A big reason I chose a virtual service experience is that ACE is the first service experience I have tried. I was very nervous to try a service experience so it made me feel more comfortable that ACE was online and not across the world. Yes, the experience to go to Peru would have been amazing, but I felt that it would have been a lot, especially since this was my first time doing service work.
“I was very nervous to try a service experience so it made me feel more comfortable that ACE was online and not across the world.”
– Gisele Tapia, Duke Softball
ACE in Place was a unique experience because I got to experience a new culture and work with people from different parts of the world without leaving my family. This experience allowed me to understand another Latin culture/community and inspired me to take pride in my culture in the same way the people from Peru do.
The experience I gained from ACE in Place may be different from in-person, but it was not any less inspiring. This experience has really allowed me to explore new career options and deepen my understanding of service programs like ACE. My biggest takeaway from ACE is when you are helping an organization, listen first. Don’t try to take over the organization. Just listen and try to help in any way you can.
“All in all, ACE provided me with inspiration to try new things and get out of my comfort zone. I loved being able to work with people from all over the world.”
– Gisele Tapia, Stanford Softball
All in all, ACE provided me with inspiration to try new things and get out of my comfort zone. I loved being able to work with people from all over the world. The best part about ACE is that it wasn’t just about helping CDS, our community partner in Peru, but I was also about learning about Peruvian culture and learning how to be a better person. The ACE in Place program holds a special place in my heart, and I will be forever grateful for having the opportunity to be a part of ACE this summer