No sense in waiting

Volunteering on the migrant trail in the desert

My trip to Mexico with Free The Children’s Directors of Change program opened my eyes to a number of issues affecting people around the world that I was never aware of before.

I was especially moved by what was going on near the grungy-looking wall separating Mexico from the United States, arguably the most developed country in the world. Our small group of 15 students spent time on both sides of this border, and when we crossed into Mexico, our views were spun upside down. We saw homeless people crouched over fires at the sides of roads and stray dogs wandering aimlessly. I thought I understood why people from Mexico might want to cross to the United States, but the more time we spent in Mexico, the more I came to love it and the more I began to question why anyone would want to leave.

I formed friendships with dozens of young people from the town of Agua Prieta—relationships I will always cherish. While staying in the community centre, we immersed ourselves in Mexican culture.

My most memorable experience was playing soccer, whether it was a pick-up game on a side alley or at the full-sized soccer field made of dirt, gravel and manure. Our first game started with just half a dozen of us kicking a soccer ball around in the side street by the community centre, but within twenty minutes there were forty people playing. People from the community, between the ages of six and 40, would join us even though they didn't know us or speak our language. It was great to communicate through sport and to have fun. A sport like soccer can bring people together and make everyone smile. Not everything needs borders.

Filmmaker Scott McPherson teaching Southridge student Mitch and Mexican filmmaker Gayden filming techniques

Now, months later, the documentary is in the final stages of editing and many of the 15 students who made it are leaving high school and taking different paths. But the friendships we forged in Mexico—not only with each other, but with the dozens of other volunteers and Mexican youth and adults we met along the way—will continue long after graduation. The experience has inspired me to share the stories I gained with everyone I meet and to spread awareness. I have also learned not to keep waiting on the world to change, but rather to "be the change," right now.

Mitchell Donald
Directors of Change trip participant

Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.