Cast of Characters

First there is Claudia who made this trip possible. She went with me to Guatemala in 2012.She recruited more than half the kids. She’s been running the volunteer program. Because of this, she paid nothing for the trip. She’s an education major heading to CSU-Long Beach in the fall.

Next is Jon, another GS Learners veteran from the 2012 Guat trip. He’s a big guy who has got a heart of gold. He too is on a partial scholarship, helping Claudia with the volunteer program. He’s a future fireman heading to Cal State LA in the fall.

Ariana is one of the first ones to sign up and pay. Both her parents are teachers. She’s a real sweet kid, who likes music. She’s got a great attitude. I am not sure what her major is.

Emily is an English major who is also studying childhood development. She’s great with the kids and has a soft spot for animals. I have to check her bags before we go to make sure she doesn’t try to smuggle anything back.

Alex is a science major. His dad is a pediatrician. He runs for the cross country team. He’s a smart kid, well read. He’ll be heading to a UC for sure.

Brandy is another GS Learners veteran from last summer’s trip to Costa Rica. She wanted to go to Guatemala with me this summer, but since it was cancelled I convinced her to return to CR. I also found her $1000 in scholarships. She’s film major heading to Long Beach in the fall. She’s got a great sense of humor.

Katie is the last of the GS veterans, from last year’s trip. She’s the talker of the trip. She’s got a big heart and really enjoys working with the kids.

Stephanie is a future drug and alcohol counselor. She went on a study abroad trip to Ireland in 2010. She’s a big girl, but she doesn’t let that slow her down. I’m impressed by her willingness to face her fears.

Zaira is one of four of the native Spanish speakers. She’s quiet in the group, but one on one she will talk. She’s young (19), and I think she’s unsure what she wants to do. She’s in the honors program.

Vivian is the last one to sign up. She and Zaira formed a quick friendship. She wants to teach. She’s a wanderer and explorer and is often off on her own with her head to the ground looking for things to pick up.

Maryalice is the mom. She’s in her early thirties with three kids, a set of twins and another. All girls. This was a present to herself for finishing El Co this spring. The kids are staying with her mom and dad. She’s a future teacher heading to Long Beach in the fall. 

They're all a good people and I would gladly take any of them on another program. They seem to all get along, but I know that could change.