Volunteering.

I would recommend volunteering to anyone. The last three weeks of my trip were spent in a small Mexican town on the Yucatan peninsula, working at a summer camp set up for under privileged children. We were also able to teach them basic swimming skills which, for me, was the most rewarding - there are few places to learn how to swim in Valladolid and it's something that I think everyone should be able to do. It's both useful and a fun activity for the children. 

There are so many benefits to Volunteering and I would recommend it to anyone. Not only is it great for your C.V with a view to going to University or for setting yourself apart from other job applicants, but it's also a great experience. You meet new people, form close friendships with them and plan to meet up with them if they're ever in town. Cue a #ShamelessSelfie.

Then there's the kids. Aside from being a- DORE-able, I was able to learn a lot from them. I choose Mexico as it is a beautiful country and, as I bonus would be able to practice and improve my Spanish. If you speak another language and need extra practice, there is no better tool than a child. Their fast words and there willingness to repeat it back to you until it makes sense is like nothing you'll find in a classroom. 

Meet Rey, at the beginning of the 3 weeks he was terrified of the water. He wouldn't even get in the pool, let alone put his face in the water. After 2 and a half weeks he was swimming, front crawl no less, un assisted. But, most of all his confidence in the water was mos improved and I knew that his fear had disappeared. He'd done it! 

Remember, they are kids. They aren't always going to listen to you and sometimes it'll be difficult. But, it's worth it. Trust me. the pride you feel when a child has conquered something YOU taught them is an unforgettable feeling. And, just look at their faces..

 If you're thinking about volunteering, do it. I couldn't recommend it enough and can't wait to do something like this again next year.