Young Observer got up close and personal with three Berkeley Institute students who are preparing for a trip of a lifetime. They are a part of the group headed to Malawi with Habitat for Humanity to build homes for the local communities there.

Josiah Smith, 17, said: “I am hoping to gain a deeper appreciation for life in general and also to expand the way I look at things around the world.” He went on to say, “I have been getting my last vaccinations and taking malaria pills to prepare for the trip in late July.”

Kody Bean, 16, told us: “What I am hoping to gain from this experience in Malawi is to become more connected with the people. I want to receive more knowledge about their culture and help contribute to the construction of homes. I am hoping to experience what everyday life is like in Malawi so I can understand and connect more with the people.”

Nia Dailey, 16, said: “I hope to expand my horizon on the ‘wealth’ that an undeveloped part of the world has. I’m looking forward to appreciating the little things in life.”

Young Observer is pleased to report Josiah, Kody and Nia will be sharing their journals with us when they return to Bermuda in mid-August.