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For generations, Adventures Cross-Country has been changing
the lives of students. Often, our students return from their journey
profoundly committed to building upon the personal connections
they developed during their ARCC experience. Here are three
remarkable students, each inspired by their adventure with ARCC.
Deborah Frank
PROJECT: “Trunks for Thailand”
AGE: 18? HOMETOWN: Bloomfield, Michigan
HIGH SCHOOL: Andover High School
MY FAVORITE ARCC MEMORY:
Staying in San Isidro, Costa Rica with Daniel and his family, they
were so welcoming despite their poor living conditions. Even
though they didn’t have clean water or electricity, they managed
to live every day in joy and happiness. Staying with them felt
like home. Playing soccer, enjoying late night dinners with the
group, and learning about Daniel and his family’s culture made
the experience so special. Being welcomed into their home is a
perfect example of how hospitable and generous these Costa
Ricans are. Daniel’s family’s kindness made a huge impact on
my life.
IN 2013, ARCC STUDENTS
VISITED 23 COUNTRIES ON
6 DIFFERENT CONTINENTS.
MY FAVORITE ARCC MEMORY:
DEBORAH FRANK
When we stayed at the orphanage Mae Maeh, the children were
so happy to see us because they rarely had visitors. There,
I connected with a six year old girl named Orapin. One day we
were drawing pictures with the kids, and I drew Orapin a picture
she could hang in her room so she would remember me. As I
began to draw, she pulled out her own piece of paper and began
copying my picture. When I wrote “best friends” on the top, she
did her best to copy my English and added her name in Thai at
the bottom of the picture.? We exchanged drawings and to this
day, I still have her picture hung up in my room.
PROJECT: “Jerseys from Jersey”
AGE: 16? HOMETOWN: Ridgewood, New Jersey
HIGH SCHOOL: Ridgewood High School
Since coming home, my perspective on life has completely
changed. Seeing the way Costa Ricans appreciate life – every
single day - has affected the way I look at my days. I try to
appreciate every day like it is my last. In addition to bringing
home some of the customs of Costa Rica, I have started to
collect monetary donations and school supplies to send to the
school in San Isidro.
ADVICE FOR FUTURE STUDENTS:
While experiencing the cities of Africa, the Masai Mara, the
wildlife, the Maasai people, and Zanzibar was unbelievable, it
was the gratitude, the positive attitude and the cheerfulness of
the children of St. Vincent’s orphanage that touched me to my
core.?Seeing how thankful and appreciative the children were
for the soccer jerseys and cleats - things I had always taken for
granted - was very moving.?While a part of me felt like I had made
a difference in some of these children’s lives, it was actually these
children that made a huge difference in my life.
Staying at Mae Maeh, we immediately noticed their poor living
conditions. Seeing this made me feel grateful for what I have,
but also inspired me to do something to help these kids. When I
returned home, I began making and sculpting elephant pendants,
keychains, and pins, which I gave out with each donation made
to Trunks for Thailand. I decided money would be the best thing
for the orphanage because it could be used to better the living
conditions of the children.?Since I started Trunks for Thailand,
I have raised $801 dollars, which I donated to the Mae Maeh
orphanage in 2013.
At first, I was nervous that I didn’t know anyone on the program.
Soon, it wasn’t even a worry. Once an ARCC trip is over, you’ll
have bonded with everyone and grown to be best friends. You
never want to leave. Cherish every single moment. Your trip will
go by like the blink of an eye!
HOW MY ARCC EXPERIENCE INSPIRED ME:
ADVICE FOR FUTURE STUDENTS:
STUDENTS TAUGHT ENGLISH TO
OVER 1500 SCHOOLCHILDREN.
HOW MY ARCC EXPERIENCE INSPIRED ME:
MY FAVORITE ARCC MEMORY:
HOW MY ARCC EXPERIENCE INSPIRED ME:
Never take these experiences for granted and use this opportunity
to be more open-minded or to start a project of your own.?Make
connections with other students on the program, children you
meet at orphanages and locals who help you along the way and
immerse yourself in the culture. But most of all, never forget
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