Cash Chambers, age 16, Highland County was one of our participants in 2023. He wants to return this year because he misses everyone there and really wants to work more on his Spanish. While he is in the Dominican Republic, the most important thing Cash wants to experience is the language and culture, because he is really interested in both.
Peyton Broughman 16, Alleghany County applied for this program because she is wants to broaden her horizons in 4-H and really excel in not only helping her community but other communities out in different countries and areas. Peyton's personal goals for this week in the Dominican Republic are to help less fortunate people. She personally believes that giving back is better than receiving. By going to the Dominican Republic, she can really demonstrate good character, and become an educated citizen. It is crucial that people are aware of what’s going on outside our country and she would personally prefer being one of the people who are.
Anna Chambers, 15, Highland County applied for this program because she wanted to have more out of country experiences, help with the unique opportunity we provide for the Dominican kids, and expand her Spanish skills. Anna wants the Dominican children to know that it does not matter where you come from, everyone has things in common and can have fun together.
Liam Crowley, 15, Albemarle County applied for this program because heI wants to see what it is like in another country. His personal goals are to have fun and learn.
Jisoo Han 17, Highland County applied for this program because she wants to have new experiences, widen her social circle, test her Spanish fluency, and learn in person what living conditions are like in the Dominican Republic.
Meredith Minter, 16, Alleghany County wants the Dominican children to know that Americans are kind. I feel like a lot of people from different areas tend to think that Americans are mean and rough. I want the children to know that we are loving people who want to help them and get to know them. Meredith's personal goals for this week in the Dominican Republic are to gain knowledge of the culture and life in the Dominican Republic, and to take it back with me and share my experience and what I learned.
Alesha Moore, 17, Prince William County says that her personal goals for this week in the Dominican Republic are to have a stronger connection with other kids and to see how other people live in a country i don’t live in. Alesha applied for this program because she wants to learn Spanish and travel with other teens my age.
Nolan Rosales, 13, Alleghany County applied for this program because he would like to see the culture in DR and get a different viewpoint about how others live their lives. Nolan's personal goals for this week in the Dominican Republic are to increase his knowledge of Spanish and learn to translate better. He wants the Dominican children to know that Americans are nice, kind and respectful.
Jordan White 16, Highland County While Jordan is in the Dominican Republic, the most important thing he wants to experience is the culture because he has yet to experience another country's culture. He also wants to use his Spanish skills.
Eleanor White, 14, Highland County Eleanor's personal goals for this week in the Dominican Republic are to help as much as she can and to familiarize herself with the culture. She also wants the Dominican children to know that Americans are welcoming and love to learn new things.
Reagan Gwaltney, 15, Augusta County wants to learn more Spanish and help the Dominican kids learn more about 4-H. Reagan wants to impact their lives in ways they will remember forever. While she is in the Dominican Republic, she wants to experience their culture as it is much different from ours.
Chloe Keplinger, 15, Augusta County loves to help people and loves to see little kids get the chance to branch out and get to do things they don’t get to do on daily bases is something I love. And not to count getting to see another country’s culture. I want the Dominican children to know Americans as open minded people that are excited to learn about other cultures!
Cora Hodges, 16, Alleghany County is returning for her second year in this program because she is in 4-H and appreciates the experience. Her personal goals for the week include to be more involved and out there. She likes the beach trip with the Day Campers because it shows them a better part of where they live.
Trip Leader: Carol Nansel, 4-H Extension Agent, Shenandoah County is the other half of the organizational team for this program. Carol enjoys traveling, working with teens and learning about cultures. She enjoys watching the 4-H teens have life changing experiences as they grow in their leadership and world citizenship skills and develop lifelong friendships. This Dominican Republic program, the 4-H teens and the Dominican people, hold a very special place in Carol's heart. Our 4-H group is welcomed back every year like family. This is such a unique and impactful way to experience a different culture and to make international friends.
Ben Hindman, 4-H Extension Agent, Highland County. is thrilled to be joining the Virginia 4-H Dominican Republic Service Trip for the second year. This opportunity to travel internationally and immerse in different cultures is incredibly valuable for gaining a deeper understanding of the world and the diverse experiences of its people. Ben is passionate about sharing these enriching experiences with the youth from his community to help broaden their perspectives. He is looking forward to reconnecting with the Dominicans he met last year and building new relationships with this year’s Virginia 4-H delegation
Emmalee is most excited to experience the Dominican culture again. It's colorful, vibrant, lively, and energizing. The part of last year's trip that really opened her eyes was the visit to Domingo Maiz, a small residential community. The residents there don't have much in regards to possessions, but you can tell they have a love of life. Music was playing everywhere we went, people played cards and dominoes, and it seemed like everyone was outside simply spending time with one another. It's a beautiful aspect of life that she sometimes thinks we've lost a little too much in America, so it's refreshing to see in other's cultures.
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