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Maddy Gibson

Maddy is passionate about environmental protection, human equity, and community involvement. She is involved in the leadership of a fundraising/awareness program for a local children's hospital and her school's Associated Student Body Executive Board. She also works as a Peer Tutor in the A.V.I.D. college readiness program, building young learner's skills and educational techniques to help them achieve their goals of attending secondary institutions. Her goals for the year are to learn about a culture unlike her own and develop strong connections with those surrounding her. She is inspired by the drive she sees in her parents and hopes to exemplify that relentless perseverance in the next few years.

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The Good, The Bad, The Beautiful

Maddy Gibson

2019-05-21

*My experience has been complex, unique, and in no way a full representation of Ecuador, South America, or Latino culture as a whole.<3 “How was it?” “What is Ecuador like?” “Are you glad you went?” “Was it fun?” The answer I will most likely give will be something along the lines of: “It was incredible!”...

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Sweet Rainfall

Maddy Gibson

2019-05-20

There is something comfortable about rainfall. The steady drip of a leaky gutter, a downpour in the middle of the night. It is familiar; it is unchanging. Rain is a constant here in Oregon and it wasn’t uncommon where I lived in Ecuador. In Imbabura, the rain usually comes in the night, settling the dust...

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To Give You A Sense

Maddy Gibson

2019-03-08

I realize I’ve done a poor job of sharing the day-to-day experience of my life in Ecuador. To paint a picture (and to document for my future self) I’ve made a list of some sounds, tastes, and smells. 🙂 S O U N D S – Musicians walking from restaurant to restaurant playing music on...

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The Best Parts Of My EcuaLife

Maddy Gibson

2018-10-22

Despite the romanticized idea of moving to another country, my adjustment to life in Ecuador has been quite the challenge. Whether it’s home sickness, culture shock, language barriers, isolation, or everything all at once, making it through some days can be tough. Don’t get me wrong, I’m infatuated with Ecuador and its people and culture....

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Where In The World Am I

Maddy Gibson

2018-09-26

About a month ago, I moved half a world away. 1400(+) miles from everyone and everything I know. The transition from life in McMinnville, Oregon to life in Urcuqui, Imbabura has been challenging to navigate. Some moments, I feel like I’m living in a dream state. That this world I’m living in is nothing but...

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Mi Aventura En Ecuador

Maddy Gibson

2018-08-24

¡Hola, y gracias por acompañarme en mi aventura! As some of you may know, spending a year in Ecuador before heading to college has not always been my plan. In fact, it was a fairly last minute change-of-plans. Let’s start at the beginning. My whole life, my parents have done a great job of emphasizing...

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