Senior Year Service Trip

Many things shape me, Meaghan Sheahan, including my family, hardships, extra curricular activities, and service trips. I am currently a senior at Battle Mountain High School and am involved in numerous clubs and sports. As an executive member of student government, an officer in Best Buddies, a link crew leader, teacher’s assistant, tutor, and a defensive player of varsity lacrosse, I spend most of my time at school. I really enjoy meeting fellow students and working with them to advocate specific needs. The best part about high school, however, is seeing my younger sister Eleanor during passing periods. Eleanor is a freshman. This is the last time we will be in the same school, and I love seeing her smiling face as she passes me in the hall.

Eleanor is amazing, but she isn’t my only sister. Our youngest sister, Lillian is in the sixth grade and is quite the stand up comedian. Always bringing a smile to our faces, Lillian acts as an optimistic force that consistently provides Eleanor and I with wisdom and creative viewpoints. I am so blessed to be the elder sister of these two angels.

I cannot take credit for their priceless personalities, however. My parents, Chris and Mary, are my sister’s and my most inspirational role models. Married for over two decades, my parents work hard to act with selflessness and love. They both work at the hospital, where they make livings saving the lives of others. They are incredible. Both Mom and Dad are greatly involved with our sports and academic careers and encourage us to act with authenticity and faith.

As a senior in high school, I am often asked to discuss my goals in life. I am constantly writing college applications that illustrate my “happy place” and am prompted to identify my “passions”. Thanks to the guidance and opportunities granted to me through Children’s Global Alliance, I know that my greatest passion is performing service for the enrichment of the lives of others.

Children’s Global Alliance has played a significant role in my journey throughout high school. Exposing me to impoverished countries while encouraging me to push myself as a volunteer, Children’s Global Alliance has empowered me to find happiness and purpose when working with individuals in developing countries. I first applied with CGA in the fall of my eighth grade year. Since then, I have been to the countries of Nicaragua, Cambodia, and Tanzania, where I have encountered hundreds of people, greatly impacting my life.

This past summer, I travelled over 9,000 miles to Arusha, Tanzania. Here, I taught in an English primary school, LOAMO, for children ages three through sixteen. Like my previous service trips, Tanzania was nothing less than extraordinary. For me, it was time of self-growth, reflection, and discovery.

           Returning to the states was not an easy task. My body was in Colorado, while my heart remained in Africa.

Feeling called to service, I once again applied with Children’s Global Alliance, writing an essay, creating a detailed fundraising plan, and interviewing with the founder and chaperones of CGA. I am proud to state that I have accepted as one of eight volunteers to be traveling to Bhaktapur, Nepal in June 2016. Here, we will be teaching at the Deeya Shree School that provides education to a total of 140 students.  While in Nepal, my team will also be assisting families who were impacted by the 2015 earthquake.

I am thrilled to continue my service with CGA, for the non-profit organization is an extremely important part of my life.