Half a year in Ecuador brought my cultural lens into sharp focus. The incredible beauty of this country cloaks a bitter relationship with the United States. The impact we have upon this country is immense.  In the Amazon Rainforest, death seeps through the ground as remnants of oil spills poison the water.  The Galapagos Islands are commoditized to satisfy ecotourists' cravings to connect with nature in its rawest form. But beyond this plight lies a resilient people who celebrate their culture with dignity.  The sincerity and humility of the people here is pure and palpable.  I took my time abroad in Ecuador to appreciate and reflect on the impact I can have as a global citizen.