These past six weeks in Lima have been an incredible journey of growth, self-discovery, and meaningful work. Coming to Peru, I wasn’t just stepping into a new environment—I was stepping into an experience that would shape me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I’ve always had difficulty being direct and talking about myself when meeting new people, especially in another country. This habit was something I developed when I first arrived in Switzerland, a way of surviving in a new culture by erasing parts of myself to fit in. But here in Peru, things were different. My teammates, people from all over the world, gave me the space to be a more genuine version of myself. I could maintain my boundaries while still acknowledging the needs of others. This support and understanding gave me a strong sense of motivation to fully commit to our work, and for the first time, I felt deeply connected to a shared goal.

That goal—helping the Shipibo-Conibo community—was something I hadn’t known would touch me so deeply. There’s something powerful about finding true meaning in what you do. I believe meaning is at the core of work ethics. If something isn’t meaningful to you, you can’t give it your all. And without giving your best, you fall into a cycle of feeling unfulfilled. Here in Lima, I found that meaning. The work we did with the women leaders of Cantagallo, helping them improve meal preparation and setting up the art craft fair, wasn’t just about economic empowerment—it was about connecting these women with their identity and giving them the platform to present themselves through their art.

The fifth week was particularly emotional as we launched the art fair. Initially, it was tough. The women had been burned in the past by a businessman who took all their crafts and never paid them, so gaining their trust wasn’t easy. But eventually, they opened up to us, and their warmth and trust were incredibly humbling. I was grateful they welcomed us, and that sense of openness pushed me to give even more. Together, we promoted the fair by reaching out to influencers through our friends at Killa Natural, handing out 200 flyers to tourists, and putting up posters around the hotel. Our volunteers worked tirelessly to spread the word on social media through the Comunidad Perú, Killa Natural, and Selina Lima accounts.

The result was better than we had hoped. The women earned over 1,000 soles, a huge jump from the 80 soles they would normally make at previous fairs. More importantly, they were treated with respect—they had sanitary conditions and food, basic things they hadn’t been offered before. It wasn’t just about selling crafts; it was about ensuring dignity and fairness. This experience has left me hopeful that future fairs will continue, creating a sustainable and empowering path for these women.

Week six, however, was bittersweet. As we continued teaching the children English and drawing, and providing breakfast and lunch, there was a heaviness in the air. We all knew the experience was coming to an end, and the thought of leaving was emotional. The children had become such a big part of our daily lives, and their smiles and laughter had filled our hearts. Saying goodbye was hard.

This experience has shaped me in more ways than I can express. It has made me realize the importance of finding meaning in your work, of forming genuine human connections, and of standing by your principles. I’ve come to understand that I have a responsibility to help communities in need, wherever I am. Turning a blind eye to injustice or hardship is being part of the problem, and I’m no longer willing to do that.

My team was made up of some of the most ambitious and hardworking people I’ve ever met, which made the work all the more enjoyable. I know not every experience is like this, but I believe that with effective communication and mutual understanding, any team can reach its common goal while still respecting each individual’s needs. I also learned that personal connections—those small, kind interactions we shared daily—are crucial to maintaining motivation and harmony in a group. We often say, “We go faster alone, but farther together,” and this experience proved that to be true.

I’m leaving Lima with a heart full of gratitude—for the community, for the friendships I’ve made, and for the lessons I’ve learned. This journey has been more than just volunteering; it has been a transformative experience that has helped me grow, not just as a person but as a member of the global community. I want to thank the LaidLaw Foundation for making this opportunity possible. I have learned so much and will carry this experience with me wherever I go.