Two Sides, Same Island

As a returning member from last year's GSI trip to Jamaica, I must claim all biases and recognize that I knew a bit of what the transition would be like between the lovely Taino Cove resort, located in utterly peaceful and quiet Treasure Beach on Jamaica's south side, and the Whistling Bird resort, in tourist-centric yet staggeringly beautiful Negril on Jamaica's westernmost tip. I learned last year that Negril is much more densely populated with gift shops, restaurants, and hotels, but that the impeccable white sand beaches and so-crystal-clear-it's-scary ocean water make the trip and the louder environment all the more worth it. 
 
Even this year however, I couldn't help but recognize how my perspective changed during this transition; in Treasure Beach, the secluded nature of Taino Cove meant that I found myself being a bit more reserved, and looking forward to quiet moments after a long day's work at St. Mary's, the first school we worked with. However, after today's work session in 100-degree weather, lifting heavy cinderblocks and moving buckets of cement in the bright sun, I found myself not wanting to not just take a nap or keep to myself, but to explore and have fun with others on the trip all together. I'm incredibly grateful that over the course of this past week, we get to see all sides of Jamaica, and in turn form a much deeper and meaningful relationship with the island and all that we're accomplishing here.
 
 
Despite the weather not so much being in our favor, we all kept it together and worked as a team even in an unfamiliar place, and for that I'm incredibly grateful to be a member of this year's GSI crew. The work we all do here, in both locations, as well as the connections we all make, moments we all share, and lessons we all learn, will stay with each of us for years to come, just as last year's trip stuck with me. I know for sure that between all the things I've done on my two trips to Jamaica so far, this team has made an impact on the island that will last so much longer than it seems. From building a place for kids to sit while they watch their friends play, to building an extension on a school to help it reach higher levels of accreditation and reputation, to even just waving and saying hi to the kids that peer out the door when we arrive, we all have made our mark. Whether in the solace of Treasure Beach, or the bustling streets of Negril, we've done our part, and I think I can speak for everyone when I say that Jamaica has made its mark on us as well.
 
- Ryan Donatacci

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