Taylor Horton is 19 years old and lives in Freetown, Massachusetts. She just ended high school and will be attending Salem State University in the fall as a psychology major. She enjoys skiing, riding her bike, reading, and being with her family. Taylor volunteered with Volunteering Solutions in Summer program 2011.
Why did you decide to volunteer abroad with Volunteering Solutions in Nepal?
The main reason I chose Volunteering Solutions was because it was very low cost. I also thought the website was very straightforward and helpful. Overall I had a very good feeling about the organization. I chose Nepal because, for some reason it stuck out to me more than the other countries. I have always been interested in Buddhism and I knew Nepal had a large Buddhist population. Overall, Nepal just seemed like an amazing place and I wanted to go.
Describe your day to day activities as a volunteer?
As a volunteer, I would wake up and eat breakfast. I would then get ready for the day and head downstairs to the children's room, helping with their tutoring lesson. After their lesson the kid's would work on homework and I would help them with that. During their break I would play games with them like chess, hide and seek and soccer. After lunch, I would again spend time with the kids. Later in the day I would go out with the volunteers to local places. On the weekends I got the opportunity to visit temples, go on a trip to Chit Wan and go bungee jumping.
What was the highlight of your trip?
It is hard to pick just one highlight from my trip. Learning about a completely new culture is something I enjoy. I loved seeing the differences between my country and Nepal. That being said, I also loved getting to know each and every one of the kids. They all had such amazing personalities. Finally bungee jumping was another amazing part of my trip. It was one of the most exhilarating things I have ever done.
How has this experience impacted your future?
This trip has impacted my life in so many positive ways. It changed my entire outlook on life. It also made me realize how much I should appreciate what I have at home. It also taught me the beauty of living a simple life. Professionally, it made me realize my love for children and my desire to help them. This is why, after college i wish to join the Peace Corps Youth Development Program.
