
One of the most humbling and eye-opening experiences during my time in Panama was spending a day with a local school for students who don’t have many resources. I’d heard a lot about the school before visiting, but nothing could have prepared me for the immense impact it would have on me.
Our group spent the day touring the school, which serves students from infants to high schoolers. Despite the limited resources, it was clear that the teachers and faculty were deeply passionate about their work. The classrooms were full of energy, creativity, and dedication, and it was evident that the faculty poured their hearts into making the most out of what they had. Some of the classrooms were simple, with few materials, but what stood out was how the teachers had found ways to be incredibly resourceful and innovative, creating engaging lessons for the students.
We had the privilege of meeting students from all age groups—starting with the little ones, whose eyes lit up with excitement when they saw us, to the high schoolers who spoke to us with such maturity and warmth. I could sense that education here wasn’t just about textbooks and lessons; it was about nurturing the potential of each student and building a sense of community.
The Power of Play: A Game of Soccer
After touring the classrooms, we spent the afternoon playing outside with the students. One of the highlights of the day was joining in a game of soccer with the high schoolers. I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to be very good at it. But as we began playing, I found myself naturally taking on the role of goalie. To my surprise, I turned out to be pretty good at it!
What was truly remarkable, though, was how we were able to play together despite speaking different languages. Soccer, like any sport, has its own universal language—one of movement, gestures, and shared enthusiasm. There was no need for words to communicate, and that was something powerful. We simply understood each other through the game itself. The high schoolers, who spoke little to no English, and I, who spoke limited Spanish, were able to connect on a whole new level. The game became our bridge, and it was a reminder that sometimes, the simplest activities can break down barriers and create a sense of unity that words cannot always achieve.