Once Upon A Time In Appalachia Reflection

For my STEP Signature Project, I lead a Buck-I-SERV trip to Maryville, Tennessee over Spring Break. I worked alongside my other group leader and our advisor to plan meaningful activities for our free time during our trip. Our trip involved our group staying at Once Upon A Time Nature Preserve situated right next to both the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee National Forest, and our group did various volunteer activities related to the area and the people living there. 

My view of what one needs to survive and be happy certainly changed on this trip. I think in most areas in the United States, and certainly at OSU, there is a culture of consumption – whether it be the consumption and use of clothes, belongings, food, or something else – and this culture is unnecessary and in many ways can be harmful to our planet. At Once Upon A Time, our hosts had a respect for the land and its natural resources and only bought and consumed what they needed. We very much focused on being with each other and enjoying our time in nature while we were there. We all slept on bunk beds in one room and used outhouses and shower houses each day, but it was enjoyable because we were able to focus on being together and enjoying each other’s company. Now that I’m back in Columbus, I am still trying my best to be conscious of what I buy and how it affects the planet. I have been doing my best to only buy what I need and be thankful for what I have, especially since now COVID-19 has made it difficult to do many of the things that I once took for granted. 

Our hosts for our trip, Ed and Arleen, were incredibly humble and wise people who really helped open my eyes to all of the beauty this world has to offer. They had built their home, as well as our cabin and the rest of the buildings on their property almost entirely on their own and had been living off of the land for several years. They still go to the grocery store, but much of what they consume has been grown in their own garden. Their mountain life is simple, but it is incredibly enjoyable, and they have made so many friends just by being friendly and generous. They really inspired me to realize that what truly matters in life – friendships, family, and experiences – are not things with monetary value. 

Through Ed and Arleen, my group was able to volunteer at the Snowbird Community Center, located in North Carolina. We spent the morning talking to the seniors who come to the center to chat with friends and do crafts. Spending time at the community center also reinforced the idea that people do not need a lot of expensive things to be happy – all of the seniors were happy to just be together and spend time doing crafts and telling stories. A few days later, Ed and Arleen took us to listen to Rocky Branch Mountain Music in Walland, TN, which is located inside an old elementary school. Several different mountain music bands come every week to perform for a few hours in different classrooms in the school. It wasn’t much to look at – just a group of musicians performing inside a cramped classroom – but it was a truly remarkable experience. The musicians played with such passion and all of the audience members laughed and clapped along. There was a great sense of community in the room, and the musicians and audience members made a point to include us in their fun. The event was completely free for us, but it gave us an experience we most likely will never forget. 

During a few of our volunteer days, my group worked in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to remove invasive species like honeysuckle and privet. We worked really hard and managed to clear a big area, but continued maintenance is necessary to keep the invasive species from coming back. This in particular helped me to realize that peoples’ actions can have permanent effects on the natural environment. This has encouraged me to really think about my actions and whether or not they are actually necessary if they are harmful for the planet. 

The lessons I have learned from this trip are valuable for me because they will help me to lead a happier life while doing my best to maintain the health of the planet. The health of the planet relates to my major and minor, but also my entire life because it’s the only planet I most likely will ever live on. I know many at OSU and around the world are fighting to reduce the harmful effects of climate change, but many others are not doing enough in their own lives to make a positive difference. This trip has taught me that it is very easy for one person to reduce their consumption in a way that positively impacts the environment, and if many people do it, many world climate and health issues could be solved. This is a worldwide goal that we all should be striving for, and this trip has given me the voice to encourage others to follow in Ed and Arleen’s footsteps and live every day with a respect for the earth and its natural beauty.

 

One thought on “Once Upon A Time In Appalachia Reflection

  1. Hi Briar,

    This sounds like awesome experience, and after reading, I feel jealous that I didn’t get to hang out with Ed and Arleen. It seems like they have a pretty inspiring outlook on life – and one that leads to action. I am glad you were able to participate and help lead this trip, and I hope it continues to have a positive impact on you in time to come.

    Best to you, Briar.

    Caleb – STEP Team Member

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