Citizen Journal: Finding enrichment through travel, service

My trip to Quito, Ecuador, and other places in the country, was a unique learning experience. I was a volunteer for United Planet, a nonprofit international organization, based in Boston.

Quito was founded in 1534 by the Spanish and has a population of nearly 2 million. It is a long and narrow city, 22 miles long and 2 to 3 miles wide. It is roughly divided into the old Colonial Quito and the new Quito.

My volunteer assignment was at Quintillano de Sanchez, a government elementary school where I worked with English teacher Givanna Rodriguez and the music teacher Alencastro Tarquino.

The children spoke very little English and all classes were taught in Spanish. The children were friendly and fun to work with. At the school I read stories and sang songs with the children and helped the teachers administer and grade exams.

I volunteered at the school from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., leaving plenty of time to see the sights. I went to concerts, museums and churches.

Our United Planet program also arranged for us to take the Teleférigo, or cable car, ride up the slopes of Pichincha Mountain to 13,500 feet, have a late-night walk and dinner in the colonial La Ronda part of Quito – the traditional music was great. We also had a salsa lesson, 12 hours of Spanish classes and a cooking class, where we made llapingachos, a cheese and mashed potato dish that was “rico,” or delicious.

All in all, my United Planet quest was an incredible experience that enriched my life and broadened my world outlook. Working as a volunteer and living with an Ecuadoran family taught me so much about the Latino culture and way of life, far beyond a tourist perspective.