Name: Eliza Trainer
Hometown and current location: Potomac, Maryland
Relationship to VISIONS: Peru 2017 participant
What was most memorable about your VISIONS experience?
On the Peru trip, we had so much independence and so many opportunities to practice Spanish. Being in the center of Urubamba, we were able to walk around during “Bamba Time” and interact with members of the community as if we were locals. Having a more traditional experience in Peru, rather than a touristy experience, really made it feel like we were in another country, rather than constantly being around a bunch of other American tourists. The trip felt as if we were Peruvians for the time period we were there.
What did the VISIONS experience teach you about yourself?
At first, I was very nervous about the trip: a new country with new people speaking a different language. The entire trip was very challenging and pushed me to step out of my comfort zone, and I learned so much in doing so. I want to continue to challenge myself and put myself in situations that will help me grow because it feels amazing to help others while having fun and learning at the same time.
What is something that makes you hopeful for the future?
I love surrounding myself with people that constantly know how to have a fun time. My friends are very supportive and push me to work harder to achieve my goals, but they are also very entertaining. They make me look forward to going to school on a daily basis and I don’t know what I would do without them.
What do you hope to be doing 10 years from now?
I would love to be doing something to help others in a foreign country. I have always been involved in community service, with over 400 service hours since sixth grade, and I have been learning Spanish for nine years now, so I would love to put those two passions into play in my life after college.
