From the moment we stepped onto Peruvian soil until the
moment two weeks later when we arrived back in Miami, something immeasurable,
difficult to articulate, and immensely profound took place. I watched as 15
young women from North Carolina stepped out of their comfort zones and into an
adventure that challenged their perceptions of the world around them while
requiring they uphold the standards we set to best represent their sport and
their country.
It was the diversity in personalities of these young women
as well as the variety of activities that helped make this year’s programs a
success. Those who had traveled or who already had Spanish language ability
found a way to add value and support their teammates without differentiating
themselves from their peers. The quieter, more reserved personalities found
their voices by tapping their individual talents. And the more social of the
group learned to listen and rely on other forms of communication to break down
barriers with their new peers.
Although each takes away different lessons, all come away
with a deeper understanding of the world around them and a more informed
compassion for their global peers.
It would be difficult to choose what were my top moments of
the trip as there were many. Some of my many highlights include:
· Hearing from GSW program managers that they had
never seen their students as happy as they were for the Olympic Day.
·
Downtime with the U.S. girls during dinners,
playing cards on the train, and on the many bus trips.
·
Getting
my i-phone back with new background images each time.
· Watching our girls help translate the goals the Mantay
girls had set during activities at the basketball court. Our girls handled that
with such grace which helped the reserved, quieter Mantay girls open up.
·
Seeing how a simple game, whether it be soccer,
basketball, or a silly ice-breaker, can change a girl’s demeanor. This was most
evident at Mantay where the short basketball and volleyball games allowed these
girls to be kids again.
·
Seeing how punctual the U.S. girls were in the
morning. Not sure if this was for the pastries or because they were excited
about the day ahead –but punctual teenaged girls is a rare sight.
·
Watching how the U.S. girls supported each other
when they were sick, sad, tired, or struggling during an activity. Such
kindness and teamwork.
·
Highlights from the International Friendly
·
Barbed wire and riot police
·
When the Mantay and Pacca girls entered the
reception following the match, and watching as they ran up to the TUSA girls
for big, genuine, warm embraces. This showed me that the short time our girls
had spent with them meant so much.
·
The tearful goodbyes at the stadium, as
difficult to see, were so heartwarming. Those Mantay and Pacca girls look up to
our girls and the time they spent together was clearly incredibly special.
·
This big match took a collective effort to pull
off, starting from our U.S. Soccer Federation and several months of follow-up
with the Peruvian Federation. In the end it couldn’t have been more perfect.
From the crowd to the stadium, the pre-game protocols, to the fair result of a
1-1 tie, it was a spectacle that so many will not soon forget. I personally
loved sitting alongside Cindy, one of my soccer idols, as she managed her team
in such tough conditions. I loved the aggressive, physical contact by both
sides, not giving an inch, but always sportsmanlike. I loved hearing the crowd
as they reacted to every chest trap, Cruyff, or near miss on goal. I loved
seeing the faces of the young girls from Mantay and Pacca in the stands,
watching their new friends from the U.S. doing what they do best. And in the
end, I loved knowing that we gave the Peruvian selection a chance to play in
the main stadium, with boisterous fans, and the atmosphere that the game
deserves at this level, men or women.
·
Sharing some of my best, bad puns and jokes!
·
Playing ‘Find the Ball’ at the top of Machu
Picchu.
·
Watching the younger girls from Los Nogales and
San Toni taking the hands of our girls during planting and at the soccer clinic
and Olympic Day.
·
Seeing the U.S. girls progress in Spanish as the
trip went on.
·
Looking across a field to see the U.S. and
Peruvian girls playing a life skills activity, sharing the space with farm
animals and all they leave behind!
It is difficult to measure the impact this program had on
our U.S. girls and those they connected with in Peru, or who may have
benefitted more. What I do know is I watched 15 amazing young women bring their
best to this experience and leave their young Peruvian peers more confident,
more inspired, and more focused on their futures. And while we can’t predict
how this trip will inform the goals the TUSA girls set for themselves in these
next few crucial years, we know they will face this next chapter with more open
minds and more confidence knowing that they themselves made a huge impact in
the lives of others.
Thanks to all who made this possible from donors, to program
staff, to parents and families, and most of all to the 15 incredible young
women from Triangle United!
Chicas Dinamicas indeed!
--Ian Oliver
