From May 31 to June 7, a group of Ravenscroft students spent time “living the dream” in Cabarete Bay, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

The group, led by Luis Girón, Upper School Spanish teacher, enjoyed delicious food, breathtaking scenery, walks along the beach, and singing during bus rides, creating lifelong memories.

That wasn’t all there was to the trip.

The 14 Ravens had the opportunity to interact with people in the community through their service work with students at the Academy Dream Center. They led STEM projects, used Spanish to communicate with local children, listened to community members, and shared moments dancing bachata, merengue, reguetón, and salsa.

The students took time each day to reflect on their experiences, expressing what they learned while listening to the perspectives of others from different backgrounds.

“They focused more on similarities than differences and realized that we are all connected,” Girón said. “They discovered that our strength comes from how we treat one another, how we care for others, and how we share our knowledge.”

The Ravenscroft students had the opportunity to experience firsthand how Dominicans live day by day and learned about a philosophy of life that embraces each day with optimism and joy despite life’s challenges. From local food traditions and meal preparation to dance traditions and the instruments that create their distinctive sounds, the trip’s biggest takeaway was this: The best of humanity is found in courage, compassion, and kindness.

“They lived the dream in the Dominican Republic,” Girón said. “Now it is their responsibility to keep that dream alive.”

When asked to reflect on the trip, the students' responses ranged from how easy it was to connect despite language barriers to the importance of looking out for one another rather than getting caught up in small concerns.

“These reflections reveal a journey that was about much more than travel,” Girón said. “It was about connection, understanding, gratitude, and growth. The Ravens returned home with unforgettable memories, meaningful relationships, and a renewed commitment to lifting others as they continue to live the dream they experienced in the Dominican Republic.”