Groundbreaker Alumni: How Trek Transforms Student Lives (Part 1)
Every year, buildOn students from underserved U.S. communities travel across the globe to break ground on schools in partnership with rural communities. But the real transformation doesn’t end with construction—it continues in the lives of the students themselves.
Meet three incredible buildOn alumni whose lives were changed through Trek. From Nepal to Haiti and beyond, these Groundbreakers share how Trek shaped their leadership, expanded their worldviews, and fueled their purpose.
Gabriela Ojeda: Embracing Connection Beyond Language
Gaby, a buildOn alum from Oakland, first traveled to Nepal on Trek as a high school student in 2018—and returned again in 2025 as part of buildOn’s annual alumni Trek. For her, Trek was more than service. It was a lesson in connection.
“Regardless of not being able to speak the same language, we were still able to connect and collaborate,” Gaby says. From language barriers to physically demanding work, Trek taught her the value of resilience and support. “It’s okay to take risks. It’s great to be able to connect with people and uplift each other in challenging moments.”
Her advice for others? “If you’re thinking about going on Trek, I would say do it. It’s a great opportunity to serve in another community and grow outside of your comfort zone.”
Adolfo Rodriguez: A Career Inspired by Service
Adolfo joined buildOn at Central High School in Bridgeport, CT back in 2016. His passion for service deepened through volunteer work at a local food pantry—a place where he not only served but eventually earned his first job.
“They saw my persistence. I was volunteering for two years, even through the summer,” Adolfo explains. “Because of that, I got hired.”
Since then, Adolfo has gone on Trek twice—first to Haiti as a freshman, and more recently, back to Nepal. The experience helped him better understand his family’s past and shaped his future in human services.
“My mother grew up in El Salvador without an education. Seeing similar struggles firsthand in Nepal and Haiti gave me a deeper appreciation for what she overcame—and for the opportunity to serve.”
Whenever he encountered setbacks in life, his experiences kept Adolfo going. “I have flashbacks of those women carrying bricks and working day after day. Their energy runs through me. I have no excuse—I have to keep going.”
“I have flashbacks of those women carrying bricks and working day after day. I have no excuse—I have to keep going.” —Adolfo Rodriguez, buildOn Alum
Penelope Bencosme Felipe: Learning Gratitude and Compassion
In 2012, while still in high school, Penelope embarked on a transformative journey to Nepal with buildOn. Having grown up in the Dominican Republic before moving to the Bronx, this was only her second experience abroad—and one that left a lasting impact.
“It eliminated a lot of the excuses I used to use. It reminded me how important education is,” Penelope reflects. “I think a lot of people in the U.S. take it for granted.”
“Trek eliminated a lot of the excuses I used to use.” —Penelope Bencosme Felipe, buildOn Alum
One of the biggest lessons she brought home? “Compassion. Everyone there collaborates with love to get things done. In the U.S., we can be a bit distant, but in Nepal, people truly care for one another.”
Penelope returned to Nepal in 2025 as part of buildOn’s Alumni Trek and continues to encourage others to take the leap: “Trek will change your life. It will give you a different point of view about life.”
Why Trek Matters
These powerful stories remind us why global service matters. Trek is more than a trip—it’s an opportunity for students to:
- Develop global awareness
- Serve with humility and empathy
- Build leadership and life skills
- Gain new perspectives on education, equity, and community
Each Trek builds not only a school, but a stronger sense of purpose in the young leaders who participate.
Build the Next Generation
As Gaby, Adolfo, and Penelope show us, the impact of Trek doesn’t end when the trip does. It becomes a lifelong compass for growth, service, and change.
That’s why we’re raising $20,000 this month to send Groundbreakers from across the country on Trek. This campaign is about building schools, but it’s also about building confidence, leadership, and opportunity.
Will you help us hit our fundraising goal?