The 2013 Virginia 4-H - Dominican Republic Program participants have a variety of reasons for wanting to participate in this program.
14 year old Jacob Love, from Rappahannock County, signed up because he wants to help out and learn about a different culture. Jacob has never been outside the United States before and he isn't sure what to expect.
16 year old Lexus Ryman, from Shenandoah County, wants to try new things and meet new people. She also wants to learn more about the language and culture and to experience how the people actually live.
15 year old Kelsey Lindsay, from Bath County, thought this would be a good experience and she is looking forward to meeting the Dominican children and learning what they like to do.
15 year old Ali McLaurin, from Bath County, thinks this will be a great experience for shat she wants to do in the future. Her goals for the week are to communicate well, make the Dominican children happy and be successful in her tasks. She also wants to improve the children's lives in some way because she feels she is fortunate and wants to give and to do what she can do to help.
16 year old Rachel Harriman, from Shenandoah County, went last year and completely enjoyed every minute of it. She wants to spend time with the Dominican kids at 4-H Day Camp and learn how they do things and what they are into. She also wants to learn more Spanish and more about the Dominican culture.
16 year old Bobby Loveland, from Shenandoah County, has been on this trip the previous two years and he thinks it's a great experience. He's looking forward to the trip to the city of Higuey because it's always interesting and different. He also wants to learn more Spanish.
17 year old Heather Landes, from Shenandoah County, signed up because she learned alot the last time she went (2 years ago) and she is very excited to be working with the 4-H Day Campers again!
18 year old Chase Smith, from Bath County, is the 5 year veteran in the group. He says this trip gets better and better each year. Besides spending more quality time with the 4-H Day campers this year, Chase wants to help the delegates who have not beenon this trip get accustomed to this fantastic experience. He also wants to learn more Spanish.
Cody Ross, chaperon from Shenandoah County, participated in this program as a 4-H member. He said he had a great time when he went as a teen. Now he wants to make sure the current teens year get the same experience. He wants to be sure the teens give 110% to the program. Cody also wants to make sure the teens see the differences between the two cultures.
Chaperon Alex Miller, a High School Spanish teacher in Bath County, loves to travel and wants to immerse himself in the Dominican culture and to learn everything "DR style". Alex grew up working with non-profit organizations. This will be the first time he's had a chance to go on a trip as one of the adult chaperons. We are happy to have him as a Spanish helper/translator!
4-H Agent Carol Nansel has had an interest in furthering international understanding since she lived in Germany through the 4-H IFYE exchange program. She helped establish this Dominican Republic program in 2006 and has enjoyed watching the Virginia 4-H teens grow in their leadership and citizenship skills through this program. The welcome shown to our Virginia 4-H group each year by the Dominican people makes us feel like we are there visiting family. Many lifelong friendships have been established, and much cultural understanding has taken place over the years. End of program evaluations from the 4-H'ers show that this program is truly a life changing experience for them.
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