In Their Own Words
The "Mir Pace" Experience
George H.W. Bush, Sr.
"I wanted each of you to know how much we appreciate what you did for us. Thank you, thank you! I also want to tell you of the great respect I have for young people like you who are involved in programs like Mir Pace International and who want to help make a difference. You are a true “Point of Light,” and you exemplify what is best about our great country – serving others. Thanks again for coming to Texas. Feel free to come back anytime!"
Fr. Belisario, Missionary of Charity
"Mir Pace is a wonderful association always ready to help the poorest of the poor."
Rosie McQuiggan
"Guatemala really changed my whole perspective on the world and the fact that there are so many people out there suffering. Before I went I had always known about third world countries and poverty, but you can really never know about it until you experience it. My trip to Guatemala really made me realize that we need to start helping people in impoverished countries a great deal more than we currently are.
My visits to Guatemala have made me much more of an activist and advocate for helping those in need. Immediately after returning from my first trip to Tamahú, I knew that I wanted to work in International Relations and conflict resolution. I had never really thought about being in politics, but after seeing how people lived in Guatemala and Tanzania, I knew that I could never live with myself unless I tried to do something to help them. Seeing these people has filled me with the passion to do my best and make sure that these people get help. Because of my trips with Mir Pace, I am now planning on going to school for international relations and joining the Peace Corps after college.
Without these trips I don't think that I would be anywhere near as aware about the world around me as I am now. Mir Pace has inspired me to see the world and how people outside of America are living. I went to Thailand in February and I will be going to China in July. I plan to continue traveling and experiencing the world as much as possible. After Mir Pace I also joined a club that is called Students Taking Action Now for Darfur (or STAND) and without my experiences abroad I would never have joined this club.
These trips have really changed me. I am no longer so selfish and close-minded, and am now more aware of the world and the need for everyone to do their part to make it a good place for everyone to live."
Nerissa Duchin
"Before going to Tamahú, Guatemala and Tanzania with Mir Pace, I had seen pictures and heard stories about the poverty and humanitarian crises that exist in other countries, but I had never been able to connect them with something hands-on or an actual human being that I had met and been touched by. I am currently concluding my freshman year at Tufts University, and I have decided that I am pre-med because I am fascinated by science, but I also feel that there is a need for this profession in the world at large, after seeing some of the hospitals in Tanzania, and the pressing need for medical care.
Senior year at Sharon High School, I was awarded the "Ordinary Heroes" award for my work with Mir Pace in Guatemala and Tanzania, which recognizes people in the community who have made a difference in some way or another. I also organized evening screenings for the entire senior class and then for the community of the documentary "Invisible Children", which is about the conflict in Uganda, and what students can do to help.
At Tufts, I have been involved in the Darfur activist group on campus- We have a chapter of STAND (Students Taking Action Now: Darfur), which is a national organization of high school and college students. To me Darfur is not just about numbers and the fact that 250,000 people have died- Because of Mir Pace, I can see faces in my head when I think about each individual person who has died - I think that it is because I have been to Africa and met the most generous and kind people ever that I am able to connect with the conflict on a personal level. I have also found something that I am very passionate about- tutoring/mentoring kids at the local Somerville High School. I really enjoy talking to people and helping with SAT prep/college essays. Although it is hard to articulate this, I really feel that my experience with Mir Pace was essential to my personal growth. It has made me a more confident person. When I was in Guatemala and in the schools there, I didn't feel like the kids were judging me, and I felt free to practice my Spanish and just chat.
I can honestly say that the missions that I went on with Mir Pace affect me every single day. I constantly feel humbled and aware of how fortunate I am. I appreciate every day items like water, and the fact that I am so fortunate to go to this university, but more importantly I feel a sense of urgency to do something about it. I know that community service and volunteering will always play a large role in my life, and I owe that to Mir Pace. Mir Pace has shown me that high school students can in fact make a hands-on difference in the world, and I really hope that this organization can continue to touch as many students as possible."
