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Up Close and Personal with a Volunteer
Interview with Jasmin Tijerina who Volunteered at Yachay Wasi
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One fact many don't know about Jasmin is that she used to take tap-dancing lessons as a child.
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Jasmin Tijerina recently volunteered at Yachay Wasi in Arequipa in May 2010. Jasmin now shares with us her experience in Peru and with Yachay Wasi.
Jasmin is 21 years old, from San Bernardino, California, USA and recently graduated from the University of Redlands with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Spanish. Jasmin traveled to Peru in April/May of 2010 and has previously traveled to Ecuador in 2009. She loves listening to music, reading, and spending time with her parents and two younger sisters. Jasmin intends to pursue a career in education.
Why did you choose to volunteer in Peru?
I chose to volunteer in Peru because it seemed like an exciting place where I could improve my Spanish-speaking skills. I chose to volunteer specifically in Arequipa with Yachay Wasi, because the focus on pedagogy interested me.
What was your first impression of Peru?
I had a lovely first impression of Peru. It is a country with some of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen. When we arrived in Lima, our driver took a road that traveled along the coast. It was really beautiful.
What was your general volunteer experience like at Yachay Wasi?
I had a wonderful volunteer experience at Yachay Wasi. Juana [the founder and director] and everybody at the institute had all of our activities well planned out. Before arriving to Arequipa, I knew we would be working with schools and educators. Yachay Wasi provided a wide variety of activities for us, which included things like planting trees with elementary school children, visiting the andenes (Andean terraces) in Yumina, and observing a meeting of the Red Educativa Ambiental (Environmental Teacher’s Network).
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"The paper we recycled was used by students at different schools for artwork." |
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What was your favorite moment at Yachay Wasi?
From the day we arrived, Juana and everybody from Yachay Wasi made us feel like close friends and part of the family. One of my favorite moments at the institute was learning how to recycle paper. This was a fun, hands-on activity that allowed us to become a part of their annual art contest. Recycling paper was easy to learn and a skill we were able to
bring back to the U.S. share with others.
What was your favorite part about being in Arequipa?
My favorite part about being in Arequipa was being close to the beautiful colonial downtown. Everything we needed was within walking distance, and the city was a lively place to wander through. I also enjoyed being able to look at Pichu Pichu, el Misti, and Chachani (the three volcanoes that surround the city) every day.
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Jasmin on the Inka Trail hike to Machu Picchu. |
Now that you’ve returned home, what are you doing?
Now that I have returned home, I am currently working on my teaching credential at the University of Redlands. I plan to get both my multiple-subject credential for elementary school and single-subject credential for junior and high school.
Will you apply what you’ve learned from the experience at Yachay Wasi to your life/profession? How?
As I mentioned, I am studying to become an educator. Volunteering with Yachay Wasi has further engrained in my mind the importance of education. All of the educators I met in Peru were extremely dedicated to ensuring their students were provided with an excellent education. The people at Yachay Wasi exemplify the care and dedication it takes to help others learn, and I hope I can show that same care and dedication to my students.
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Jasmin, right, and fellow classmate enjoying graduation at the University of Redlands in May. |
If you had one piece of advice to give about volunteering at Yachay Wasy, in Peru, or in general, what would that be?
Enjoy everything! The month I spent in Peru went so quickly. I wish I had more time to take everything in. Peru has wonderful food, beautiful places, and a rich history, so become an explorer and enjoy every experience.
Read more about Yachay Wasi and their volunteer opportunities.
Volunteers in Action: Other Articles
WAVES for Development
CASP Video: Just Like Anyone
Photo Essay: ANIA's Child Symbols of Hope
6 Reasons to Volunteer Longer: Hogar San Francisco de Asis
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