Howdy!?
My name is Alondra Santillon, a senior economics major and I spent my Spring Break in Panam?! I was able to experience Panam? for the second time along with twelve fellow Aggies. The first day of the trip we arrived in Panam? City and did a company visit followed by a? welcome dinner at a restaurant nearby and tried typical dishes from the country! The following day we had our second company visit and learned so much about logistics and did a small group activity with my classmates. Later that day we toured the city, we stopped at the Goethals Memorial,? El Casco Viejo (Old Panam?), and Las Ruinas (The Ruins). For lunch we walked to the Seafood Market and had delicious fresh seafood. For our final day at the city we planned a trip to the nearest island, Taboga! We spent the whole day at the beach enjoying the sun!?
The following day we drove to La Iguana Resort located in Cocl?, accompanied by Global Business Brigades staff. In Cocl? we were able to apply our business knowledge by helping two different communities. We met with them throughout the week and presented different workshops for them to become better leaders, learn more on how to go about their finances, and a small talk about accounting. Following that we were able to sit one on one with the client and hear their needs/wants/issues of their business. The first business was a local Pharmacy in the region of El Escobal, Penonom?. The second business was a local Kiosko (local supermarket) in the region of La Candelaria, Penonome. Se?ora Victoria in the La Candelaria community welcomed us into her house, her garden, and her business with open arms. The three days that we were there they brought us fruit, food, and live music so we had the full experience of their culture. Along with my group, Chris, Emma, Deisy, Karli, and Landon we collaborated together to complete a final deliverable and powerpoint. Chris, Emma and I created a logo, flyers, and inventory sheets for her business. Deisy, Karli and Landon created a sign that would help her attract more clients. The final day we presented our powerpoint to the clients and their reaction was priceless, they really appreciated our hard work and suggestions.?
My personal take away from this trip was meeting great Panamanian people, all of the GBB staff was really welcoming and guided us through the communities. Each and every one of the four clients taught us something new. I was able to get to know my fellow classmates and professor Dr. Lane, they are all wonderful Aggies. Overall I think going abroad during my college career will be one of the most memorable experiences.?
