Iza:Mentoring Youth & Raising Social Awareness in Santiago,DR

Izalynel Mirabal Start Date: Mar 6, 2022 - End Date: Jun 30, 2022
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
  • Santiago De Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic

My Travel Story

by: Izalynel Mirabal Start Date: Mar 6, 2022 - End Date: Jun 30, 2022
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Study/Degree Abroad
  • Volunteer Trip
Iza: Ni' De' Aquí Ni' De' Allá! 
American Grown-Dominican Roots 
         Exploring my roots while I mentor youth and raise social awareness! 

Why Volunteer in Dominican Republic?
I am a Dominican-New Yorker (from the BRONX) and part of a large Dominican family and I have only ever been to the country once when I was 9 and from that moment I dreamt of going back to learn about who I am and how I could help. So, dedicating 3 weeks of my summer with Dominican teens in a local nonprofit organization that helps 400 children that are forced to choose between education and work due to the socio-economic situation they are in. This is one way to give back to my community while visiting the country which is an amazing opportunity. I love my culture and the opportunity to experience the country by staying at a homestay with a family and my people in an authentic way while being able to help would be an amazing experience, not just vacationing there but making a difference and the opportunity to take Spanish classes in a Spanish speaking country will really support in my language development.

Why you should be part of my journey? 
Remember being fifteen going on sixteen... who do you remember? who made a difference? who was cheering your journey? All I am hoping is that you cheer me on however you can...This experience is one way to explore my dreams and passions to own a business, volunteer work, even the independence to study abroad. Volunteering in another country leads to new found passions. Being young allows time for discovery of new things about the world and myself!
  • Santiago De Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic

Updates

2

  • READY TO PACK!!

    READY TO PACK!!
    Thank you all so much for getting me this far! Thank you for your generosity and belief in me! I bought my suitcase last week and I love it! I leave one month from today which is exhilarating and wild to me. I've come so far and wouldn't have done so without any of your help so thank you.

  • SO APPRECIATIVE OF YOU!!!!!! READY TO FLY!!!!!!

    SO APPRECIATIVE OF YOU!!!!!! READY TO FLY!!!!!!
    I am so thankful and surprised at all the help you have given me so far! It is incredible to see a community come together♥ I appreciate you all more than you could ever know! Seriously! You have no idea. It means the world to know I have you on my side ☺️ I've made it 20% of the way because of your support (in a week too!). Now my flight is covered!

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