DAY 10: GOODBYES AND GRATITUDE

Another day, but also the last day. It felt both ordinary and a little sad at the same time, knowing that this would be the last time we’d see everyone at the RHU.

My day started normally since I went to the RHU in the afternoon (I had a half-day, and the next day I attended in the morning to complete my Day 10). Nothing special happened in the Laboratory, but later we were called to the Social Hall of the Municipio for a meeting. It was called a “Heart to Heart Talk,” and it became one of my favorite parts of the immersion. We got to meet students from other schools who were also doing their immersion in the Municipality of San Remigio. It was fun—we made friends and learned new things. The topics included HIV, teenage pregnancy, and more. We already had some knowledge about these, but the discussion added more to what we knew.

When we returned to our stations, we were offered a huge pizza. At first, we were shy, but we eventually ate a little since we had already received snacks during the Heart to Heart Talk.

The next day—my actual last day, since I only had a half-day in the morning—we gave our small gifts to everyone in the Laboratory. All of the gifts were customized with special paper designs. Before going to school, Elizabeth and I quickly gave our gifts to everyone assigned in the Laboratory. It felt so good to see everyone appreciate our little presents.

Looking back at all ten days of my immersion, I realized how much I learned—not just about the work at the RHU, but also about people and myself. This immersion taught me that every small action counts, that teamwork and kindness are essential, and that learning doesn’t only happen in school—it happens when you experience life and help others. I will carry these lessons with me, and I hope to make a difference in small ways, just like the people I met at the RHU.