My STEP project consisted of volunteering at the Asian Free Clinic (AFC) which is located on North High Street and operates through the Rardin Family Clinic. The activities I engaged in were 5 parts: clinical/phlebotomy, completing a needs assessment, engaging in a quality improvement project, creating orientation materials, and meeting with my project advisor. The purpose of the meeting was to talk about objectives and be able to ask questions about performance within the clinic.

It was incredibly eye-opening to serve a specific community of Columbus and see the unique challenges that present. Serving as a volunteer, I saw the importance of informed consent and the power that having a translator holds during an appointment. I gained a great respect for the clinic and each volunteer who willingly gave their time to help these patients. There were times when supplies were running short and innovation had to prevail for the sake of the patients; this is an experience I would have never been able to have if not for my time at AFC.

On an identity level, I’ve never really had the opportunity or felt the desire to have a group of Asian friends or explore this part of my identity and how fulfilled I might feel doing so. A majority of the medical students and other volunteers at AFC are Asian, and some help to translate for our patients; seeing patients’ joy when seeing a volunteer or provider who can identify with them on this level was unique. It allowed me to explore my own identity in a manner and amount that I was receptive to.

While volunteering, I had the opportunity to befriend some of the undergraduate students who acted as translators. Additionally, if there were not patients that I needed to see at that time, I was welcome to converse with the providers or medical students who operated at a station outside of patient rooms. As I mentioned earlier, this enabled me to closely observe the role that the translators had and how necessary they are to provide care to patients. As the mediator, their comprehension in both the treatment plans from the provider and pharmacists, as well as from the conversation with the patient are vital. Their relationship and skill also had a direct impact on the clinical work that I did. 

In consideration of the population that this free clinic serves, there was also a high chance that many patients I saw never had their blood drawn before. Ensuring I was providing quality care by informing the patient about the lab draw procedure and minimizing the discomfort was at the forefront of my mind during each interaction. One week the lab had a shortage of tourniquets; as the phlebotomist, this made my job much more difficult as patients can have dehydrated veins, sensitive skin, or rolling veins. With the already intense desire to do well, through this specific experience I learned a great deal about operating under pressure. I believe this will directly benefit me later while pursuing medical school.

Before my STEP project, I wouldn’t have been able to imagine some of the skills I learned, let alone guess that it would have allowed me to explore my own identity. Getting to a point in my life where I am now open to exploring the racial and ethnic component of who I am was achieved as a result of the project, and I fear wouldn’t have happened in any other manner. I gained a great respect for every member of the team, as the clinic only runs as a result of joint effort. Finally, I learned about my own creativity, limits, and determination to help patients within healthcare. 

My STEP Signature Project was focused on service learning at Star House, a local drop-in center for homeless youth ages 14-24 around the Columbus area. During this time, I directly engaged with the residents inside by providing them with basic necessities such as food, clothing, hygiene products, and more. Furthermore, I worked to foster a sense of community through organizing programs such as basketball games, art days, or talent shows.

Volunteering at Star House has not only allowed me to make an immediate impact in my community, but also enhanced my understanding of the world around me. My first day, I expected a homogenous group of youth all struggling from the same extenuating challenge of homelessness. However, the racial diversity inside immediately struck me. Over time, I started to see this was not the only way the residents differed, as the factors that brought them to us ranged from discrimination to abuse, addiction, and beyond. Furthermore, even amidst an environment of generally low socioeconomic status, the wealth disparity inside was evident by the quality and quantity of certain youth’s belongings in comparison to others.

These realizations showcased the breadth of ways individuals can differ, even amongst an already separated population. Initially, engaging with such a diverse group was challenging, but consistent exposure taught me the importance of personalized care. By focusing on each specific person, I began to see how their unique experiences resulted in different needs. Some residents seek comfort while others want advice or just to share their story. I found that recognizing these needs and adapting how I interact was the key to substantially improving my ability to support the youth in their healing journey.

