The Virginia 4-H Participants have a variety of reasons for wanting to participate this year.
Garima Patel, 15, Roanoke Co.
She applied for this program because she really wants to teach kids from other places, get a feel of different cultures and customs, and get to know more people.
Cole applied for this program after attending a workshop last year that showed him the impact it made on those involved. He knew he needed to sign up as quickly as possible. The most important thing he wants to do/see/learn/experience while in the Dominican Republic is the culture. He has always had such a love for exploring other cultures and learning about how other cultures live and celebrate.
She applied for this program because she had an amazing time last year, the people really do make the program and she can't wait to see the cities and the community again! She wants to put the language into practice and learn about the kids and other teens. She can say she's looking forward to teaching and sharing with the kids, but it really ended up being her who learned the most during her trip last year!
Leah Johnson, 15, Roanoke Co.
While Leah is in the Dominican Republic, the most important thing she wants to learn and understand is how day camps build leadership, teamwork, and cultural pride among Dominican youth, because seeing how these camps impact young people will help me grow as a leader and better support youth development back home.
Ian Edwards, 17, Culpeper Co.
Ian wants to see the world from another perspective because he thinks everyone can learn something from something different. He also wants to make a difference that is actually impactful.
Cassidy is going to college to be a nurse and her dream is to work in pediatric oncology. She's always loved working with kids and during college she wants to go on more mission trips to work as a nurse. She thought this trip would be the perfect way to begin her journey as a pediatric nurse and to teach her the ropes of mission trips. Her personal goal is to make strong connections with the children, learn about their culture, and make a difference in someone's life!
Emily Sachno, 15, Nelson Co.
Emily applied for this program because she wants to make a difference in this world. While she is in the Dominican Republic, the most important thing she wants to do is to stay in the moment and take lots of photos because she wants to create lasting memories.
Christine Hodges, Trip Leader/4-H Agent, Alleghany Co.
Carol enjoys traveling, working with teens and learning about cultures. Her first international trip was as an International 4-H Youth Exchange (IFYE) delegate to West Germany for 6 months right after college. That was truly a life changing experience. Now, Carol enjoys facilitating life changing experiences for Virginia 4-H'ers as they grow in leadership and world citizenship and develop lifelong friendships through 4-H. The Dominican Republic program holds a very special place in Carol's heart. Our group is welcomed back every year like family..
As a 4-H Agent, Kim has incorporated international experiences for those who are unable to travel (virtual, games, speakers, etc.), and worked to help place inbound exchange students in her unit. She feels the next logical step is to support Virginia 4-H youth as they work to broaden their horizons. She is excited to learn how day camps and 4-H programs are implemented outside of the US.
Cristy was able to attend the trip last year and she says it was a wonderful experience! She loved working with our 4-H teens as well as the Dominican youth during the trip. She wants the Dominican children to know that Dominicans and Americans are more alike than you would think.
Rory Nansel, 4-H Volunteer, Shenandoah Co.
Rory applied because he has been involved in international programs since before he understood what they were and now understands what a profound impact it can have not only on participants, but others whose lives they touch. He also spent a year as a high school exchange student in Finland and understands much of what the delegates feel and experience and wants to support them through their experiences. With his wife, Carol, Rory has been involved with this program from its start, and has enjoyed helping with it, even when he hasn't traveled.
He wants to see that the 4-H'ers are learning and trying new things and not relying on just what they are familiar with, because when one steps out of their comfort zone, they can really learn something, not only about other people and cultures, but about themselves!
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