Spring break offers the chance for students to recharge their minds, as well as to create unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships. This year, rather than going to the beach or skiing down some mountain, I chose to embark on what I consider one of the greatest adventures of my life, exploring the nation of Guatemala.

I was fortunate to get to travel with a passionate, supportive, and hardworking group of engineers as well as two native Guatemalan guides who after just one week I consider great friends. During our journeys on the cloud-covered roadways at elevations of over 8,000 feet, we witnessed the unaltered natural beauty of lush forests, terrace farming on steep inclines, volcanoes, and mountain lakes. Our translator, Freddy, who turned out to be an expert salsa dancer, proudly showed us around the sights of Guatemala, including Catholic Cathedrals, Mayan ruins, and Volcano-fed hot springs.

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The service phase of the trip proved to be immensely rewarding and offered perspective into the blessings of opportunity in the United States. Specifically, we worked at a local elementary school to complete the addition of a much-needed classroom. Our daring and fearless driver, Niyel, also proved to be extremely skilled in all areas of construction as he served as the foreman for our project. He did not speak English, but nevertheless was able to effectively communicate with us. As a result of his guidance, I learned many skills, some of which included putting up sheet rock and mixing concrete. To me, it was extremely valuable to have this hands-on experience, because as an engineer, I will be involved with various aspects of construction.

Upon touring the school, we noticed the disparities between it and our American elementary schools. For instance, we were enlightened as to the school’s lack of adequate sanitation, electric lighting, medical supplies, teachers, and even food for the children to eat. Surrounding the school is a 12-foot cinder block wall and outside of it, dilapidated residential and business structures. The children were so grateful for our presence that they put on a performance for us on our last day of service that brought a tear to the eye.

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Climbing winding and narrow mountain roads, we experienced the native culture through language, food, and landscape. In an indigenous market reminiscent of Indiana Jones and The Raiders of the Lost Arc, we bargained for local hand-made products and practiced our Spanish. Although a large language barrier still exists, I felt after just one week, I had learned more than in a full year of Spanish in high school. Case in point, by the end of the week, I felt comfortable in limited casual conversation with locals and in ordering at restaurants.

Driving through the countryside, we saw the importance of agriculture to Guatemala. I could not think of a fruit or vegetable that was not seen growing on some steep side of a volcano. Pumps and water hoses spanned valleys hundreds of feet deep to irrigate the hillsides. While the people had small tracts of land that were difficult to reach, they made the most of it, working tirelessly and maximizing their capabilities.

Despite the rampant poverty, the locals we interacted with were incredibly welcoming and hospitable. Although they were in a struggle to live, it was evident that they were filled with hope for the future. In all sincerity, I am thankful that I took this opportunity to see a different part of the world and gain a new perspective on our place in the universe. In coming trips, I hope to experience the adventure and sense of wonder captured in this one.