For some Carlmont students, spring break in Mexico means sleeping-in, relaxing by the pool, and having no responsibilities to attend to. However, for other students, spring break in Mexico had a whole different meaning.

During the week of April 14 to April 18, the Peninsula Covenant Church, Trinity Presbyterian Church, and other groups around the area took their annual, and separate, spring break trip to Mexico to help out the less fortunate. With them, they took students from around the Sequoia Union High School District.

Sophomore Natalie Stainton was one of the Carlmont students who went on the trip with the Peninsula Covenant Church.

“I got to go on this trip through my church group, and I wanted to do it because I wanted to help other people. A lot of people had told me it was a great thing to be a part of, so it was hard to say no.”

Once in Mexico, students and other volunteers worked to create a better environment for the people there.

“We were at a pastor site so we worked on painting the walls, built a new bathroom, and made a P.E. structure for the kids,” said Stainton. “A new bathroom was really needed, so it was great to be able to provide that for them.”

The Trinity Presbyterian Church also completed some service, as they built a house for a family in four days.

Junior Kurt Hildebrandt said, “The trip really made me grateful for what I have and I loved the feeling of helping change someone’s life.”

Sophomore Thomas Chin, who went with the Peninsula Covenant Church, also shared the same good feelings.

“Last year I didn’t get the chance to go, so I’m really happy I got the chance again this year.  I got to confirm my faith and the trip was life-changing. I will always remember the people I got to meet and help.”

No matter who, or how they helped, these Carlmont students will remember and cherish their experiences across the border.

Stainton said, “The one thing I can take away from this trip is that even the littlest action can have a really big impact on someone else.