Waking up at 4 am tired but excited for the trip of a lifetime. Our plane was set to leave at 7 am which for a 10 year old felt like an eternity. We had to accomplish all the pesterous tasks such as getting our bags checked and tagging them. After that, we had to wait in the infinite line of people all waiting to go through the TSA scanners. As we finally made it to the terminal we boarded the plane and took off. Ears were popping as we ascended thousands of feet in the air. I mentally prepared myself for the long journey to Florida. In just 24 hours we would board the cruise which would be more significant than I could ever know.

Our plane touched down in Florida at 11 am. Around 10 am the next day we woke up and drove to the cruise. By the time we were boarding the cruise the sun was at its peak and glistening on the hot February day. We had a great time the first day we were on the cruise. We went and explored the ship and swam around in the pool. By the second day, we could see the first island. As we docked at the first island joy rushed through my body as I could see colorful coral and fish in the ocean. The residents of the island greeted us with such kindness that I've never seen before from strangers. We drove through the town seeing all the bright beautiful houses glimmering in the morning sun. My family decided to go to a beautiful beach house and eat lunch. After lunch, I went snorkeling and saw a giant sea urchin, which is both beautiful and deadly. We headed back to the ship and I was on top of the world. I was exhilarated and couldn’t wait for the next island.

By the third day, we could see the outline of the next giant island. This island was enormous. I had a gleeful look on my face as we approached the island. When we arrived at the island I noticed a change. Though we got the same greeting as we traveled through the loud streets, the houses initially characterized by unquestionable regality became run down, windows broken, and roofs caved in. This was the first time I had ever seen such living conditions. In this moment all the preconceptions I had about the world were proved wrong. All I could think about was what I would do if I was them. Despite my youth, I could understand what was happening. At that moment I thought about all of the times I had thrown a fit because I couldn’t have a toy at the store, meanwhile, they couldn’t even afford to eat breakfast that morning. My mood soured a bit and all I could do was stay quiet and think for the rest of the car ride back to the ship.

We left the second island after doing some swimming and having fun but I couldn’t shake the lingering feeling of concern. I knew when I went home from this trip everything would go back to normal and I would be fine and keep waking up and eating breakfast, going to school, and going home. But what would happen to them? What if they can’t buy breakfast, or go to school? What if they don’t have a home to come to? As we approached the last island I was overjoyed. I was so excited to play and have fun just trying to push all these thoughts back and have a good time. Just like the last two islands, we docked and got greeted but this time I made a change. I brought snacks with me and as we entered the town, I saw a boy no older than 8. He was wearing a beaten cut-up white shirt, raggedy jean shorts, and old torn-up Nike shoes. I provided him with some fruit snacks and he began to sob, for reasons unbeknownst to me at the time. As he heaved, he thanked me and that's when he told me he hasn’t had food in almost 3 days. My breath stopped. My heartbeat slowed. Nothing else mattered but sympathy towards him. It was the last thing I could offer knowing this boy might continue to starve once I leave. The time had arrived when I needed to return to my parents and leave this boy alone. With just a bag of fruit snacks and his beaten torn-up clothes, he sat and smiled at me through tears as I returned to my parents and the first world.

This trip was the defining moment when I recognized the privilege I possess. I never knew the world was so cruel and people had to live in conditions such as extreme poverty, starvation, and homelessness. My standard of living was put in the spotlight on this trip and I will never forget the feeling it gave me. This trip taught me to not be blind to my status and to help those who need it. Even though I was just a little kid I learned one of my most important life lessons. I never knew that the 4 am morning when I woke up drowsy and tired would turn into a defining moment in my life in just a few short days. This trip broadened my closed-minded view of the world and helped me realize that despite the differences in our houses or shoes, we are all still humans and we need to support each other with our lives.