By Yuka Noda
Staff Writer
Imaginary lines drawn by governments and the United Nations settles border disputes but disallows some to have access to technology and healthcare that will make their lives easier. In order to close this gap, freshman Geena Radville rises to the challenge.
From Jun. 30 to Jul. 8, Radville will be spending her days in the Dominican Republic on the Mountain Air and Village Service trip. Once in the Dominicans, Geena Radville will be travelling from Jarabacoa, Sosua and Santo Domingo.
“I participated in several International medical missions such as Operation Smile. Through these travels I had a wonderful experience and would like it if my daughter had the same sort of experiences,” Geena’s mother Sana Radville said.
Geena Radville will be traveling to the Dominicans through an organization called Rustic Pathways. With programs in 18 countries, the Rustic Pathway offers different programs for people who are interested in traveling, volunteering or helping the environment.
“I decided to go because I love to travel and see new places,” Geena Radville said. “The reason why I decided to do a service trip as opposed to just going on vacation was because I am always reminded of how lucky I am.”
Although Radville will not be traveling with her family, she will be travelling with her friend who currently attends Marymount.
“When I told her what I was doing she got really excited,” Geena Radville said. “It was really random but I am so excited to go with her. The service program sounds like a blast.”
While volunteering for the community in the Dominican Republic, Radville will also be able to have time off to experience the culture such as their food and lifestyle. The Radville family has also sponsored a girl named Genesis from the Dominican. Sponsoring her entails financially supporting her until she becomes self-sufficient or of age.
“When I talked to the girl my parents sponsored and heard how different our lives are I couldn’t just not do anything about it,” Geena Radville said. “I am hoping to be able to meet her before the trip is over.”
Once in the Dominican Republic, Geena Radville plans to work at a children’s camp for one day. There she will be put in charge of coordinating activities and spending time with the local children.
“I am really excited to be able to help out an entire community and getting to experience a new culture,” Geena Radville said.
Although the travelers do not know exactly what tasks the rest of their trip will entail, they will be working on projects to raise the standards of living of the country.
“I am excited and happy for her because it is an opportunity to travel abroad and at the same time do something good for other people,” Sana Radville said. “Charity is should be an essential part of teens life, and I hope she will have great memories of a trip that made her feel helpful and at the same time have a lot of fun.”
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