There’s no better feeling than hearing the bell ring on the last day of school. For Lourdes girls, it means 68 days of freedom! Seniors get the once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to Salamanca in Spain to earn college credit while students in all grade levels get to travel to the Dominican Republic to help a small region in need. Many students were able to participate in these activities, while others went on their own adventures both abroad and across the country.
BLUE missions is a non profit organization that exists to provide people in all areas of the world with basic human necessities, like clean water and sanitary bathrooms. Students that travel on the trip are tasked with helping complete this mission and are rewarded with 100 service hours and tons of amazing memories. For many Lourdes girls, it’s hard to imagine working in such a remote and humid environment, but all attendees learn the joy of truly ‘living in the moment’.
“My week on Blue Missions was an experience I will cherish for the rest of my life,” junior Cristina Bordas said, “The Dominicans in Los Cuncunes truly made an impact on my life because they taught me that there is always a reason to smile, even through difficult times.”
It was truly an immersive week where students could let go of the hustle and bustle of their lives, practice their Spanish, and enjoy spending time with new friends.
“My favorite part of the trip was getting the opportunity to see the children have running water for the first time, and the smiles on their faces,” said Bordas, “I felt that my group made a big difference to their community, and I am so happy I was given the opportunity to help serve.”
In addition to service, bobcats were busy in Salamanca, Spain, where over 50 rising seniors took Spanish classes in subjects ranging from business to arts and culture. La Universidad de Salamanca allows beginner and fluent Spanish speakers alike to earn credit for the college of their choice. While taking their favorite classes, students also had time to spend with their friends.
“I loved my time in Salamanca because I was able to meet and spend time with girls that I never talked to before,” said senior Nina Lievano, “We flew into Sevilla and then took a bus to all the cities we visited. We would usually go shopping or grab gelato and then after that we would split off into different groups. Some groups went on tours and some did flamenco classes.”
A day in the life of a Salamanca student starts with a healthy breakfast, followed by a morning class, free time, lunch, and siesta until the evening. It was both a unique and rewarding experience for all students that visited, one that all Lourdes underclassmen should plan on attending before they graduate.
While some students enjoyed their summer vacation abroad, others, like sophomore Kylie Salum, basked in the beautiful landscapes of California and Hawaii. Although it doesn’t seem as attractive, traveling within the United States can provide a unique (and more affordable) experience that is often underrated.
“I enjoyed the beautiful views and the refreshing water Hawaii had to offer,” said Salum, “I also went to Disneyland California where I was able to go on a whole new world of rides that Florida doesn’t have.”
Hawaii is home to beautiful beaches, 137 islands, and multiple active volcanoes; California is a state with various climates and regions to discover. Others, like senior Antonella Rojo, spent their time at home.
“This summer I was really productive. I participated in externships, was able to study for the SAT, and volunteer at my local animal shelter,” Rojo said, “Even though I stayed in Miami, I was able to make the most of my free time.”
This summer gave all Lourdes girls a plethora of opportunities for exploration that we were able to take advantage of, whether that meant flying across the country or getting ready for the upcoming school year here in Miami.
