Each week we bring you the story and perspective of an outstanding volunteer. This week, meet Nic Henderson, a Business and Microfinance Brigades volunteer from UC Berekley, who recently participated in Brigades to Panama and Honduras.
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To be honest, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I had signed up for UC Berkeley microfinance trip with only the knowledge of a few random articles about microfinance. I was clueless by every measure. Despite my original ignorance, I can happily say this was the best decision I ever made.
I know that the chief purpose of my volunteer work with Global Brigades was to empower those without opportunity. But my trip to Honduras, and later trip to Panama, created a multitude of memories that have changed my perspective of the world and in a grandiose way, humanity. This is not to say you won’t change the landscape of opportunities of the individuals you meet, but you may come away with more than you ever expected. Let me start with my trip to Honduras.
When I finally reached Honduras, I was in shock. I had flown several hundred miles to some country I had only heard 
about in books with only a handful of people I knew. My brigade and I drove up into the remote village of Pajarillos and met the community bank. We began meeting the people of Honduras, needless to say something great started. By the end of our week in Honduras, we had advised on changes in structure of the community bank and loaned out money to create a community tool shop, to purchase fertilizer, and even develop a tilapia farm. I was able to learn so much about the culture of Honduras, but even more importantly I learned about the people. I was taught that no matter the circumstances, individuals strive for better lives. Whether it was Rigoberto, Dos Santos, Maria, or one of the countless people I was fortunate enough to meet, I saw individuals that were building a brighter future for themselves and their community. After my trip to Honduras I thought I would be unable to learn anything else, but I was wrong.
I came into Panama with the belief that I would understand the disparities, hardships, and people, yet Panama was far different. As a business development brigadier, and this time project lead for UC Berkeley, I assumed that I would teach individuals on how to save with what they had and perhaps account for their business more appropriately. Yet, Gregorio, Belgicia, and Marlene all demonstrated a desire to expand and develop their community through a variety of business proposals. For example, Gregorio, a tool and farm shop owner, had my brigade advise him on his plans to build and rent out a bakery. Belgicia sought out advice on using her savings to launch a door-to-door make-up business until she had enough money to open a beauty salon. Marlene received guidance on how to structure a partnership with her neighbor and save for her daughters’ educations. I was ceaselessly surprised at the go-getter attitude each and every person had. Like Honduras, each individual refused to accept their circumstances and fought to create something better for themselves. This lesson is invaluable to anyone.
My trips to Panama and Honduras transformed my image of volunteering. Volunteering is not charity, volunteering is much more in line with empowering those with will. In each and every case I witnessed Global Brigades didn’t throw money at problems, but rather gave individuals the means to develop their own community. In turn, slowly, but surely, they changed the communities they engaged in.
Now I am in shock with how much my trips have impacted me. My advice to you is to take the chance and go. I promise you that after all is said and done the worst part will be leaving.
