Dear Editor:

After graduating in 2014 I went off the beaten path and took a gap year that would soon change my life. I spent four months in Santiago, Dominican Republic. A lot of my time was spent helping out at an orphanage. The time I spent there was so rewarding and made me really appreciate the community I come from. I will never forget the kids of Rosas Orphanage, it was great being able to be a good influence for the kids to look up to.

Knowing what I have makes me eager to share the love that I receive here, not by donating money but by donating my time. I am just now starting my second semester of my sophomore year, at the University of Maine at Orono. Last year I was lucky enough to come across a group of people getting together to do a service trip to Peru. “Blue for Peru” is set up and organized by Explorama Lodges. I will be leaving March 8 to spend 10 days bringing as much compassion as I can to the people of Peru. While over there I will be teaching younger kids in small villages, visiting clinics where we will donate everyday necessities, and donate time helping at a monkey reserve in the Amazon.

I have made my fabulous homemade caramels and will be selling seven pieces for $5. They will be available to pick up in the harbor at Annette’s salon, Shear Artistry, next to Sweet Bay. As always I am more than thankful for all the support that this community gives to me and my family.

Emma Leonard

41 Donnas Way

Boothbay ME, 04537