Category Stories

I have this hope

Mid-July I sat down to do a quick assessment of the projects I’m working on now and planning for the future, trying to identify goals and value creation as the summer wraps up. While each project has a specific goal…

Lionesses

I HAVE A ROUTINE NOW! …it will probably change knowing Dominican culture and just the ins and outs of working in a non-profit, but as of right now…I have a routine! That said routine looks like: 7:30am – waking up…

wins and learns

There’s a famous quote by Nelson Mandela: “I never lose. I either win or learn.” We stand by that at 2nd Story Goods, calling things that some might see as losses “learnings” instead. I am learning to apply that philosophy…

goodbyes + the next adventure

Anyone who knows me can agree that I am not exactly good at goodbyes. Actually, let me re-phrase, I am terrible at goodbyes. When I said goodbye to my parents and boyfriend at the airport I was crying so hard…

The Finale of My Everest Journey

Rough Conditions After Phortse the conditions of each village continued to worsen. Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep were all impoverished communities filled with makeshift buildings and isolated from anything other than tourists seeking to reach Everest. The prices of even…

Tiny Wurm, Big World

Welcome to my very first blog! I am slowly learning how to put the stories, ideas, and thoughts I encounter into words for you to not only read, but to experience for yourself. I am honored that you are willing…

The Dark Side of Everest

Following Namche Bazar, the environment changed quite drastically. Villages became more remote, access to common utilities was rare, and the climate more unpredictable. To Phortse We embarked on a 7.5 mile trek to a very small village called Phortse. This…

Dominican Wal-Mart, I love you

Well, almost two weeks down. I think I have each of the girls’ names memorized, all my pictures up in my room, wifi figured out, transportation is still in the works sometimes, and I’ve found my favorite store (La Sirena!…

Who Over What

“So, what do you do?” I’d probably have the funding for several micro loans if I received a dollar or two every time I’ve been asked this question over the past few years. I, too, am guilty of peppering people…