Volunteer Stories: Serena “This trip shaped who I want to become”
My time volunteering with La Tortuga Viva was truly one of the most impactful experiences. I started my journey in Juluchuca on October 6th 2025. This was my first time leaving my home in the United States after graduating in June 2025. I stayed until December 23rd 2025. I knew nothing about turtle conservation, but I knew basic spanish and was passionate to learn. My boss, the Marine Life Lead Node, Larissa was my teacher, mentor, housemate and a friend.
Once I was settled in, I started working and getting to know the turtle camp. Larissa taught me everything I know about turtles, conservation and what it takes to run an organization like that. I was taught about why Mexico is so important for turtle conservation, the life cycle of turtles, the specifics of the three kinds of turtles this beach receives, and fundraising. Skills I can carry with me for my future career in Marine Conservation.
I learned lots about everything with turtles, but that's not all I learned. By living in the town of Juluchuca I got to experience and learn about Mexican culture and was invited into the hearts of the people in town and at the hotel. For most of the time I lived with two teachers who taught at the local rural schools near Juluchuca, and Larissia. We all became friends which made it funner to explore the area together. My roommates and I took many walks to the beach for a sunset swim, seeing and talking with the local turtle volunteers and meeting their families. One of the most magical parts was this, the community. Becoming familiar with each other more than just as coworkers, but as friends who you can laugh with, and ask for help or hitch a ride if you are headed the same direction. As someone from a completely different culture it was so special to be a part of the community and really feel included.
My boss, Larissa also is a part of the Jaguar Montering Project and the Mangrove Restoration Project. I was able to help with both of these projects alongside volunteering at La Tortuga Viva. The Jaguar Montering really stuck with me though. I was able to go up into the Sierra with Larissa and stay with the families that live at the very end of the road, the last civilization before just pure jungle. We went riding as far as we could on the ATV’s and hiked the rest of the way to all four different wildlife cameras that were set up. Getting to see how these families lived was beautiful. Waking up early and going across the creek walking up the trail to go milk the cows. Coming back and eating all together, then playing with the kids and dogs. The food was so rich in flavor and love, the food hand made and gathered from the land. They bring so much love into the land up there. They graciously invited me into their homes and hearts, it was truly an experience of a lifetime and I was so grateful to be able to go.
Living in the community, I got to go to the activities and celebrations. I watched the kids perform their traditional dances at school and during the posadas before Christmas. There were other celebrations as well that were amazing to experience. I felt very shy at first, and did not know everything about the lifestyle in Juluchuca, but everyone made me feel very welcome and comfortable about not knowing everything. I learned so much, and I think it is so important for people to go out and connect. I would say this trip has helped shape me and who I want to become.
