This past February, I had the incredible honor of traveling to Guatemala with a group of remarkable students from Cascade Academy, as part of a transformative program with Cultiva Institute. The purpose of this trip was more than just a cultural excursion; it was an opportunity for these students to step outside their comfort zones, embrace leadership opportunities, and engage in meaningful social-emotional learning experiences. As a therapist, watching them grow, connect, and find strength within themselves and each other was nothing short of inspiring.
A Journey Into the Growth Zone
One of the core focuses of our trip was pushing ourselves into the "growth zone," a space where we step beyond our familiar boundaries and challenge ourselves to grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually. For many of these teenagers, who have faced significant challenges in their lives, the growth zone wasn’t just a concept — it was a daily reality.
From zip-lining through the Guatemalan jungle to hiking up volcanic mountains and cliff jumping into Lake Atitlan, each activity was carefully designed to help them confront fears, overcome obstacles, and learn to trust in their abilities. These activities weren’t just about adventure; they were about growth, resilience, and courage.
The transformation I witnessed was profound. Students who initially felt anxious or doubtful about the activities were soon cheering each other on, celebrating every small victory. This was a powerful reminder of how resilience is built — one step, one challenge, and one moment of bravery at a time.
Building Connections with the Local Community
While the trip was deeply personal, it was also an opportunity for our group to engage with the local Guatemalan community. Through learning about sustainable volunteer work and cultural exchange, they were able to connect with the people of Guatemala in ways that went beyond traditional tourism. Whether they were learning about how to grow and harvest corn, and its sacred significance to the Mayan people, exploring local markets, or playing soccer with local kids, meaningful connection was built that went beyond spoken language.
The connections they formed with local people, along with the bonds they built with one another, became a cornerstone of their experience with one student sharing, “I thought it was really refreshing to see people be so happy with the simple things in life, they were not focused on the superficial but rather down to earth, caring, and grateful for what they have”.
Social-Emotional Learning and Leadership Opportunities
The trip was also rich with social-emotional learning (SEL) opportunities, which are vital for these continued emotional growth. Through guided reflections, group discussions, and activities designed to foster self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation, the students learned to understand and manage their emotions in a deeper way. They began to realize that leadership isn’t just about taking charge — it’s about being in tune with oneself and others, and learning how to navigate the complexities of human emotions in a constructive way.
Each of our students had the opportunity to step into leadership roles throughout the trip, whether it was encouraging a peer while on a hike, leading a group discussion, or exemplifying courageous vulnerability. Watching them take ownership of these opportunities, while also supporting one another, was a personal highlight. It became clear that the students began to recognize leadership is not just about individual success, but about empowering others and lifting them up along the way.
A significant aspect of the trip including our students learning about internal and external poverty. One student shared, “learning that people all throughout the world need connection, empowerment, and hope really resonates with what I have learned about myself. When we lack connection or hope we feel poor”. Many students have since shared that these concepts are ones they have continued reflecting on, including what changes they may want to make in their own lives.
Honored to Be a Part of Their Journey
As a therapist, I felt deeply honored to be part of this transformative journey. It was humbling to witness these young people, each with their own unique struggles and stories, pushing themselves to grow and step into their own power. To see them realize their strength, build new relationships, and discover their leadership potential was an experience I will never forget.
This trip to Guatemala wasn’t just about the sights we saw or the activities we did; it was about the emotional and personal growth that took place. Our students returned home not only with memories of an unforgettable trip, but with a renewed sense of confidence, empathy, and leadership that will serve them for years to come.
In my role at Cascade Academy, there’s no greater joy than seeing our students take what they’ve learned and apply it to their everyday lives. It is a reminder of the power of connection, growth, and the incredible potential that resides within each of them.
This journey to Guatemala was more than a trip — it was a catalyst for transformation. And I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of it.
Hannah Carter
CSW
Clinical Services