Being my busy self I had decided to commit to a leadership role last spring break, co-leading a college trip to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. While I have participated in various leadership roles and activities in the past, none of them seemed to compare to this level of responsibility. I was now in charge of the experience, and overall well-being of 9 other college students that had dedicated their spring break to a service-learning trip. 

After a year of trainings, a few months of weekly meetings, and logistical planning we were ready to drive away from Fort Collins before the break of dawn (literally, we left at 3 am). Our first adventure was the 22 hour road trip across the country – sharing stories, snacks, and the unforeseen experience of plans falling through. After too many red bulls, red vines, and m&ms we finally arrived at our lodging for the week. We were late for our freshly prepared southern dinner, and welcomed by one of the funniest and kindest couples I had ever met – Ed and Arleen Decker.

Together they had hand-built bunk houses and a service-learning mission specifically designed for visiting student groups. My whole group and I had the incredible opportunity to work with and learn about the Snowbird Cherokee community, volunteer with the national park service, work with a local museum, make blackberry jam, and hike in the Smoky Mountains. We learned about the sacred system of reciprocity, how gifts are meant to be from the heart, and should be used in the same manner. We also discovered our competitive edge during the “fish-game” as girls dominated the guys in this “no rules” rugby meets lacrosse type sport. Most importantly we learned about each other – sharing these experiences along with personal thoughts and reflections on everything that we learned and worked towards. From a leadership perspective I was impressed by and thankful for such a diverse and amazing group of college students, full of people that knew how to “take life by the pinecones” and run.

So how does this relate to Global Explorers? Let’s just say that this experience really refreshed me on the mission of Global Explorers, showing me first hand how short trips such as this can really impact your life. The change that occurs is not necessarily due to traveling to a cool place, and often times it is not even about the service work. Rather, change spurs from all that can be learned about yourself, your culture, and your community as you share in the gifts of once and a life time lessons and experiences that unite small groups and different cultures. Reflecting on personal growth and relationships can help people return to their home communities with a reassured sense of self and the motivation to carry out amazing things in life. My trip in particular also illustrated that you do not have to be in middle or high school for a short trip to impact your life.

- Erin, past GEx intern.  Erin is currently in the Peace Corps in South America.