Unlocking the World: Show Me The World Day

From First-Time Flyers to Global Mentors: A Journey to Belize

This spring, a remarkable group of students who attend St. Louis Public Schools boarded an airplane for the very first time—nervous, wide-eyed, and full of anticipation. As the wheels lifted off the ground, so did their belief in what was possible. For 100% of the students, this was their first time leaving the country. By the end of the journey, they had not only explored new ecosystems and cultures, but also formed unbreakable bonds with one another.

Belize marked the fifth country visited through the Show Me The World Project, and it delivered an unforgettable experience. Students hiked through the jungle, paddled canoes along the Macal River, and snorkeled in the Caribbean Sea. They explored ancient Mayan history at the Xunantunich ruins, shaped pottery and cooked traditional dishes in a Maya village, and learned about local exports while visiting a hot sauce factory, a chocolate company, and a working farm. A powerful highlight was connecting with the Garifuna people through museum visits and drumming lessons that immersed students in Indigenous culture and history.

For one student leader, who plays on his high school’s drumline, the Garifuna drumming experience was life-changing. He shared that learning the cultural roots and purpose behind the rhythms gave his music new meaning. “I used to drum because I loved it. Now I drum with purpose because I'm carrying on a tradition.”

As students stepped outside their comfort zones, they grew closer, supporting each other through moments of uncertainty and celebration alike. “I was scared to fly, but knowing my group was with me made it easier,” one student shared. “Now we’re like family.”

Today, those same students are mentoring the next cohort, three times the size, helping prepare them for their own transformative global experiences. Thank you for making this possible. Your support turned a once-distant dream into a life-changing reality!