Marta Casellas, Class of 1985, attended the American School of Barcelona from Kinder 3 through BUP III, which is equivalent to 11th grade. Her connection to the school remained strong over the years, not only because of her own experiences but also through her sister Carlota, who graduated in 2001 after attending from PK3 through 12th grade. Today, Marta works in her family’s brokerage firm specializing in insurance, but this past summer, she carved out time for something she had always wanted to do: volunteer work.

Her longtime classmate and friend, Marta Vernet, now Head of Community Service and Activities at ASB, had often spoken about the school’s service trips to Peru, where high school students work alongside doctors from Michigan State University to bring healthcare to underserved communities. When Marta called her during Easter break with the invitation to join as a translator, she didn’t hesitate. Within two days, she was already coordinating with the travel agency and making her plans to join the group.

The week in Iquitos proved deeply rewarding, full of experiences that will stay with her forever. One moment in particular stood out during a morning in General Medicine, when she was asked by Remi, an 11th-grade student, to help translate a difficult conversation. A 13-year-old girl with swollen lymph nodes had inconclusive test results, and the doctor explained that she would need more reliable tests in Lima. Both the girl and her mother broke down in tears, and Marta and Remi stayed with them, comforting and helping them process the heavy news. For Marta, it was a moment that highlighted the maturity, empathy, and resilience of the ASB students, who consistently worked long days with positivity and compassion.

What impressed her most during the trip was the spirit of the students themselves. She described them as dedicated, mature, and proactive, with an infectious joy and eagerness that reminded her of her own days at ASB. Seeing their commitment to addressing injustices and their ability to embrace every moment transported her back to a time of happiness she still treasures from her youth.

Reflecting on her journey and her advice for today’s students, Marta encourages them never to lose their curiosity or their courage. “The train always passes by, be ready to catch it whenever you can,” she says. She urges them not to let fear hold them back, but instead to stand firm in their convictions and pursue their goals wholeheartedly. With the preparation, skills, and mindset they have, Marta is confident that ASB students will go far.

See more photos of Marta and the students in Peru in the photo gallery below - must be logged in to view.