Reflections

Here are some final thoughts from everyone about our trip:

Emily Deschenes, '09

Swansea, MA

"When I arrived home from Peru, all of my friends and family asked some variation of the question: "How was your trip?!". Of course this was an easy question to answer. The trip was amazing, life changing and memorable. But when it came time to recollect the specifics of the trip to people, I started to become overwhelmed. In just 10 days, our group of 14 was able to accomplish SOO much, that it was tough to summarize in a few short sentences. So looking back on the trip now, I find myself still overwhelmed with reflecting on the trip.

I would say the thing that will stay with me forever is the bond our group formed over the course of our time in Peru. When faced with some of the conditions we faced (i.e. living conditions, travel conditions, or our experience at the Casa) we had no choice but to bond over the circumstances. Another part of the trip that really put life into perspective was our week at the Casa. Part of our mission in Peru was to help mothers take care of their children. However, when we arrived at the Casa, we soon realized that the mothers we were helping were as much as 10 years younger than us. Watching and learning about these mothers, who have gone through so much, really made me appreciate the comfortable and fortunate life I live.

Of course my pictures from the trip tell a thousand stories, but a reflection can only be so long. Although the specifics of the trip may seem important now, I think I will be forever impacted by the big picture of our time in Peru- I learned a valuable lesson on appreciating what I have. "

Raisa Dougan, '11

Geneva, Switzerland

"When people ask me 'how was your trip to Peru?' all I can say is amazing or overwhelming (in a good way). If I could I would redo the whole thing all over again and would not change a thing. I really did not know what to expect from the whole trip. Going in to Peru I only knew three students out of the twelve of us but that caused no problem because as soon as we got to Peru we all bonded, at times a bit too much even. I have had the chance to do something that means a lot to me and that is humanitarian work as travelling , visiting a wonderful country.

At first I did not know what to expect to see in the casa or even just in Peru in general. When we landed in Lima I could begin to wrap my head around things. Even though the first couple of days I kept on saying “This is surreal I can’t believe I’m here”. I have to say that I preferred Cusco to Lima, I felt that Cusco was a bit less commercialized whereas Lima, being the capital had some sort of image to maintain.

Overall this trip was an amazing experience and I’m very grateful to all the people who helped make this project come true. I hope that Bryant will continue to encourage programs like this one."

Kevin Concannon, '10

Beverly, MA

"Now that the Peru trip has come and gone, I can look back and realize how awesome our trip was. I feel very lucky and proud to be a part of the group of students that went and to be part of Casa Mantay’s mission. The trip meant a great deal to me and I'll never forget it. Seeing people who are far less fortunate is inspiring and gives a new sense of perspective. I also enjoyed getting to know the other group members and experiencing Peru with them. I got to experience an amazing and different culture, see a beautiful part of the world, and make a difference in people’s lives who truly need help. I couldn’t have asked for more from this trip."

Kathryn Varis, '09

Guilford, CT

"The hard work the group put into making this trip successful really paid off. This was an experience of a lifetime and was by far the best trip I have ever been on. Not only were we able to help the women and children of the casa, I know I grew immensely as a person after learning and experiencing everything we did. From the initial bus ride out of the Lima airport to our hostel when I could not take my eyes off my window, to having to say good-bye to everyone at the casa on our last day, I knew my life had changed."

Todd Degnan, '11

Ballston Lake, NY

"The service trip to Peru was a very humbling and incredible experience. I began this journey very excited to do something so great for others. Throughout the planning, execution, and memories created by this trip I have learned so much about myself and the world around me. I have learned many more things on this trip than I thought I ever would, while gaining a global experience and perspective. The small personal moments that I experienced while in Peru are the memories that will last with me for a long time and give me inspiration for my future. This was truly an amazing trip and I feel that I have gained a lot as a person from all of the people on the trip with me as well as the mothers, children, and volunteers that we met along the way and at the shelter."

Katie Gorham, '10

Baltimore, MD

"I knew that this trip would be something to remember even from the beginning. But looking back, it was a truly amazing experience that I wouldn't change for anything. We were so lucky to be able to be a part of the women and children's lives, even if we were only there for ten short days. Personally, our time in Peru opened my eyes to some of the inequities of the world, and what we learned firsthand could never have been taught in a classroom. Most importantly, we learned that with persistence, hard work, and cooperation, these inequities can be addressed and changed. I'm so proud of our group and what we accomplished, and I can't wait to continue our work with Casa de Mantay!"

Alex Jelly, '11

Sparta, NJ

"For me, Peru was a time of personal reflection and fufillment. Not only did I have the time of my life, but I also felt that the group made a positive impact on the women and children of Casa de Mantay. To be able to see the happiness on the kids faces each day really gave each one of us a sense of purpose and accomplishment throughout the trip. The trip broadened my cultural awareness, which is vital to my International Business studies. I meet some new Peruvian friends, and I also bonded with some friends at Bryant whom I had never met before, and whom I hope to stay friends with for years to come."

