What was your experience like working in a women's prison? 

Working in the women's prison and children's hospitals was an impactful and eye-opening experience. Seeing the joy that simple acts of service and genuine interaction brought, especially while distributing hygiene products in the women's prison, highlighted the level of need in Bolivia and encouraged me to reflect on how I can more intentionally serve my community. 

What surprised you most about visiting Bolivia?

I was most surprised by how deeply community-oriented Bolivia is, and how strongly its traditions shape daily life. As a landscape architecture student, I was also struck by the country's climatic and geographic diversity, particularly while spending time in the world's highest altitude capital city.

What do you feel was the most meaningful or lasting impact this experience had on you?

The most meaningful impact of this experience was learning to work as a diverse team and leverage each other’s strengths to serve communities. From packing lunches and hygiene kits for a women’s prison to supporting children’s hospitals and the host church, I saw firsthand how coordinated effort can make a real difference. Packing several hundred hygiene bags for the prison, in particular, allowed us to reach every individual and leave a lasting impact.

What skills did you develop or strengthen through this experience?

This experience strengthened my leadership and teamwork skills by teaching me how to lead with a shared mission and clear objectives. Working both as a large group and within smaller sub-teams allowed me to collaborate more effectively in diverse settings. I also learned the importance of being open-minded, teachable, and adaptable, recognizing that meaningful service often requires setting aside personal preferences and making sacrafices for the greater good and the communities being served.