Traveling the world is my passion and I love to visit new places, but at the same time, visiting old places is just as fun. I love to learn new aspects of culture and society while making an impact. 

This was my second trip to Panama and I spent most of my time in downtown Panama City, the capital of the country. During my previous visit, I was working in a high-risk community on the outskirts of the city where kids are exposed to a lot of crime, violence and poverty. I wanted to let kids be kids and experience recreation as I had in the United States. I was excited, but nervous to return, hoping the community would accept me as they did before. 

I worked with a well-known international organization called SOS Children’s Villages. Operating in more than 100 countries, the organization provides long-term support for children and families through educational, recreational, and residential programs. In Botswana, I collaborated with this group and am hoping to continue this relationship to bring Around the Worlds to Jordan and back to Uruguay. 

An intimate group always allows for more one-on-one time with beneficiaries. With 20 athletes, I knew the kids would have the opportunity to learn a lot about leadership and soccer skills, but I never expected to learn something new in return. In most programs, I am the teacher, the leader, and the organizer. This trip was different, in the best way possible. 

Playing in extremely hot conditions on a court offering little to no shade, it would have been easy for the participants to slack off, but they did the opposite. The older participants stepped up and took charge of the program, teaching and guiding others. They encouraged the younger beneficiaries, helping them to be their best. They successfully took my job, to the point where I was simply supervising. At this moment, I was incredibly proud and moved. 

We want older participants to help us create long-term programs in their communities so that kids can be kids. Also, we want to cultivate future leaders who can teach others to be leaders in their hometowns. These kids were naturally gifted teachers and although some had never done it before, they knew exactly what to do! I never had to instruct them on what to do, they just got it. 

I leave behind soccer materials, like soccer balls, t-shirts, etc., in the hopes that the kids can continue to play, learn and dream together. In Panama, I know these young leaders will keep this message alive and continue to inspire others as they inspired me.