautiful community, surrounded by people who know the true meaning of faith, generosity, joy, and love. Although they did not have much, every person in this community felt like they had everything they could ever need and more. They value what is so often overlooked — peace, tranquility, community — because they know that true beauty is not defined by one’s possessions or external features, but rather what lies in one’s heart. And most importantly, the people of El Zapote reminded us that happiness is a choice, a choice we can all choose to make no matter our circumstances. I am also so grateful to have spent the week with alongside a wonderful team of leaders and a very special group of volunteers who made this week so magical. This trip will always hold a special place in my heart. third campo of the summer, I’m ready for you!
Campo #3
La Jaguita
Reflections:
Although I’m sad my BLUE summer has come to an end, I’m also so grateful for the time i spent in this wonderful community. After watching the dream of having access to clean water at home become a reality for so many families, I have been reminded that anything is possible when you believe in the mission and work hard towards achieving it. The motivation and grit that characterizes the leaders of this community is an inspiration — a reminder to always work towards reaching the fullest potential and that it only takes one person to create a spark that ignites a fire in others. To all the volunteers and leaders who made this week so special, thank you for helping me finish my BLUE summer strong. I’m going to miss living in the campo, but I’ll be back soon!
Campo #4
Ranchito de los Peralta
Reflections:
On mission trips we are taught to appreciate our blessings. The roof over our heads, the food on our tables, the people we surround ourselves with, the unique talents we enjoy. Yet what really matters is not how much we appreciate our blessings but how we use them to make a difference. It’s one thing to be grateful, but it’s another to transform that gratitude into action. so what is my goal in life? That’s easy. It is to use everything i have to serve, to inspire, and to make a difference.
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Campo #5
La Vereda
If I were to describe the feeling of being in the campo, I would use two simple words: pure bliss. In the campo, happiness is not circumstantial. It is a way of life. Throughout all our struggles, setbacks, and hard days, we choose to be happy. We choose not to let external pressures influence the way we feel. We choose to accept every challenge knowing that it will make us stronger. We choose to believe that joy can be found anywhere and everywhere. life is not easy, and it probably never will be. But there is always a choice. And I choose happy.
Campo #6
Los Cuncunes
Human connection — it is something so fundamental but most often taken for granted. We are so blessed to be surrounded by others with whom we can share our lives. Yet more often than not, we choose to isolate ourselves, placing individual desires over the well-being of those around us. Something I have learned during my time in the campo is the power we possess when we come together as one. When we put aside our differences and find the best in one another. When we wholeheartedly immerse ourselves in getting to know each other. When we collectively work together toward a common goal. So what exactly is human connection? Tt is what makes the difference between a human being and being human.
