Swearing-In Season

At the beginning of each school year, teachers and administrative staff carefully select students to be a part of several groups. These students are usually chosen because of their good grades and aptitude for leadership.  There are health brigades, environment brigades, civil defense brigades, school police, and general classroom brigadiers. One student at the school, … More Swearing-In Season

Up All Night

When I arrived to site, I came at the beginning of the twice-annual celebration of the Holy Cross of Chalpon. It felt only fitting that a year and a half later I was at an all-night vigil for the same cross, like my time had in many ways come full circle. Just a few weeks before … More Up All Night

Getting my hands dirty

As a Youth Development Volunteer, I spend most of my time in classrooms, chatting with students about leadership, the importance of volunteering, how to plan for their future, etc. It’s definitely valuable work, but there’s something about getting my hands dirty that makes me really feel like I’m working hard, doing something of greater importance. … More Getting my hands dirty