The Alumni Spotlight highlights the achievements and stories of ISV alumni and Student Representatives. This weekly feature showcases these participants and their life-changing experience from around the world. ISV knows that volunteers make a difference, and is pleased to recognize the achievements of these outstanding university students!
This week's Alumni Spotlight is on:
Kimberly Blonar at the Elephant Nature Park, Thailand
Kimberly Blonar
University of Rhode Island
Thailand 2011
Please describe your volunteer project.
I did the two week option. The first part of the trip, we stayed at a boarding school in a village called Wat Ban Lou building a foundation of a classroom building, bonding with the children and teaching them English while they taught us Thai. For the second half, I stayed at the Elephant Nature Park in Chaing Mai and helped care for rescued elephants.
What was the funniest story from your ISV Program?
The funniest thing that happened was when we were having a group discussion and a lizard fell on my friend's leg from the ceiling. She flung it across the room and my project leader had to do a "Matrix" move to dodge out of the way. It was really hard not to laugh for the rest of the discussion.
"This trip was hands down one of the most amazing experiences of my life!" - Kimberly on her ISV Program
What was the most memorable moment of your ISV Program?
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was when we left Wat Ban Lou and I had to say goodbye to Sopa, the little girl from the village. We grew very close during my stay there, and we were both pretty upset when I left. It was just amazing to me that people can get close with such a language barrier.
To learn more about ISV and how you can volunteer abroad, visit our website today!
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