My name is Sebastian Witt. I live in Eagle, Colorado, I am 13 years old, and I am just like any other eighth grader in this country. I play football, lacrosse, and I am a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I have loved karate and football since I was 5 years old, but lacrosse is the new thing that I really enjoyed. I also enjoy playing piano and robotics/engineering. I usually spend my free time learning new songs on the piano or building something. My family consists of my two older brothers and my mom and dad. I have learned many things from my brothers’ mistakes and their successes, such as being accepted into the United States Naval Academy and being a world karate grand champion. Both of my parents have worked extremely hard and made many sacrifices to be where they are today, teaching me to never give up and believe in yourself. This could be the story of many kids across the United States. However, one of the things that separates myself from others is my experience with CGA.
In the spring of 2016, I participated in a service trip to Rivas, Nicaragua to teach at a school for children with disabilities. During the trip, I learned how fortunate I am to live where I live and have what I have, but most of all, I learned that to be happy, someone doesn’t have to have the newest IPhone, skis, etc. Instead, all people want is to know that someone else actually cares about them, and that there is someone out there willing to help. This year, I am preparing to go on another service trip, this time to Cambodia. While there, my group and I will be doing all kinds of work at the Cooperation of Peace Organization Orphanage in Phnom Penh along with teaching and tutoring at several schools in the slums. I chose to go on this trip, because I had have learned some things about its past. In the 1970s, Cambodia’s government was overthrown by a communist regime called the Khmer Rouge. During its reign, the Khmer Rouge massacred countless lives and struck terror into the survivors until 1979. Horrified by this reality, I am also inspired by the people of Cambodia who have still persevered through their lives. I am very excited to meet and help these people, because I’m certain I will not meet many more people as grateful as them. I want to help these people so they have a little bit more hope in their lives. In addition to the service aspect of the trip, I am looking forward to the cultural experience from being in a completely continent with a different language, religion, and history. I am very excited to be a part of CGA for a second year. On this trip, I want to gain more knowledge about what it’s like to be selfless. I want to see happiness in someone’s eyes, and know that they don’t have to think about their troubles for a while.
