Building Lifelong Friendships: My Unforgettable Week with YAVs in Louisville KY

Going into YAV orientation in Louisville, I was excited, but I was also nervous about meeting new people and whether I would fit in. My first impression was that everyone seemed incredibly smart. Each person arrived with different experiences, perspectives, and reasons for choosing to serve. I didn't know what our relationships would look like by the end of the week, but I definitely did not expect to feel so connected to everyone so quickly.

There were twelve of us altogether, and over the course of the week, Louisville became more than the place where we completed orientation. It became the place where we learned together, laughed together, and began forming friendships that I hope will continue long after this YAV year ends.

YAV group bonding in Louisville, KY

How the Core 4 Came Together

During orientation, we were assigned to small groups. These groups were meant to give us a space to reflect after presentations, complete activities, and process everything we were learning. I was placed in a group with Kannya, Penelope, and Juan Luis.

At first, we were simply the small group we had been assigned to, but we naturally began spending time together outside of orientation. We watched movies, explored downtown Louisville, ate together, and found ourselves choosing to be around one another even when we did not have to be.

By Wednesday, which was only the third day of orientation, we realized how naturally we all meshed. That was the day the name “Core 4” was officially coined.

Some of my favorite memories from the week came from our time together. We had movie nights where we watched My Neighbor Totoro and Backrooms. We explored places like Fourth Street Live, NuLu, and Main Event. I also remember one of our first times hanging out, when we grabbed ice cream at Ehrler’s, went swimming, and ended the evening eating and playing games at Zombie Taco. We didn’t need elaborate plans to have fun; simply being together was enough.

Juan Luis, Josh, Penelope, Kannya, Me, and Jackie

My favorite memory with the Core 4 was learning how to line dance. It was one of those moments that was fun while it was happening, but became even more meaningful once I realized how quickly the week was passing. I hope that no matter where life takes each of us, we continue making time for one another.

The Friends Who Became Family

The Core 4 was not the only meaningful connection I made in Louisville. Joshua, who was not technically assigned to our small group, still became part of the family. He was honestly one of the funniest people I have ever met.

Joshua always seemed to appear at the most random times, and somehow it was hilarious every single time. He was always down for a fun experience which made him super great to hang out with. He also makes music, and it is REALLY good. I am looking forward to seeing where his creativity takes him and staying connected while he serves in South Korea.

I also enjoyed getting to know Xen and Chris, who are serving in South Korea with Joshua. Jackie and Arron, who are serving in Louisville, were both incredibly sweet as well. Although everyone is now moving into a different community and experience, I am grateful that orientation allowed our paths to cross first.

One memory I keep thinking about is singing karaoke with the other YAVs. It was simple, chaotic, and fun, but it captured what made the week special. We were learning how to be comfortable around one another and enjoy being together without taking ourselves too seriously.

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Me and Joshua mogging

Learning How to Walk With Others

Orientation was filled with presentations that challenged us to think more deeply about service, community, power, privilege, and the responsibilities we carry as volunteers.

One session that stood out to me was the Power and Privilege Training. It pushed me to think honestly about the identities and experiences we bring into the communities where we serve. Edwin and Nell’s presentation on Healthy Volunteerism also made me more careful and intentional about how I approach my time in Peru.

Another lesson that stayed with me came from the Poverty Training. We discussed the importance of walking with people instead of entering a community and trying to teach people what they already know.

That idea deeply changed how I think about service.

People understand their own communities, challenges, histories, and needs in ways that an outsider never fully can. Even when we arrive with good intentions, we should not assume that we have all the answers. Walking with someone means listening before speaking, learning before acting, and recognizing that community members are already knowledgeable and capable. My role is not to enter Peru believing I am there to save or fix anyone. I am there to build relationships, learn from the people around me, and contribute in ways that are respectful and guided by the community itself.

The week reminded me that healthy service requires humility. It means understanding that the people we serve have just as much, if not more, to teach us.

I also realized how much I still want to learn. I want to commit myself to learning something every day, not only during this YAV year, but throughout my life. There is so much I do not know, and instead of being intimidated by that, I want to remain curious and open.

Saying Goodbye

By the end of the week, saying goodbye was harder than I expected. It was strange to think that people I had only known for a few days had already become people I knew I would miss.

There were hugs before we all began traveling to our different placement sites. Although the goodbye was sad, I also felt grateful. We had entered orientation as twelve individuals who were nervous, excited, and unsure of what the week would bring. We left with shared memories, inside jokes, lessons, and friendships that made the beginning of this journey feel less lonely.

Beginning Again in Peru

I arrived in Peru on August 22 to begin another orientation, this time with the Peru YAVs. As I begin adjusting to a new country, community, and way of life, I keep reflecting on the week I spent in Louisville.

Louisville gave me more than information about the YAV program. It gave me people who understand the excitement, uncertainty, and responsibility that come with this journey. It reminded me that meaningful friendships are not always measured by how long you have known someone. Sometimes, you meet people and simply recognize that your connection is real.

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As I begin this new chapter in Peru, I am carrying the lessons from orientation with me. I want to serve with humility, remain committed to learning, and walk alongside the people I meet instead of assuming I should lead the way.

Most importantly, I am carrying the love and laughter of the people who made Louisville feel like home, even if only for one week.