Feature Story
By My Vi Huynh
During Spring break, eleven students of Secondary 5 went on a humanitarian trip. Their destination? Costa Rica. After months of preparation and of raising money they embarked on a journey that would most likely be unforgettable. I recently interviewed Amélie Roy, one of the members of the group that was part of the travel experience, about how she felt coming back home after having lived something so memorable.
My Vi Huynh: So Amélie, what was the most challenging part of the preparation for the upcoming trip you were to embark on?
Amélie Roy: I would say that the group I was a part of was quite haphazard. What I mean is that prior to the establishment of this humanitarian project, even though we had been in the same school for the past few years, most of us hadn’t interracted a lot with each other yet. So, I think we were lacking that chemistry and it’s something that just ended up working out and evolving as time went on.
MH: Why do you think Costa Rica was an appropriate place for a humanitarian trip rather than other countries in the world?
AR: Well, during the previous years, the humanitarian trips were in places like Nicaragua and Senegal. Costa Rica had that aspect of newness as our school had not really visited that country before for this purpose. Also, the village we spent time in had such a close bond type of community in which we saw how much they were grateful for help. Our mission there was to build a road that would stop dust from destroying and damaging a school nearby and we could really notice just how much the adults cared for the safety of the children.
MH: What was the most fulfilling thing you were left with after this experience whether that be a moment, an encounter, something you saw, etc.?
AR: I think I can speak for everyone when I say that the attachments and unity we formed with the families we were assigned to. Not only that, but we also promised each other to later go back to that same village with the very same group to rekindle with the people who made our trip so memorable.
MH: I have noticed that the Costa Rica group has grown very close during the past few months, but especially since your return to Québec. Why do you think this experience has made you bond more than ever?
AR: I think it was because we were all quite destabilized in this new environment and this group sort of acted as an anchor to all of us. We have also spent a lot of time together since coming back because we have all been so moved by this adventure that we conquered together.
MH: Would you recommend not only this particular trip but any humanitarian voyage to future secondary 5 students and why?
AR: Of course I would! It was something so unique that allowed me to completely get out of my comfort zone. Individually, we all had these goals and objectives that we wanted to reach, and I believe that our time in Costa Rica definitely helped us achieve them. My only advice to someone who’s debating and worrying about whether or not to be a part of this humanitarian trip is to jump into the water fully. Don’t hesitate, just let yourself get emerged into the experiences, lessons and beauty of it all. I have no regrets about my decision to go to Costa Rica.
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