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Best BELIZE that TOU-CAN Change the World!

Jadaria Thomas • Jul 05, 2018

Who would have thought that my first time abroad would be in Central America in one of the most beautiful places with the most down to earth people: San Ignacio, Belize. 


They say to travel is to live and that not all classrooms have four walls. I never imagined how much my life would change by embarking on this trip. The people that I have met that have touched my life so deeply. 


This exotic city has shown me to truly appreciate and be grateful for what I do have. To take advantage of the resources that I have been blessed with instead of taking them for granted.


It has taught me to be 'BELIZE' in being happy at the end of the day no matter what circumstance that I am in.


First for Everything Right?


I will admit that before I decided to go on this great adventure I was very anxious and skeptical. It was my first time out of the country and flying on an airplane. I was scared and I was so caught up with how the world was displayed through the media. 


Before I knew it, I was already talking myself out of it when I hadn’t even given verbal confirmation that I would be going. The weeks and days that led up to my departure was a tummy turner. I was excited about pursuing this new step in my life yet nervous about what would happen to me when I left the country or even when I got on the plane.


I had to come to the realization that no matter where I go in the world I can’t control what happens. Not one place is safer than the other. I had to grow up and realize that the world was meant to be loved and found. I had a purpose and should use the skills that I had to make an impact. 


The moment I received my passport was when I had the key to the world.

Yoga in Belize

Achieving and 'Beliezing'!


Upon my arrival in Belize, it was a culture shock. I mean a real eye opener. Being so confined to the security of the country that I was from, I didn’t realize that there was a whole other world out there doing their own thing. 


Riding along those streets in Belize, it made me realize how quick people are to judge and stereotype people and things without actually taking the time to truly understand them. This is what the amazing people of Belize has taught me through the activities that we have done together.


The entire week was action packed, productive, and informative. My group and I were set on a project to paint St. Ignatius High School in San Ignacio. We were set to paint a new classroom that they had recently built. 


On our first day of painting, we met a hilariously incredible group of students that taught us some of the Kriol language and bonded with us on the project. They gave us insight into their culture and the school itself. 


Each day I was eager to go back and hang with the kids and they were just as excited to see my group and I as well. A small obstacle that we had to face was the Belizean heat, but what was so surprising not only to us, but to our administrators was our ability to adapt to the heat and every situation thrown at us. 


All of us, especially me, were so vulnerable to this new lifestyle and culture, but we managed to overcome our anxieties and fears. We learned to become accustomed to their way of living.

At St Ignatius High School

Other activities that we easily adjusted to and had fun with was learning how to prepare Garifuna and Creole meals, eating the traditional rice and beans, visitng the House of Culture, visiting the local hospital, seeing monkeys, touring the Museum of Belize, Calico Jacks Village Jungle, African drumming, learning about the education center, yoga, and learning the Sambai dance. It was such an amazing experience.


An activity that I really loved was cooking. We were the first group to be welcomed into into their homes. The families that taught us how to prepare their traditional meals were so welcoming and excited. 


They made us feel right at home and they treated us as if we were their family. They even allowed me to take over frying the fish for dinner. I definitely improved my cooking skills. 


I believe that this is what made the trip so much better: that feeling of being treated as part of the Belize culture and their family.

Grandma Edicta teaching me how to prepare the Garifuna meal, Hudut

It was awesome that we had some free time to explore the city on our own. We were able to become engulfed in their communities and learn how to communicate with them.


Language was not that big of a barrier. They were so open to teach us how to say and ask some things since most of them spoke in Kriol. It was really amazing that I was able to practice my Spanish in some of the places that we traveled to as well. 


Another productive thing we got to do was dive into our majors we were studying. Thanks to TEP, some of the biology and health science majors (which include myself) were given the opportunity to visit the local private hospital, La Loma Luz Hospital. The general doctor gave us insight and encouraging words about his country, the obstacles he faced, and encouraged us to continue to help other countries and people in the world. They make sacrifices and they make sure everyone is taken care of.


My favorite part of the trip was hiking and climbing Xunantunich. It was the most thrilling thing that I was able to do. We climbed the highest Maya ruin which stood at 130 ft. 


When I climbed it all the way to the top I received a new outlook on life. I realized that it was okay to be fearful at first, but I had to take that step and make that climb. I am so grateful for that. 


Also, a little known fact was that once we reached the top we got to see the border of Guatemala. 


By the way, I forgot to mention that the food there is amazing. It has totally changed my diet. All I want to do is eat healthy and fresh. From the wise words of the drummers from the African drumming said, “If you eat fresh, then you think fresh”.

At the top of El Castillo, Xunantunich - Belize

This trip was so impactful and I could write an entire book on every single thing that we did throughout the week. I want people who want to travel abroad or to Belize to…. DO IT! It’s so hard to sum into words how much my life has changed because of Belize and its people. It was an experience of a lifetime.


I, personally, had to dive deep into what I wanted in myself and out of the world. I had to break some of my barriers and be open. When we gave our origin stories at the end, I realized that even though the people of Belize had the same skin color as me, they had a different version of blackness. It may not be mine or your version of blackness but it is still blackness. Instead of seeing skin tone, see a culture.


What was also such an important detail of the trip was the reminder of the importance of education. Education is the opportunity to acquire knowledge, skills, and attitudes to help aid in our own personal development. Education is the key to the world. It is for yourself, your strength, and your life. Educate yourself and look beyond borders. Also, look beyond your comfort zone. Take the road less traveled.


Overall this was an amazing, life changing experience. I learned adaptability, intercultural interactions, and I discovered a part of myself. The culture and history are truly remarkable. Belize is just the first of many countries. Belize and its citizens will forever have a place in my heart. I can’t wait to come back to visit and help. All a wi dah one!


About the Author: Jadaria Thomas is a rising junior at Birmingham Southern College. She is a Health Science major with a minor in Spanish. When Jadaria graduates she plans to attend nursing school to pursue a career as a travel nurse or nurse practitioner. She enjoys helping others, serving God, building connections, meeting new people, and making the best impact that she can in the world. Jadaria’s experience with her trip to Belize has enhanced her drive and passion to help others.

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