Ethan's Voulenteer Trip To Ecuador

Ethan Halland Start Date: Jul 3, 2021 - End Date: Oct 30, 2021
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Volunteer Trip

My Travel Story

by: Ethan Halland Start Date: Jul 3, 2021 - End Date: Oct 30, 2021
  • Cultural Exchange
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Volunteer Trip
Ever since you are old enough to talk to people, you are asked what you want to be when you grow up, and most kids respond with their wildest dreams, like being an astronaut, or a rock star. But as we grow up, those dreams are kind of pushed to the background, whether you've lost interest, doubt starts to creep up on you, or people say you can never accomplish it. So many life-changing dreams are given up on for one reason or another, and in place comes the regularness of everyday life.
For the past couple of years, I've been thinking about what's a smart financial field to go into and everything I could think of seemed like an okay option, but they all seemed very regular and on the same sort of path most people take. And there's nothing wrong with that, except I know that's not what I want to do.
Ever since a young age, I've loved to go on adventures and explore, and due to moving every few years I always found myself in new environments. A few years ago I realized how much more I grow when I’m pushed out of my comfort zone, and I think most people can say the same. That’s one of the reasons I am trying to take a volunteering trip to an Amazon jungle, animal sanctuary in Ecuador come the new year. Going to Ecuador will be a very exciting experience. I am very excited to go to a new country and learn about other cultures while making an impact and helping the world. I’m taking a three-week trip through a volunteering organization to help care for injured, mistreated, or abandoned animals in efforts to grow as a person and know I made a change in the world.
A lot of resources are going into this trip and any type of support would mean the world to me. It will be difficult, physically, mentally, and financially but luckily GoEco, the organization I'm going through, makes the journey a lot more doable by helping set up accommodations, food, airport pickup, and a load of support from their very friendly team. Even though it is volunteering, it still requires a fee to pay for the amenities that are used. With the plane tickets and local points of interest, the trip is slowly getting more expensive. Any type of support would help, whether it's from a “good luck” to even sharing the post, all of it will make a difference!!
At the very least I hope this adventure will inspire others to push themselves no matter the point in their lives, to grow. Grow as people, grow as friends, grow as family, and grow mentally. People have told me ever since I was young, to appreciate it, and don't grow up because life is too short, and I know if I don't travel and see the world now, that I may never have the opportunity again.
If you are interested in learning more about the organization and the cause, here's a link!
Website: https://www.goeco.org/
My Trip: https://www.goeco.org/.../vol.../ecuador/animal-plus-spanish#
If you have any questions or concerns I would love to answer them!!!





How will this impact your education or career?
Going to Ecuador will make a huge impact on me as a person, I see this as an amazing opportunity to push myself. Being able to take a gap year to volunteer will help me create a stronger foundation for my future by being able to grow as a person and it will also make a wonderful reference for whatever I decide to do in the following years.
How will you make a difference in the community?
By volunteering my time in the local area, I will be making a difference with the community as well as the beautiful wildlife. During the three-week stay, I will be helping with rehabilitation and support for the animals housed at the sanctuary. 
Why are you passionate about this project?
I'm passionate about this project because I've always loved animals, and I want to be able to step outside my comfort zone and do something that I know will make an impact.

More Travel Information