Events leading up to Chile

We began our official Duke Engage program with the unenviable task of taking our required shots for visiting Chile. For a lot of us, it was the first time we had to take multiple shots in one day. We came out victorious in the end, but that’s not to say that more than a couple of us had tears in our eyes when we felt the sharp tip of the syringe pierce through our skin.

Over the next couple of months, we began meeting as a group and having powerpoint presentations, family dinners, and workshops to get better acquainted with the environment that we’ll be working with in Chile. It was evident, at first, that we weren’t a cohesive group because we were shy around each other and still not trusting of one another. As the meetings progressed, however, our chatty and energetic sides quickly emerged. We were beginning to mold ourselves into a group of high-character individuals with a lot of interesting and unique ideas.

Duke Engage Academy was the culminating point of our pre-Chile experience. The program facilitators led discussions such as the ethics of service and we also participated in workshops varying from getting tax-exempt status if one is establishing a non-profit to how to use our cameras correctly while abroad. What was most memorable for our group about Duke Engage Academy was how we well we were clicking as a group. It was visible when we had a discussion with all the international groups that we were the most motivated because we were chanting loudly and involving ourselves in every talk. We even had a couple more easy-going moments like when Laura Hart was frightened by a squirrel during our video blogs. After making sure that she was ok, the whole group joined her in laughter over the humor of the situation. Our group is very excited about getting to Chile and contributing in every way possible to help out others. Chile is so close!