2014 | M + K Foundation & Low Country Kids Foundation | Isle Of Palms, SC | Wando High School
My favorite ARCC memory would have to be spending time with the village hill tribe children. The people of the tribe welcomed us in with such loving arms which made me feel as though I was truly making a difference. I also loved teaching and giggling as I was getting covered in concrete while building the library.
Last year at this time I was looking forward to my summer that would include a two week adventure in Thailand. I knew that it would be a once in a lifetime experience, however I didn’t realize how life altering the experience would truly be. My time in Thailand changed my perspective on what is truly important. After returning, I spoke to my uncle about my experience. After telling him about the heart-warming Thai children we befriended and taught, he was inspired. We are now in the beginning stages of starting an orphanage and hope to finish sometime in the next 5 years. In the meantime, we started two foundations called M + K and a local foundation we named Low Country Kids so we can collect donations for starting the orphanage and collect items for local kids as well. My ARCC trip changed not only who I am but my aspirations of who I want to become. I signed up for this trip so that I could give some of myself to those in need, but ironically I was the one who received the greatest gifts of them all.
The most important piece of advice I can give is to stay positive and cherish every second on your trip because it goes by quickly! Take advantage of all of the amazing experiences your trip has to offer. My ARCC journey gave me the best two weeks of my entire life and I have no doubt it will give you the same.