This story is one we would love to highlight. Junior here at Winchendon, Iliana Burton, recently took a trip down to Panama, for a great cause. Here at school, Iliana is already involved in so many different activities. She has really made great use of her time here trying new things and adventuring with different people and programs.
Last week, Iliana took a trip to Panama with School the World to help those in need of some sort of education. We are lucky to have so many different types of schools here in America, but not everyone has that opportunity. Iliana wanted to make sure others got the chance to experience some type of education. Iliana explains, “I went to Panama to help build a classroom for poverty-stricken communities who are often left in the dark by their own government.” Yes, you can always talk about trying to help others, but Iliana took that step to take action and advocate for those who could not themselves.
Iliana traveled with School the World which is a non-profit organization group that gathers high school students to travel the world and help those in need of some sort of education. A pretty amazing organization to say the least. Iliana was asked what her favorite part about the country was, she responded, “One of my favorite things was the children. They were all brave enough to approach us, patient enough to understand us (despite the language barrier), and cared enough to show us their love and gratitude. My next favorite thing was the Mango trees!” This seems like a very memorable trip she got to have.
Iliana explains the following, “ I think they made just as much of an impact on ME than I had on them. Each and every one of the people who accompanied me on this trip put their time, energy, and love into this project. Everyone made a positive impact on that community, for their education and their kids.” It is great to see the reciprocity that these relationships have created. Illiana spent a week doing all things from scratch. Some of the most challenging things included, “Working outside under the 100-degree heat was difficult, and so was making cement from scratch, but nothing was harder than saying goodbye to the kids on the last day.” It is a great thing to see how much of an impact helping one another out can have on people.
Iliana summarizes her prodigious experience:
“The first day that my travel group and I arrived at the school, all I can remember is the bright things. Bright colors, bright sun, bright music, and bright smiles. Everyone in the village was so kind and welcoming, and they embraced us in the best way possible. We spent 4 days total preparing a classroom building, painting, digging, creating and laying cement for the floor, and installing windows. Believe it or not, the work was actually more fun than it was difficult! Then again, I did have an amazing support group with me, so how could I NOT have fun! Aside from working on the school, we also took part in different activities to engage with the community. This includes visiting their households to help with chores, teaching classes, playing with the kids at recess, and planting trees with the community. Throughout the week, I got closer and closer with a small group of kids no older than 11 that I hope will never forget me. Their names are Yisleni, Dory, Juan, David, Morelia, Igsy, Rachel, and Kimberly. They were the reason I shed so many tears on the last day in the community. Even if they forget my name, my face, and voice, I can only hope and pray that they don’t forget what School The World did for them, so they can use it as an example to help others and pay the goodness forward.”
All of us here are very excited and proud of Iliana for doing such astonishing things. It is very exciting to see someone here at our school be a part of something so big and substantial to help those in need. Thank you for doing what you do, Iliana!
Written by Abby Stone ’24
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