As a Local Guide, I have always been passionate about giving back to my community. Recently, I had the opportunity to go on a service trip to Orlando, Florida, where I volunteered at Give Kids the World Village and the Ronald McDonald House. It was an incredible experience that taught me important lessons about empathy and gratitude.
At Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit organization that provides accommodations and activities for critically ill children and their families, I quickly realized the importance of accessibility. The village was designed to be safe and accessible for children with various disabilities, and it was amazing to see how small changes, such as adding handrails or ramps, could make a huge difference in someone’s life. As a Local Guide, I believe that accessibility is an important issue that we should all be aware of. It’s our responsibility to make sure that everyone in our community has equal access to the places and experiences we love.
During my time at the village, I also had the opportunity to practice my photography skills. I took a DSLR camera with me for the first time, and I was able to capture some incredible moments of the children and their families. It was a powerful reminder of the impact that small acts of kindness can have on someone’s life. As Local Guides, we have the power to share our experiences with the world and inspire others to make a difference in their communities.
At the Ronald McDonald House, a charity that provides accommodations for families of children who are receiving medical treatment, we cooked meals for the families and had the opportunity to connect with them and hear their stories. Despite going through some of the most challenging times of their lives, they still managed to find joy in the little things. It was a humbling reminder of how much we have to be grateful for and how powerful community service can be.
Overall, my service trip to Orlando was an incredible experience that taught me important lessons about accessibility, empathy, and gratitude. As Local Guides, we have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact in our communities. Whether it’s through sharing our experiences or volunteering our time, we can all make a difference.
Below I attached some pictures. We also spent one day at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
