Second Year Project Proposal

For my second year project, I plan to attend the Buck-I-Serve Habitat for Humanity trip in Birmingham Alabama.  This trip consists of helping to establish housing for the poverty stricken families of Birmingham. Though many people are not aware America is ridden with poverty, with some areas having comparable conditions to third world countries. Whether it is a case of people refusing to acknowledge this situation or a reflection of ignorance, poverty continues to cripple millions of Americans.  This Buck-I-Serve trip aims to help those suffering from poverty by providing houses and infrastructure. This experience will be extremely fulfilling and a way to donate my time to those in need. While I have volunteered before, I have never embarked upon a service mission of this length. The idea of serving for six days is extremely exciting, and only slightly daunting. I really enjoy the idea of donating my time to the people of my own country. I am not refuting the idea of other countries having issues, nor am I trying to discourage service in these countries. However, I do believe many people carry the notion that in order to help with poverty they have to travel to the slums of India or to an exotic yet underprivileged nation in Africa. America has problems that need attended to as well. Voluntourism is a real issue; and I believe that by being cognizant of the fact that the nation in which we reside has its own struggles can help tackle problem. I would like to serve the poor of my nation alongside my fellow buckeyes. I believe this will be an extremely beneficial opportunity by working among some of the poorest conditions of the nation. I have never seen true poverty, and I think it will not only be a humbling experience, but one I can use to spread awareness to others.  Poverty exists inevitably throughout the planet, and it is our choice to fight against it. This Buck-I-Serve trip is my opportunity to fight.

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