Bethany Augustoni
"After going to Guatemala I became not only more aware of the outside world but also of my individual one as well. Before I went to Guatemala, I had plans of going to college but was not quite sure what I wanted to study. After seeing the sickness and poverty first hand, I knew I wanted to go into a profession that helped as many people as possible and that I could also work with on an individual level. After looking into a lot of professions, I chose occupational therapy which can help people live more comfortable lives from children to adults. It can help people with serious disabilities as well as children who just need more guidance on slower learning. I have just finished my first year of college studying OT and can already feel the benefit this job will have on me in years to come. Not only is this profession everything I have been looking for, but I could travel almost anywhere in the world with a masters in Occupational Therapy. I continue to love the direction I am going in, but I honestly believe that one of the major things that pointed me towards this path was my Mir Pace Trip to Guatemala that brought out every part of me I wanted to feel throughout my life. I continue to stay involved in my community and plan to in whatever environment I end up. I also know that at some point in my life I will travel again to an area similar to Tamahu and try and return the gifts that were given to me."
Cayce Lannon
"I went to Guatemala with Mir Pace when I was a senior at Sharon High School, and now I am a senior at Champlain College in Burlington, Vermont. I still can't believe it's been nearly four years since my experience in Tamahu, because the memories I have from my trip are still very vivid. It was a week I'll never forget.
Working with Mir Pace to better the lives of the people in Tamahú was absolutely wonderful. Some people think that writing a check to a worthy organization is "doing their part," but when you are standing face to face with a person who is supporting a family with a salary less than what you make in one day, you realize how much more you have to give than money. We gave the people of Tamahu our time, and I think that was much more valuable than anything else they could have asked for. They were so happy and grateful to have us there. They welcomed us with open arms, and they treated us like family. I wasn't able to verbally communicate with most of the people because I spoke limited Spanish, but it amazed me how few words were necessary to know what the people were feeling. I was also amazed by how generous the people in Tamahú were. They were offering us gifts and food, when we knew they didn't have enough to be giving it away. My trip with Mir Pace was one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had in my life, and it helped me grow up quite a bit. I had never been anywhere outside the country, and it really opened my eyes to see "the big picture." It helped me learn to be thankful for what I have, and it helped me become a better person overall.
I still think about my experience with Mir Pace often. Every now and then I take out my scrapbook or the CD Eileen gave us with all of our pictures from our trip, and it helps give me perspective. Whenever I'm angry or frustrated, I always try to think about somebody else who is worse off than I am, and it helps me appreciate the wonderful life that I have. My experience with Mir Pace made me want to do more, and I plan on doing so once I finish college. I have been unable to participate in any recent events with Mir Pace because of conflicts with my school schedule, but I have been looking into getting involved with the Peace Corps after I graduate from school."
Sarah Blakely
"I participated with Mir Pace in Tamahú in April 2006, during the time that I was deciding on where to continue my education. I felt like a different person after Tamahú; I saw people who went without food and clean water, people who did not and may never have the opportunity to receive a good education, and people who did not have access to fair, necessary medical care. Even at a time when my own country is questioning the conditions of many of its own citizens, and when we the citizens often question what our government offers us, I am grateful for all that I have access to after integrating myself into a community like Tamahú.
My main community service activities are organized by the Duchesne Center for Religion and Social Justice at my college. I do a variety of activities, many of which take place in centers around the Westchester, NY and tri-state areas. Sometimes I teach dancing to young children and other times I go to soup kitchens and chat with those suffering from HIV/AIDS. Recently, I volunteered in a day that involved presenting various topics to high school students. I presented my community service project experiences that I have participated in in other countries, and the children enjoyed hearing about my Mir Pace experience. I have been fortunate enough to volunteer in Nicaragua and Mexico doing similar volunteer projects.
