Renee

The program, by far, exceeded my expectations in every aspect. I believe everything was very well organized and the leaders worked great together to make sure everything was carried out efficiently. The whole experience with Sustainable Summer has truly taught me the value of happiness and how little I need to be happy. At Shiripuno, without electricity and any communication to the outside world, I was the happiest I have ever been because each and everyday I was doing things that I love, such as hiking the jungle, with people that I enjoyed doing it with. Going back to Coca after our time in Shiripuno, I was in some sort of daze, longing for the clarity of the wilderness. The activity we did where we had to choose the 10 items that we would bring on a deserted island and gradually narrow down also put things into perspective the connection between material possessions and happiness. I learned that in order to be the change you wish to see in the world, you must purse the actions which you desire because in the end you are the only one in control of your own conscience. I am very grateful to have been apart of this program. I think the organization has great intentions and I believe it will have no problems being successful in the future. Each and every day of the trip, I expanded my palette of knowledge and of environmental awareness. The group became much more comfortable together as the trip progressed and it made it that much easier to push yourself out of your comfort zone, knowing that the group was there to support you. All in all, it was truly one of the best experiences I have ever had and I wouldn’t have traded it for the world.