North Carolina 2022
I wanted to participate in the trip because I had such a great time going to New Orleans my freshman year with GAXP, and I wanted to jump at the opportunity to be a senior leader because I remembered how great the seniors were to me when I was younger. I also think it's so great that GA offers its students a chance to go out in the real world and make a difference that legitimately impacts the lives of others. Using the morals and standards that GA sets for us in situations that are outside the "GA Bubble" is extremely rewarding.
The trip was challenging at first because the group didn't know each other all that well and so we had to get acclimated with each other. Working as a team is easier said than done especially when many people are unfamiliar with their peers and surroundings. It was certainly draining because our days were filled with work/activities and then we got up the next day to do it again. Other than that though, I think the group did a really good job on the job site to eliminate any huge challenges by working as a group and helping others out when they had a question.
Coming home, I was humbled and proud to simply know that our group helped make the life of another person better by coming to work each day and making progress. And the progress we made was definitely significant. We really did transform the woman's backyard into a much better version of itself than it was when we first arrived on day one. I am also appreciative of the relationships I made along the way. I met people who I wouldn't normally cross paths with at GA on a daily basis, and who knew I would learn how to grill and a pretty awesome burger too (shout-out Andrew).
I would absolutely do something like this again, and I would even recommend GA doing a second XP trip over the summer. I think the more kids who can get out and do this type of stuff the better. Not only are you helping someone or some group, you learn to meet new people, new communication skills, and how to perform everyday tasks at home and on the go that keep everything operating smoothly. I hope to find opportunities like this in college and beyond because I think pausing your life to do something significant for others is extremely important and healthy.