At Manhattanville College, I just completed my sophomore year, where I am a Spanish major and a sociology minor. I have always had a talent with Spanish language since I began taking it eight years ago, so I decided that I would continue with it. I am now in Spanish literature and culture classes. I enjoy sociology because I am able to continue learning about other cultures around the world, as well as share my own experiences about helping people in impoverished conditions (including those I met during my Mir Pace experience). In part because of my experience through Mir Pace, I hope to continue traveling the world, learning more languages and acculturating myself to as many cultures as possible. This August I will go to Buenos Aires, Argentina where I will spend one semester studying in a university and volunteering.
Mir Pace helps those in need as well as helps U.S. youth to become educated, responsible, globally aware leaders; I am one of many examples."
Andrew Wesson
"The Mir Pace high school mission trip to Tamahú was an incredible experience. I could talk for days about how greatly this trip impacted my views of the world and my outlook on life, but what was even more remarkable was how much we were able to help the people in Guatemala. Whether we were building houses, distributing goods, or even playing soccer, everywhere we went there was an opportunity to make a difference. The feeling of reward and accomplishment that I felt after coming home was truly indescribable. It made me realize how much we have in the United States and how much we could contribute if we really tried."
Jessie Ebersole
"I love the smiles that Mir Pace brings to the faces of the people of Tamahú. I was originally drawn to Mir Pace because I have always dreamed of doing work which has a positive impact on the lives of others. Mir Pace has expanded my horizons so much further, to recognize all of the possibilities out there. I now dare to dream of a career at a nonprofit organization, something I had never imagined was possible before. My experiences with Mir Pace have also focused my college studies; helping my decision to double major in International Relations and Spanish. Mir Pace has made me desire to be more globally aware. I now regularly search online for international news not covered by my local paper. Taking action on any causes which matter has now become very important to me. This fall two other Mir Pace veterans (Ryan and Allie) and I founded a student organization at our school focusing on education and action about a variety of local and global issues. A final testament to the impact of Mir Pace is that it has drawn me back to Tamahú, Guatemala, three times. Hopefully, there are more times to come. Each experience is different and rich, and the people I meet there I will remember forever."
Allie Francis
"Mir Pace has been a fundamental part of my life. Through my trips to Tamahú, Guatemala I have learned so much about the world, community, and myself. My vision of the global community and the responsibility we all have to the world has expanded and my plans to study Cultural Anthropology in college have been confirmed.
Through Mir Pace I have had the opportunity to help people who are in need and have allowed them to help me as well, even when I didn't know I needed it. People say that we are working for the poorest of the poor, but really these people are not poor; they are rich in happiness and love. I have been blessed to be able to travel to Tamahú and have Mir Pace in my life."
Robert Aspinwall
"What truly shocked me and forced me to change my views of the world was seeing the people living in severe poverty, and yet, at the same time, I saw that they still smiled and had hope in their hearts."
Austin Martineau
"Mir Pace really made a difference in my life and my future acedemics. I'm going to Merrimack College next year to become a doctor in physical therapy because I want to be able to help people."
Jenna Forest
"This trip opened my eyes, not only to the way most people in this world live, but how much life they have in them as well. It's amazing to see so much poverty amongst a million smiles and open hearts."
Walker Keenan
"Mir Pace has given me an opportunity to see peoples' lifestyles that I haven't seen before. I am very grateful."
Sarah Vlach
"The whole experience really opened my eyes. I have a new perspective. It gave me an idea of the greater meaning."
Ali Palin
"It is such an excellent program. It really opens up opportunities to travel the world and help those in dire need."
Allegra Signorino
"Being in Guatemala has made me realize how lucky and privileged I really am."
Michael Capuzzo
"Mir Pace chose me and gave me the opportunity to come here".
Caroline Duchin
"It provides an opportunity to make many friends in another country and a chance to use the Spanish I've been studying for almost five years. I'm almost fluent now!"
