When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? What I mean to ask is when was the last time you did something that really made you nervous, something you spent late nights worrying about? Something you wanted to push yourself to do, but kept changing your mind because of a gut feeling telling you to stay in your comfort zone?

I remember participating in both of Insight's pre-departure orientation sessions before leaving for the Fall 2016 Semester In Development program. Through these sessions, us participants were informed about the list of things we'd need to do before departure, as well as what to expect upon arrival in Kampala. One particular phrase that was mentioned in one of the sessions was “manage your expectations." This statement was repeated throughout the duration of the program, but the first time I heard it, I had no idea what it meant.

Our day in Otavalo was jam packed with invigorating activities; including, visiting the nanda manachi, a weaving house, the famous Otavalo market, and finally we interacted with the nangulvi community.

It’s day 6 and today myself, and 10 others woke up in Banos, Ecuador for our last day in this incredible city. I woke up at 6AM and sat on the rooftop doing homework about what I have learned in Ecuador so far, while watching the sky flood with beautiful pinks and oranges.

This morning we started the process of organizing and packing as we prepared to leave the Amazon. As much as we all longed to escape the humidity, large bugs and cold showers there was a senses of solidarity as we began to leave the place that had quickly become our home over the few days we spent there.

Today was the final day in the Amazon and by far the busiest. Our day started very early, for most of us at 7:00am when we all gathered in the dinning room and had our breakfast.

Today was our first full day in the Amazon. It was about 90% or more humidity and extremely hot! We started the day early with fruit salad (including oranges and tree tomato), scrambled egg, and a traditional pancake-like meal cooked in a palm leaf.

Today we woke up and enjoyed out last morning in Quito. We started off the morning with a great breakfast and then headed off to the local market to stock up on food for the long trip ahead of us. All of us then loaded on to the bus and headed off to Pappallacta, in the middle of the Andes mountains.

We woke up groggy and covered in travel funk this morning ready to conquer the day. I’m Julia, one of the 12^th grade students attending this trip. After months of endless work in my Global Education course I'd like to pretend I know what I’m talking about.