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A Whole New Style

I just received my packing list for next year: no sleeveless shirts, no shorts, one towel. If the people in Ecuador saw how I am dressed today they would consider me rude and disrespectful. I am in my usual attire of a pair of athletic shorts and a t-shirt but soon I will be saying good-bye to this typical outfit. I will instead be required to wear formal attire because dressing nicely is a form of respect. Let’s just say that I have a new culture to get accustomed to.

Although I realize that I will be nervous when the time to leave Logan Airport comes closer, I currently feel nothing but excitement. I consider myself lucky to have this opportunity and get to explore the world before I go to college. Through Global Citizen Year I will have “one year to unlock a lifetime of potential.” I will be living with a host family in Ecuador exploring the foreign country and speaking another language.  Although I have not yet found out my assignment I have asked to be involved with education, youth development, and girls’ empowerment during my trip. I will get to discover my strengths and face my weaknesses; one of which I think is blog writing.

I am also looking forward to creating opportunity for people in Ecuador and hopefully supplying them with a foundation to excel. Although this is my mission, I have a feeling that the biggest impact will be on me. I can happily venture to say that a year from now I think I will be a more well-rounded and focused teenager. Don’t worry, I promise I will be the same goofy Jackie, but I will be much more prepared for my freshman year at UMASS Amherst and ready to carry on future life plans.

Jackie Brown

About Jackie Brown


Raised in the small town of Hudson, MA, Jackie is an optimistic and light-hearted girl who loves to play sports. She was the captain for her soccer team and has done gymnastics for as long as she can remember. She created a sports equipment drive in her town to give less privileged children the opportunity to participate in activities they might not otherwise be able to afford.

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