Marie Hamilton
"It has been an amazing experience being here, experiencing new things that I would never have before. The people here are amazing!"
Sam Fortin
"Mir Pace seeks not only to bring in others to help, but to provide stability for future success. If it wasn't for Mir Pace, I would not have had the experiences I have, and I wouldn't be this happy. I hope I can continue traveling with you and helping to make a difference. My life has tremendously changed for the better over these past four years thanks to Mir Pace."
Helen Hunt
"Traveling with Mir Pace was truly the best experience of my life... the people of Tamahú were just so welcoming! I got so enriched in the culture of Guatemala and it really opened my eyes and made me think hard. I can say without any doubt at all that Guatemala was the best week of my life. It also really helped me think about what I want to do with my life. I plan to go abroad in my junior year to a Spanish speaking country to continue traveling and studying Spanish. Mir Pace has also helped me decide that I want to be in the Peace Corp as an adult. My experience with Mir Pace was probably the most life-changing event that has happened to me and I will never ever forget it."
Lizzie Keller
"It brings a lot of different people together."
Mimi Mahoney
"This has been an eye opener that shows how other people live. It makes me grateful for everything I have back home."
Julia Francis
"Mir Pace has made it possible for us to give hope in a physical form".
John Fortin, IHSM Leader
"It provides a wonderful mechanism for high school students to see what internal strength and courage they hold inside."
Seth Ragosta, IHSM Leader
"I believe the students found a simple appreciation for the vast gap between our lives at home and what millions suffer every day. I am humbled to have had that experience with them, and proud to say I was along for the ride. Books and school can only impart knowledge; wisdom comes from experience. Mir Pace provides an opportunity to grow as a person that far too few of us ever have a chance to experience. I have traveled across the country and world, and never left a place with a sense of accomplishment and edification as strong as that coming from Tamahú, AV, Guatemala. Thank you Mir Pace."
Janet Davidson, IHSM Leader
"I am a 41 year old mother of four young children currently living and teaching English in China. My family and I made the decision to come here after I accompanied Eileen Weisslinger, as part of a Mir Pace outreach, on a 3 week humanitarian and education mission to Tanzania, Africa 2 years ago. Although I presumably understood the effects of poverty and lack of education, nothing prepared me for what I witnessed in Tanzania. For 3 weeks, 11 teenagers and 2 adults were able to able to help rehabilitate a hospital, feed some of the poor and educate ourselves as to some of the problems people around the world face.
Upon arriving back in America, I was determined that my family and I would broaden our knowledge and seek out opportunities in which to help make a difference in the world. My husband is a high school teacher, and an opportunity arose to move to China and teach. Although it is not typical for a foreign teacher to bring along 5 other people, we decided this would be an ideal scenario in which to begin our children's education about people and their differences.
We live in a space you can't quite call a home. The children live among people with no indoor plumbing, electricity or heat. Our lives here are quite different than in America. This is where true understanding of the less privileged begins. Our hope is that once back in America, our children will have the broader understanding of the world and its issues. With this "real life" experience behind us we will now hopefully do our part to make this world a better place.
Because of Mir Pace, I saw the difference young people can make. The joy, sympathy and compassion these 11 students had was remarkable. They made me wish I had a similar focus earlier in life. But, because of Mir Pace, I am able to teach my children and those around me that we can all help in any way, big or small."
Susan Becker, IHSM Leader
"Mir Pace provides the opportunity to share a part of ourselves with others, to dig deep to the core and experience life from a very different perspective."
Skye Forest, IHSM Leader
"I am so greatful for the opportunity to serve respectfully. I have received fare more than I could have ever given. Such love lives here."
Dave Peterson, IHSM Leader
"Mir Pace provides the opportunity to watch the young and young at heart selflessly change the world, one project at a time."
Paula Francis, IHSM Leader
"It provides meaningful opportunities for people to give service."
Robert Mahoney, IHSM Leader
"It provides the ability to work miracles one at a time."
