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During each Pulsera Project trip to Nicaragua, everyone in the group writes one or two stories reflecting on an experience they've had, either with Nicaragua in general or with the kids of SÃ a la Vida or the Co-Op. We send these stories by email to a group of our supporters at home and post the stories on Facebook for nearly 4,000 Pulsera Project fans to read. These stories are not only a rich insight into the heart of the project, but also provide an outlet for students to contribute to our larger mission of meaningful cultural exchange between North America and Nicaragua.
Below you will find all stories written since December 2009. Touching accounts of friendships formed with Nicaraguan youths, reflections on culture and poverty in Nicaragua, and, if you dig deep enough, serious reflections on happiness and dreams are all part of this incredible collection that provides perhaps the most accurate insight into what The Pulsera Project is really about.
Rachel Hendrickson | American University
Mandy Patterson | Conestoga High School
Being a babysitter in the US requires a "get to know you period" with the kids. Rahcel explains how in Nicaragua, the connection is instant.
Los Quinchos has created a family from the ground up...a reflection by Mandy Patterson
Eric Chamness | College of Charleston
Chris Howell | College of Charleston
Colin Crane | American University
Eric talks about "A Bright Day in San Marcos" and the idea of mutual education between cultures.
Brianna Harris | Drexel University
Electricity is such an overlooked amenity, but as Chris Howell explains, for the girls of Yahoska, installing a few lights made a world of difference.
What do you want to be when you grow up? Colin reflects on the importance of dreams for the future and their importance for happiness
Brianna recalls her childhood and how the kids of Los Quinchos made her appreciate how much she has been given.
Taylor Wilson | Coatesville High School
Tom Laffay | College of Charleston
"Because truly when it all comes down to it, it's all about love, amigo."
Ryan Hoke | West Chester University
Tom spent over a month in Nicaragua experiencing the culture and inner workings of Los Quinchos. An in depth look at their program and the boys' pulsera making
Caroline Meehan | West Chester University
Caroline and Lupe connect in a very special friendship that breaks down cultural barriers and enriches both of itheir lives.
Ryan talks about his friendship with Henry, one of the Los Quinchos boys.
Margaret McLaughlin | Temple University
Anna Waterfield | American University
The Quincho boys aren't the only ones who love soccer. As Margaret witnessed during the World Cup, the girls are just as crazy about it.
Sue Patterson | Co-Founder
Libby Conwell | College of Charleston
Anna describes a beautiful day at La Finca picking mandarin oranges with some of the kids.
Libby puts together the puzzle pieces of daily life for the Quinchos, and gets a present from Martha.
Cooking for hundreds of kids is no easy task! Sue breaks a sweat but lives to tell the story.
Jeff Hoagland | 'Daily Local News' Writer
Eric Rooney | College of Charleston
Stephanie Buglione | American University
Chris Crane | Co-Founder
Through several vignettes, Jeff shows a few major cultural differences between the US and Nicaragua.
All it takes is a smile to change the world. Deysi's smile did just that for College of Charleston student Eric Rooney.
A day in the life of a Pulsera Project trip....active, fun, beautiful. Let this story take you deep into the world of Nicaragua and Los Quinchos.
Chris ponders the Happy Planet Index and how a country as poor as Nicaragua can trump the US in happiness.
Kate Miller | West Chester University
Read about Kate Miller's first experience in Nicaragua and her thoughts on how much the Los Quinchos kids can teach us.
On Brianna's second trip to Nicaragua she realized that the children she had helped remembered her and wwere ecstatic to see her. Read her story, "Remembrance."
Chris, a veteran Pulsera Project traveler, sums it up best when he says, "Above all things, what we need most is eachother."
Tom explains how a trip to a man's hidden orchid garden raised important questions about our relationships to each other
and to nature.
Jamie Howell | Temple University
Jamie's experience was all about the small moments that defined Nicaraguan culure fo her....and how they made her reexamine her life in the USA.
A lot of work goes into making an excursion to Nicaragua possible! Read about some behind the scenes expereiences on a pulsera trip!
As a childhood education major, Eric gives a uinque perspective to the Pulsera Project trips, and notes the importance of "living in the now."
In "Waves of Change," cofounder Chris Crane talks about the past, present, and future of the Pulsera Project.
