"I was a mentor on the Kenya 2013 trip. It sounds cliché, but it truly was an experience of a lifetime and one I know will live within me forever. The other mentors were amazing people, all with unique gifts to give. The students surpassed expectations I had before our adventure. They worked tirelessly and always with a smile and a positive attitude. Their compassion was an incredible model for my young son who accompanied us. Our team spoke often about service as belonging and never was it more than than with this group and with the communities that we visited. One of the priests at the school said, 'It only takes a minute to know someone, but you remember them for a lifetime.' I feel blessed to have made this journey in the company of so many stellar individuals."

"Through the Service Year, I have learned that service offers a new perspective on life and has made me a more compassionate human. It has challenged me to think in new ways and to be grateful for what I have."

“My service has taught me that every person has their own story, their own strengths and how important it is to recognize and capitalize on those strengths. As a humanitarian, I will strive to act compassionately, purposefully, and thoughtfully in my future as a professional and as an individual.”

“I have appreciated being a Real Life Intern at Sunnyvale Neighborhood Center this year. It has been an amazing opportunity and I have loved helping the students learn meaningful life skills. I have enjoyed helping one of our refugee students, who is a senior in high school, apply and get accepted into college. This student promised his dad, before he passed away, that he would go to college so he could help provide for his family. He has been making his dad proud every day by working hard at school and applying for college admission and scholarships. He constantly shows gratitude toward Real Life volunteers who are helping him achieve his goals. He expresses that this would not be possible if it were not for Sunnyvale!”