When I was accepted for this service trip, I had no idea what to expect. I knew that everything in Quito would be different from that of Rochester, but I did not know to what extent. I knew the trip would be fun because I knew that spending time with all the guys would be nice, especially before we all graduate. What I did not know was how much I would be affected by the experience.

The Working Boys' Center was wonderful. Our rooms were comfortable and clean, and the living conditions were much better then anything else in the city. After our tour of the center, we all realized how differently these children lived and studied. Unlike our education, these children were taught specific trades, so that at a young age they could go out into the world and be qualified enough to start their own business or profession. This is much different then our American education, because in many cases for these young children, they have to begin to work at a young age because their income can potentially constitute up to 80% of the family's income. These kids live their lives very differently then you or I, and their education system is very unique.

The biggest challenge for me was realizing why I was there. In ten days, it was nearly impossible for me to truly change all the crime, poverty, and injustice in the city. It was difficult for me to know that I was there in Quito for myself, not exactly for the kids. Yes, in the ten days that I was there, I could see the joy and excitement that I brought to those children, and maybe some of them will remember me, maybe not. At the same time, I cannot change the fact that every day those children wake up at the crack of dawn and take a 2 hour bus ride into town to go to school, and that every night those same kids fall asleep in a small bed with 3 of their brothers or sisters lying next to them, in a cement shack on the side of a mountain.

I was there, with those children, to learn how they live in Quito, and in most of South America. I was there to experience the city and the people. The question that remains to be asked, is that now that I am home safe, what I am going to do with what I experienced? This is the question the trip was meant to ask. After everything i have seen, experienced, and lived with for ten days, I know that it is not only my choice, but my obligation to help out my fellow brothers and sisters in every part of the world. The trip taught me about foreign cultures, the wrath of poverty, but more importantly, about myself. I look at my life in a new light, a better light. I realize now everything that I have been given, and how lucky I am. I realize everything that I have to give to the people around me, and just how much a can help. Even though I am just a man, I can still make an impact, no matter how small.

The trip was generally sensational. I learned so much, and had more fun than I ever expected. I have only to thank Mr. Hobbs, and Sean Mullen, our chaperons, for making the experience that much better. We saw all walks of life in Quito, from the rich to the poor, and were able to make an impact on the lives of those kids. I recommend this opportunity to any Junior next year, and I hope the next group of students to go on this service trip can learn everything that I did through my experiences.

Joe Feeney