By Katie Flynn
During the 2016-2017 school year 11 Oliver Ames students and 2 teachers began preparing for a world challenge trip to Tanzania that would take place for 3 weeks this past summer. The Daily Olivian caught up with Mrs. Hynes and senior Nathaniel Cardozato learn more about the experiences they encountered on the trip.
Mrs. Hynes explained that her and Mr. Sousa chose Tanzina because “it had everything they wanted-solid time to complete a project, not just a vacation service trip.” The trip was planned completely by the students based off the world challenge guidelines to ensure they were excited about the expedition they had ahead of them. It consisted of a “mini trek” when they first arrived to prepare them for the weeks ahead, followed by an exciting safari, and then a big trek which involved some challenging situations. The group climbed a 9700 foot mountain while camping and cooking along the way. The students were able to do this safely and successfully with assistance from Oliver Ames cross-country coach, Mr. Sousa, and their expedition leader along with Mrs. Hynes.
Hynes particularly reminisced about the school they stayed at in an African community. They were able to help finish and paint a new school building. The students formed relationships with the kids and some of OA’s finest soccer stars skills were tested when competing in an exciting match one afternoon. They were able to hold their own, according to Hynes.
Cardoza was extremely interested in “learning about different cultures and how people live”, but most importantly he “just wanted to help others”. He cherished the experience he had especially when he was able to bond with the school community while playing soccer in front of a beautiful sunset. He also mentioned some of the difficulties the group faced such as “making sure everyone did their part when picking up the slack for people who were sick.” Cardoza learned valuable lessons when it came to how to budget the money they had for each day and prioritizing the things they really needed.
The last part of the trip consisted of a well deserved reward for all the hard work the students had done. They went to Zanzibar Island where they snorkelled and went out to eat while reminiscing on the experience they had created together. The small group became very close over the weeks and got to know people they had never really knew before. Both Hynes and Cardoza discussed the amazing experiences they had learning about a new culture while helping people at the same time.