Leaving My Roaring 20's behind and Rolling into My 30s!

Daryl King Start Date: Aug 10, 2017 - End Date: Feb 9, 2018
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Cusco, Peru

My Travel Story

by: Daryl King Start Date: Aug 10, 2017 - End Date: Feb 9, 2018
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Volunteer Trip
Volunteering in Peru would be a special experience for me because I haven’t returned back to South America since I was in 7th grade.  The country that I last visited was Guyana, located on the Eastern side of the continent.  Despite the proximity of Guyana and Peru, with a distance of 2,725 km between Cusco and Georgetown, there is a deeper cultural divide that exists the two cities.  Growing up in a Guyanese family, I was always conflicted by hearing statements of Guyana’s Caribbean heritage and the lack of apparent connections between Guyana and other countries in the continent. 


Not only do I feel a sense of nostalgia and longing for any sense of familiarity for the open space of South America, but I am fortunate to have a good friend of Peruvian descent.  He is currently attending graduate school and has made a substantial effort to spread Indigenous cultural throughout his work.  Meeting and knowing him has greatly opened my eyes to what possibilities are ahead for South America.


Sustainable volunteering in Peru is a combination of many things that I am passionate about.  I have always been in love with architecture and design from the moment that I recognized the appeal of an item made with consideration for the owner and viewer.  When I was in High School, my mother worked for Habitat for Humanity.  I was able to work on a site and assist with other projects.  Although, as a teenager, I disliked working and wanted to have a lazy weekend, I now find myself craving for experiences that are just as challenging or even more.


My physical presence in the community would be progressive for opening up the possibility of a new wave of South American culture.  The dialogue starts with an exploration of South America’s general infrastructure and bridging the gap between where South America is, overall, and the global sustainable vision set for humanity’s future.


My current work is dependent on my ability to provide for the people that I know within my network.  Without my ability to provide the services that I can offer and to use my skills for the benefit of my clients, I am technically without a job or purpose.  Part of my training calls for me to constantly develop my skills and work inside of any immersive environment to succeed.  Working as a sustainable volunteer would greatly develop my professional skills and desire to learn more communications, which I see as a tool that can be used to effectively enhance our world.
  • Cusco, Peru