Northlake, Illinois - Students and chaperones from West Leyden High School did service work in three different orphanages during a recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. There were 45 people in the group, which made the trip from May 31 to June 7, 2016.

It was the third year in which a group from West Leyden made such a trip.

"We got so many students to go that we split into two groups every day," said Jason Cummins, the school's assistant principal and a chaperone.

The orphanages the students attended included Casa Hogar and Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza. The third orphanage, Pasitos De Luz, is for children who are physically and mentally disabled.

"At the orphanages, we helped the students with their homework," Cummins said. "We spent about four hours at each place during the weekdays. They helped them with English, math, science and reading. They did arts and crafts with the kids."

West Leyden senior Jose Sanchez has been visiting the orphanages with the school for the past three years. "Instead of being a tourist, I thought it would be better to serve a little bit and get involved," he said.

Sanchez said that enough kids attend the service trip that participants are able to focus on one or two kids at the orphanage. He said they get really attached to the kids that they are working with. "You just give them as much attention as you can," he said. "You have a good time and make a connection to them."

Sanchez said it is an eye-opening experience. Upon reflection, he said any problems he has close to home seem arbitrary compared to what many of these kids are struggling with every day. "It's sad to see what they have to deal with," he said.

Senior Cynthia Diaz agreed. She said she learned to appreciate more of the little things in life, such as spending time with her family. "I really like to help people, so I saw this opportunity to try something new," she said.

After realizing how much she enjoyed helping young children, Diaz said she plans on becoming a physical therapist for kids with disabilities.

"Our biggest message to them is that we wanted them to have the experience of giving back," Cummins said. "It was great to have some insight of how students of poverty live."