On March 19th, the Irvine-based branch of Global Youth Mission (GYM) went to Tijuana, Mexico, to help those in need at a local rehab center and orphanage. Fifty members from GYM went on this trip. The students first stopped at a rehab center in Tijuana, where people with physical disabilities or drug addictions are treated. GYM members brought a doctor to the center and were given the opportunity to shadow the doctor. Not only did it help the people in the rehab center, but also gave GYM members a great opportunity to experience the difficulties and expectations of this medical profession.

After visiting the rehab center, GYM members also went to the local orphanage at Tijuana. They presented a science experiment called “Elephant Toothpaste.” This experiment explored the chemical reaction between yeast and dish soap. In addition to this short but fun science experiment, the students were able to enjoy a meal with the kids and had a blast playing soccer right outside the orphanage. GYM also invited a dentist to the center and gave dental check ups for each kid, and some students volunteered to aid the dentist. As the time at the orphanage slowly came to an end, the students surprised the children with toys and laptops, thus allowing the kids to enter a whole different realm of technology and fun.

According to the GYM president at the Irvine branch, Jaeyub Chung, it was a very unique experience to all the participants of GYM because it was a great opportunity to bring awareness to the organization’s global contributions as well as its efforts to expand its impact on larger communities. This trip to the rehab center and orphanage has been a continuous trip for a couple of years, and the responses from GYM members as well as from the respective centers in Tijuana have been incredible

<Julia Yoon University High School 9th Grade>