Get a glimpse of life as a Global Citizen Year Fellow, where no two days are ever the same.
I’m from Portland, Oregon and spent my Global Citizen Year in the Andean town of Otavalo, Ecuador. Now I’m studying Journalism and Design at the The New School in New York City. Here’s a look at my life in Otavalo.
After breakfast at home, I walk ten minutes to the school, where I start work at 8 o’clock. The school is a Montessori School of Integrated Education for children with disabilities. I teach English to two classes, and spend the rest of the time assisting with the youngest group of kids.
From the school’s playground, there’s a great view of the volcano Imbabura. After snack and recess, I help monitor teeth-brushing with the kiddos!
My mom makes lunch every day which we all eat together, usually while watching telenovelas or Nickelodeon. My home is far from the rural environment I used to picture when I thought of Ecuador. I live in a house in Otavalo, a ten minute walk to my favorite cafe. When my friend and fellow Fellow Bennett and I have free time, we’ll often meet up at cafes to practice Spanish, journal and hang out.
In the afternoons, I work with a group of artisans that make jewelry. Most days I help organize supplies, make presentations, or work on photography projects. Other days, I help make jewelry with the women and we all drink tea and chat in Spanish.
After work I often come to a cafe in Plaza de los Ponchos to write letters and plan my Final Community Project.
From my roof you can see the mountains that surround Otavalo: Imbabura, Cotacachi, and Mojanda. I spend most evenings watching TV with my sister while my mom makes dinner. Quiet evenings with my sisters, or hanging out with my family, are often my favorite parts of the days here.
Day in the life / Senegal
I apprentice with the local baker and also at the community health post.
See Jabari's storyDay in the life / Brazil
My apprenticeship is at a school for people with disabilities where I help to lead gardening, games, and capoeira.
See Sarah's StoryDay in the life / India
I often hail a rickshaw into various parts of the city to meet friends and practice street photography.
See Basil's storyDay in the life / Brazil
I've developed my public speaking skills and encouraged hundreds of people to take care of our planet.
See Fernanda's storyDay in the life / Senegal
I assist in English classes ranging from 6th grade to 12th grade. There’s never a dull moment!
See Brooke's StoryDay in the life / India
In the afternoons, I often go on home visits to meet my students' families and understand where they come from.
See Alana's storyDay in the life / Brazil
After my community garden apprenticeship, I like to hang out at the local waterfall with my friends.
See Amari's storyDay in the life / India
I apprentice with Teach For India and also volunteer with a non-profit working to end child marriage.
See Luciana's story