Meredith Archambeault, '10

Sandwich, MA

"I definitely experienced culture shock when I returned from Peru. I immediately missed the group and our continuous joking and attempts at using Spanish. My mind was stuck thinking in Spanish for certain phrases and it took a couple days to get back to normal. When I returned home I was excited to eat American food but after a few meals, I missed the excitement we experienced every day upon receiving our foreign meals. It isn't easy to find authentic dishes like cui and alpaca here. The fast-paced lifestyle that is America was also somewhat of a shock. In Peru, they didn't really have clocks or watches anywhere so, it was usually a task to find out what time it was which I really enjoyed. I probably miss the simple lifestyle that we became a part of living there the most. The awe at what we accomplished in Peru didn't set in until after our return either. In Peru, we didn't really have time to think about the situation we were immersed in but, at home it was really sad yet inspiring to think about what a difference we made. The donations we were able to raise for the casa and labor hours put in will make such a difference in those women's lives and seeing that really gave me inspiration to work hard to make this trip happen again."

Alyssa Rollins, '12

Dummerston, VT

"Slowly but surely my vocabulary has become void of the words “choolani” and “pachawawa” since my return from Peru, but not all of what I learned has been lost. I still cant look at my younger sisters without thinking that those girls in the casa were the same age, and they had children. I cant stop thinking about the skinny little girls who were selling gum outside the bars all night, and the stories that Raquel told which gave a clear picture of what was likely to happen to these girls. Since I’ve been home I have realized how lucky I am to have a family that would support me no matter what happens, and that I live in a country where rape isn’t something that I have to worry about on a regular basis. In hindsight I am so glad that I got the chance to go to Peru and do something meaningful, something that has given me perspective and encouragement to continue to help in this way in the future."

Professor Tony Houston

a.k.a. T. Ho.

"I was impressed even before the trip that the students initiated the entire project. They knew what they wanted to accomplish and then recruited us as faculty advisors. On the trip I could see that the students were absolutely committed to the making a difference. They were also a very cohesive group. Everyone got along beautifully and looked out for each other.

Our students understand the importance of service, not the sort of charity that perpetuates dependence, but actually working toward creating a more equitable society. Besides helping women with survival skills and emotional support, Casa Mantay lobbies for laws that protect women and works to change attitudes about violence against women and promote the rights of children.

It’s essential that students have these kinds of experiences. When you experience something like this, it makes more of an impression than learning about it in the abstract. It's transformative."

Professor Patty Gomez

a.k.a. ProGo, Promez, PG, etc.

"Reflecting the planning, organization and reality of the 10 day trip to Peru has been one of the most fulfilling of my career as a Spanish Professor. From the moment that Maddie, Kathyrn and Katie came looking for faculty for this unique project, I was excited and hoping that I would serve on the trip. I am honored that I was chosen and can only say that I learned just as much as my Bryant students did. I am one who believes that opportunities are presented to us and we must go forth with them and do the best we can to make them successful. I was enthused that this trip served in a humanitarian way and this is something that I felt strongly about. My love for the Hispanic world is something that brings me close to home. And although I am American, my Mexican ancestry truly is something embedded in who I am today.

All of the students pulled their weight from the beginning and made the experience for the Casa Mantay one that I am certain they will never forget. The group no doubt bonded in ways as we were faced with challenges and obstacles along the way, but I found that they never lost focus of what the purpose of the trip was, and that in itself made it well worth it in my eyes. The smiles and eagerness of the children and mothers from the moment that we arrived to the Casa to the day that we left , will be what I will most remember and cherish. Lastly, I just want to extend a warm thank you to all my dozen of Bryant students and my friend and colleague Tony Houston that made this an unforgettable trip that will long stay in my thoughts."

Stats

Now that our trip has come to a close, we thought it would be a good idea to inform everyone of all that we accomplished in the process. Over the course of the past few months, we worked tirelessly to ensure that our trip to Peru was a success. Here are a few numbers that help describe what we were able to do:

14 students/faculty who volunteered at the casa
10 days spent in Peru
3 tour guides we managed to annoy
448 total volunteer hours spent at casa (14 volunteers x 32 hours per person)
3 places to work in the casa: Guardaria (Nursery), Comedor (dining room), and Cocina (kitchen)
27 children to play with, love and enjoy
15 women helped and supported (the mothers of the casa plus Raquel)
$1,070 fundraised for the casa, which we used to buy the following: a refrigerator, a stereo, pots and pans, a pressure cooker, and a hand mixer
560 pounds of donations of clothes, shoes, toys, etc. brought to the casa
1 dining room sanded, primed, and painted in colorful stripes
4 spanish phrases repeated over and over again: "si", "gracias", "lo siento, por favor", and "pachawawa"

...and an infinite number of memories, friendships, and photos we'll be taking home with us!

Thanks to everyone who followed us on our journey; your kind words and support are truly appreciated. Stay tuned for some reflections, a mini-movie, and more on how you can help our continuing efforts!