As the first semester of my senior year of college comes to an end, I realize that it has been almost one year since I have been to Nicaragua. It is crazy to think about how much time has been put between that experience and now, and how much I have changed as a person. The impact that my trip had on me has carried on until now, and I have no doubt it will continue throughout the rest of my life.

My experiences in Nicaragua opened myself up to a world that I was somewhat familiar with, but never comfortable enough to explore. I was able to experience real connections with many people of a different culture and meet with them on a level I never thought possible. I was able to see real feelings of gratitude, patience, and most importantly, love. I developed a love for the Nicaraguan people, their culture, and everything they are. Because of this, I was selected to lead the Medical and Public Health brigade to Nicaragua again in January of 2015!

It is now less than two months until I will be returning to Nicaragua in January. These past couple months have been filled with much preparation and excitement. Although being one of the two leads for this trip has been a lot of work, I know in the end it will be worth it because I will be returning to my favorite place once again, doing what I love. It’s crazy to think I will be back in that Nicaraguan sun, and I hope that all the hard work I have put into planning this trip will work out smoothly while we are in country. I hope to live up to all my brigaders expectations and hopefully get enough fundraising done to pay for everything we need!

In addition to this, I have continued to do service in other ways since I have been back. As the Campus Activities Director for my sorority, Chi Omega, it is my job to involve my chapter in other Greek philanthropy events and raise money for different charities including the Huntsman Cancer Foundation, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and more. Besides this, Chi Omega’s national philanthropy is the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and this year we raised over $22,000 for the organization! Furthermore, I have participated in other campus wide events such as Relay for Life, Halloween Trick or Treating for local Rogers Park families, and more. In doing all of this I keep the same mindset and enthusiasm that I had in Nicaragua to do the best I can for as many people as I can.

The smallest thing can go a long way. I remind myself of this every day. Whether it’s a smile to a stranger on the elevator, or donating money to a charitable cause, everything you do for another person means so much. We move ourselves out of our comfort zone, make connections, and foster relationships with anyone we can. Because of this we are making a difference in someone’s life, and we create a love that makes this world so beautiful.