I remember calling my apartment complex and the city government building to complain about a broken water pipe. I was just dropped off by a friend who had picked me up from the airport after arriving from the Dominican Republic from the Global PeaceMakers. When I saw the water shooting up about 6 feet from the ground – I just had the vision of the kids in Yamasá who don't have the privilege or access to running water at all. I remember complaining to the city worker about the breakage. While he was trying to fix the pipe, I told him about my trip and why I was so concerned about this pipe – I remember telling him most people in the world are not even able to get drinking water. The worker replied, "It sounds like you had an eye-opening experience," and I just knew, at that point, that the GPM in the DR had changed my life.

The GPM really impacted me. While I was there, I learned so much about the Service For
Peace organization, the culture in the DR, the local social issues, and most of all – I learned so much about myself. To be honest, I went on the trip to get away from the stress of my daily life; at that time I was going through a lot with school, family, and the passing of someone special to me. I just wanted to get away and do something different, but I didn't expect to learn more about my me as the main character in my quest. This trip allows me to set my selfish needs aside and help build a better community for the children and the rest of the community residents. When I came back to the States, I took those lessons and utilized them to become an active citizen in my community. I became a better person overall.

Before I went to the DR, I was just a volunteer. After completing the GPM, I had a better understanding of my abilities as a leader and felt empowered to change the world around me. Now, I continue to participate in service trips across the country and aboard. Also, I decided to get involved in my own city and coach a cheerleading squad of 45 girls from low-income families. I also coach volleyball and tennis for middle- and high school girls in the same situation. Service For Peace helped me to realize I can--and do--embody the traits of role model and to seek different opportunities to influence the culture of service in the younger generation to get involved for positive change."