This summer, the most exciting trip for Lauren Grove isn't relaxing and tanning on an exotic island. The Madison High School junior instead has dedicated one week to helping in a women and children's shelter in Guatemala with her mother Elissa Buie.
Inspired by a family friend that visited Guatemala, Grove and her mother conducted research on how to volunteer. "I did a lot of research online to find the right organization for what we wanted to do," said Buie.
They found a non-profit organization called United Planet, which according to their Web site, offers many different choices for volunteering around the world in more than 30 locations and in various capacities. United Planet arranges for volunteers to stay with host families, which will give a more intimate experience than staying in a resort or hotel.
"I'm really excited to work with children," said Grove. "One thing we learned was that we will be able to play sports and teach them to the children. I love sports so that'll be fun for me."
Madison girl's basketball coach, Denise Weining has known Grove for three years and coaches her on the varsity team. "Lauren has a very positive attitude. She has the ability to communicate with confidence and a level of maturity you rarely see in people her age," said Weining. "I can fully see her being a great instructor."
A level four Spanish student, Grove is excited to practice her conversational skills in a Spanish speaking country. "I think it will be cool to communicate in a language other than my own," said Grove. "But I'm also worried that I won't understand the slang that comes with being familiar with the culture."
Grove is looking forward to turning off her cell phone and not using the internet. "You can put all of yourself into the experience, I like to be away," said Grove.
Lauren's mother is just looking forward to spending time with her daughter. "She's a great traveler, it's always a bonding experience when we travel," said Buie.
Buie travels often and strives to expose her family to cultures unlike their own. She's looking forward to getting to know the people she meets and learning from the trip. "It further confirms how fortunate we are and we keep in mind that we're incredibly lucky," said Buie.
The trip is in mid August and Grove has a laid-back, happy-go-lucky attitude about what she needs to pack and the details of her itinerary. She is more focused on getting the most out of this rare experience.
"I definitely want to learn about the culture," said Grove. "I hope I make an impact and that they remember me."