For Sophomore, Business Pre-Dentistry student, Ana Segawa, the decision to volunteer abroad was deeply personal and driven by both past involvement and a desire to do more. Having previously worked with CHE behind the scenes, she felt it was time to step into a more hands-on role. "I had been interested the year before and wanted to be more involved instead of just helping from afar," Ana shared. With a passion for mission work, a health-focused opportunity seemed like the perfect fit. Though she had traveled on mission trips before, this was her first time going solo-without family or friends. "It was a little scary at first, but also exciting," she said.
Ana spent 10 days volunteering in Machaquilá, Guatemala, traveling by bus to more remote towns and villages to reach communities in need. Her team set up pop-up health clinics and also participated in church outreach, engaging children with stories and music. The focus, however, was healthcare access for people who often had none.
Although Ana had prior mission trip experience, she admitted the group didn't entirely know what to expect. "But it was fun to figure it out as we went," she said. Coming from Brazil, she didn't find the cultural shift too drastic in terms of food or lifestyle. What did stand out, though, was the mindset of the people she met. "They don't complain. We complain about everything. And they go through so much more," she reflected. One patient stuck with her. A man who, despite being in visible pain, was just happy to be seen. "They were so humble and grateful. It really left an impact on me."
Language was a challenge, but Ana and her team found ways to communicate using key words and "broken Spanish." One especially touching moment involved a young Korean volunteer who was able to connect with a local child in Korean. This is a reminder of how powerful and universal compassion can be. "It was such a special moment," Ana said. "There were so many life lessons from this trip." 
Perhaps the biggest shift for Ana was internal. "In college, life can feel so self-centered. But during the trip, everything we did was for others," she said. The simplicity of life in Guatemala, even cold showers, was humbling. "It makes you appreciate what you have and sympathize with others' struggles."
Ana described the experience as deeply fulfilling. "You can't get this feeling from anything else," she said. "It's emotional and exhausting but in the best way." She especially appreciated the camaraderie among volunteers and the leadership of David Lopez and Nicolas Edge, who "went above and beyond" to care for the team.
Ana got hands-on experience doing triage, which is something she'd never done before. Watching the dentist work with limited resources left a lasting impression. "He was calm, patient, and humble. It wasn't fancy, but he gave it his best, and that was inspiring." The experience reconnected Ana with her values, especially after moving to the U.S. "I've seen poverty before, but this brought me back to being more sensitive to others' struggles."
Ana's advice is simple but powerful: "Go with an open mind. You're there to serve, not to have things go your way. Be ready to grow and learn. Look for the positive-you'll find it. And the people you go with? They'll make it unforgettable."
Would She Do It Again? Absolutely. "Now I know what to expect, and I'd love to do it again. It was an experience to cherish. I'm so grateful-it grounded me, and I came back feeling more appreciative of everything I have."
