We interrupt our series of board member travel stories to bring you a special post from a young, first-time traveler: Antonio Yambao. Antonio traveled to Honduras—under the leadership of our own board member, Karen Erickson—as part of Foothill College's chapter of Global Medical Brigades, an international movement of students and medical professionals working alongside local communities and staff to implement sustainable health systems. It's exciting to hear about someone's first trip so soon after it happens, so we wanted to share it with you.
- Yasmin
I will never forget the time I went to Honduras for a week. I was nervous as it was the first time I'd be leaving the country, but coincidentally that was also why I was really excited. I like looking at motivational quotes every morning, usually they stick with me for a day or two. However, one quote that really stuck with me was by Rachel Wolchin, "If we were meant to stay in one place, we'd have roots instead of feet." The ability to move and travel is a privilege that we as humans need to take advantage of. I believe the biggest reason I was nervous was because of my age. I'm still considered a teenager and I depend on my parents, how am I supposed to leave my life for a week? However, I learned on my trip that age was never a reason to fear. It's more than just tourism, it's therapy for yourself. At home there was no movement in my life, it was static and in a day and age where everyone's in an endless race this was not good. One week is all it took to change my life. Being away from home, without wifi, but with great people allowed me to learn so many things about myself. I have a newfound confidence, appreciation, and energy in my life. No more static, I'm actively working and living with a newfound positivity that is helping me mentally, physically, and socially. It's not easy to leave your comfort zone but as Max Depree says, "We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are." I urge anyone reading this to take that leap of faith like I did. Chances are you will fall into great arms!
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