Penelope Bencosme

Nickname
Penny

Where did you grow up?
Salcedo, Dominican Republic

Where do you call home now?
Bronx, New York

Year started at Global Works?
2021

What’s your favorite part about leading trips?
Getting to hang out with the students! There is so much you can learn from them

What is something you can’t live without while you are traveling?
My camera

Tell us about a favorite memory from a trip you have taken
At the end of my first Global Works trip the students took time to write me really sweet messages in my notebook. Every single student signed it and it brought tears to my eyes

Where is your favorite place you have traveled to?
Nepal

Fun fact, special talent, or favorite memory
I was raised vegetarian

What do you like to do in your free time?
Watch movies or hang out with my best friends

What languages do you speak?
English, Spanish, and some Japanese

If you had to give one piece of advice or words of encouragement to someone on their first travel experience, what would it be?
Go with the flow. Every time you travel to a new place you might experience culture shock, but I say embrace it, try to talk to locals and learn from them, be present and don’t be afraid to ask questions

Tell us why you are excited for this year’s trip!
I am excited for this year’s trip because with every trip I learn something new, become a better person and an even better leader. Also working with the students is so fulfilling!