A Place That Felt Like Home

by Sara Akerbeg

As Workcamp comes to a close today, I am not sure there are enough words to describe how I feel. It has been hot, humid, and at times rainy, yet this place has come to feel like a second home.

I will admit that I have been slow to write this reflection. Words never seem enough to capture the emotions that come from being part of something like this. But despite that, I want to try.

I believe the most meaningful part of this camp for me has been the children. They have shown me nothing but kindness, warmth, and friendship, and I have tried to return the same. I found myself connecting with them through simple things such as the friendship bracelets we exchanged and the meanings written on them. It is difficult to describe a connection like this to someone who has never experienced it.

Despite the language barrier, I think we understood each other perfectly.

We communicated through smiles, high fives, laughter, and small gestures. Sometimes a child would look up at me with a smile, and I would simply smile back. In those moments, words were unnecessary.

That is why my project felt so important to me. Through the STEAM program, I had the opportunity to teach the students about computers and technology. Together, we explored how gears work and how kaleidoscopes are made. Watching their curiosity come alive reminded me why we fundraise and why these programs matter. Education is not just about knowledge. It is about opening doors and inspiring possibilities.

My father always placed education first. He was incredibly tech savvy and loved sharing what he knew. Teaching others brought him joy. As I raised funds through friendship bracelets, an idea inspired by the bracelets and bonds I received during last year's Workcamp, I often found myself thinking of him.

The bracelets represented connection, friendship, and community. At the same time, seeing the excitement on the children's faces as they gathered around computers reminded me so much of him and the passion he had for learning and teaching.

This Workcamp has also taught me a great deal about myself. I learned how to step outside of my comfort zone, how to lead alongside my team, and how to accomplish things I once thought were beyond me. I learned how to connect with people despite my anxiety and how much can be achieved when a group of people comes together with a shared purpose.

This experience is one that I will always cherish. Long after the paint dries and the projects are completed, I know I will remember the friendships, the lessons, and the smiles. And for that, I am deeply grateful.