St. Jude Walk - Volunteering in Houston, TX
Finding Common Ground in Cultural Diversity
My week of volunteering with non-profit NGOs in Quito, Ecuador turned out to be an unexpected journey of practical learning and discovery. Working alongside volunteers from the UK, the Netherlands, and the United States, I experienced firsthand how genuine connection can transcend cultural and regional differences.
Although Ecuador has been considered a high-risk country in recent years and my Spanish skills were limited, I chose this challenge to see how people from different backgrounds could overcome cultural and language barriers to build new relationships.
Expectations vs. Reality
The application and preparation process came with a few surprises. As a volunteer under 18 at the time, transportation was limited to taxis and Uber, and volunteers were also expected to contribute small donations to support NGO activities. With only a modest amount of money on hand, these initial obstacles felt daunting. Still, I began my service with Fundación Abuelitos de la Calle the “Grandparents of the Street Foundation” and another Latin American foundation supporting vulnerable communities.
Fundación Abuelitos de la Calle focuses on caring for Quito’s homeless and impoverished elderly. Each day, the foundation provides essential medical care, workshops, activity programs, and free meals to 200–400 elderly individuals in need.
Responsibility and Immersion
To avoid schedule conflicts with my commitments at the Ecuadorian Fencing Federation workshops, I traveled daily by Uber across the city to the northern districts. From 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., I dedicated myself fully to the work.
Throughout the week, I contributed in many ways: drafting fundraising and promotional materials in Word, assisting elderly participants with mobility challenges, joining games and activities, and helping prepare and serve large-scale meals.
Discovering Communication Beyond Language
The most surprising lesson was that my lack of Spanish was never a true barrier. Translation apps and English helped with basic logistics, but what mattered far more was genuine care, presence, and willingness to help. Consistency, patience, and kindness proved to be stronger tools of communication than words themselves.
This week was more than just volunteer serviceit was a reminder that if I am willing, there is always something I can do to contribute, no matter the place or situation. Language and cultural barriers are often much lower than they appear, and true connection begins with mutual respect and understanding.
Going forward, I hope to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds in any environment and continue making meaningful contributions that respond to community needs. My time in Quito played a pivotal role in shaping this vision and strengthening my commitment to service.
