Ashala W. (Belize)

Thanks to the Too Fly Foundation I not only received a passport but a once in a lifetime opportunity and a forever sisterhood. During my time in Belize I learned how to be independent, calm, and exercise grace under pressure. Before GGG, I tried so many different programs and none of them are as inclusive and supportive as this organization.

Girls Going Global (GGG) is not only about traveling, but also about giving back, sisterhood, and interacting with different cultures. Our first stop was to the Peace Corps of Belize to learn more about international fellowships. I was surprised that the Country Director, Tracey Herbert-Seck, was a black woman. I never imagined a black woman committing to living abroad with her entire family for multiple years. Hearing her experience living all over the world was cool. We also got to hear from the actual peace corps volunteers that are in villages throughout the country and how they have to learn the local language, live with a host family, and sometimes live without running water/sewage. Our time at the peace corps was eye-opening and made me think more about working abroad.

My favorite part of the trip, hands down, was our Mayan cooking class. I am a baker and run a business Cook Me Up A Notch. I was looking forward to this experience because my dream is to open restaurants around the world. Having the opportunity to make every dish from scratch and learning how the Mayans used every natural resource around them was mind-blowing. I enjoyed seeing how other cultures cook and serve their food and it inspired me to research new ingredients that I could use in my recipes.

The Too Fly Foundation made this experience possible. I really love GGG, I love the community/bonds we create with every trip that we take. Once a global girl you will always be a global girl and you can always count on your global sisters. We have real meaningful conversations and we find a deeper meaning to traveling.

Returning from the trip I realized how many options I have and how bright my future is. I believe that all students should be able to participate in these types of travel experiences. My time in Belize was such a phenomenal experience: life-transforming, and a growth opportunity. I feel even more confident and am looking forward to my next international adventure.