The relationships I developed with the youth were pivotal aspects of the transformation process. I remember on one of my first days, I heard a voice call out “Jerry!” to me. That is not my name, so I turned around with a puzzled look and was surprised to see a youth I did not recognize walking towards me. Turns out, that was just how he liked to introduce himself. We struck up conversation, and I felt the beginning of the first connection I made at Star House. I nicknamed him “Tom” after the cartoon cat, and over time, we bonded over a shared love of music. One particularly memorable night, Tom asked if I wanted to hear him sing, and he burst out into a rendition of “Arabian Nights”. Instantly, I was transported back to my childhood and vividly remembered watching the opening scene of Aladdin.

As Tom and I grew closer, I learned more about his background, hearing about his past familial issues that had led to a falling out. Despite his grandparents being wealthy, he still ended up at Star House and could not receive their help. While he had more possessions than most due to retaining certain parts of his past life, he was as seemingly stuck as anyone else there.

My relationship with Tom starkly contrasted with my interactions with another notable youth named “Shay,” who was particularly skeptical of me at the start. Despite her being a vocal participant in the activities and discussions around Star House, her comments to me were always dismissive. However, this only fueled my determination to connect with her, as I wanted to positively impact everyone here, not just those who were easy to engage with.  Over time, I noticed Shay enjoyed reading the Percy Jackson books, which were my absolute favorite when I was younger. Once, when she began discussing the series with others at her table, I seized the opportunity to join the conversation, and this moment provided the starting point for our relationship, as she began openly approaching me whenever I was at Star House.

Discussions with Shay also differed widely, as she had come from an immigrant family that was struggling to make it themselves. They all suffered from discrimination both personally and professionally, resulting in a challenging early life. However, their family was in tact and remained determine to overcome any obstacles together.

When working with a marginalized group, it is natural to assume they all face the same hardships, but my time at Star House revealed this to not be the case and reshaped my perspective on caring for those in need. What I learned will continue impacting me on my journey in medical school and beyond as I work towards becoming a compassionate physician. Not only did it train me to serve in the type of environment I aim to practice in, but it also helped me see the parallels between caring for homeless youth and patients suffering from the same illness. The human body is complicated, causing everyone to have a wide range of different symptoms. However, even when removing the physiological aspects of care, patients will still encounter distinct challenges because their former experiences and current living situation impact how they react mentally. Being mindful of these differences is crucial to centering the treatment around each specific patient, which ultimately provides the highest quality care.

1) My STEP project was a study abroad program with DIS Scandinavia. I studied abroad over the summer in Copenhagen, Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden. 

2) Before my study abroad experience, my knowledge of Scandinavian countries was limited to knowing that, despite enduring cold and dark winters, they consistently rank among the happiest in the world according to various studies. I embarked on this journey with an open mind and a deep sense of curiosity. With this program, I was able to visit three countries: Denmark, Sweden and France (study tour). The first thing that I noticed when I traveled abroad was how different the architecture was from the United States. Copenhagen is known to have outstanding architecture and I think it truly lived up to its expectations. The old buildings are well preserved throughout the city and the modern buildings are a stark contrast and are spread throughout the city. In my opinion all of the architecture found throughout the city was jaw dropping compared to some other European cities that I have seen. Another very big difference in Copenhagen was seeing all the people biking and how well the infrastructure was to support this culture. Nearly every Dane owns a bike and many use it to commute to work even in the cold months. This was transformative to me because it showed me a different way of life that I did not know was possible. It allows them to live an active lifestyle by going about their daily lives. Moreover, Stockholm showed me how a well designed public transportation system can allow people to travel far distances without having to own a car. Their system was a mix of buses, the metro and ferries. With public transportation, I was able to travel over 30 km to various places.  

3) One event that was transforming was my study tour to the French Riviera while I was taking my course in Copenhagen which was called “The Good Life.” This course entailed learning about philosophy and understanding what makes a good life good. We spent a lot of time reading from a few well known philosophers including Albert Camus, Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche. While on the study tour, we had the opportunity to visit the same places that some of these philosophers resided and hiked the same paths that they did. We walked the same paths they once did, experiencing firsthand the landscapes and environments that inspired their thoughts and writings.  This immersive experience profoundly changed my perspective on learning, demonstrating the powerful impact of interactive and experiential education. It went beyond the traditional classroom setting, making the lessons come alive in a tangible and meaningful way.

One activity that was transforming for me was riding a bike in Copenhagen. As stated in answer #2, the infrastructure set up for biking is not like any other in the world. There are bike lanes that are slightly raised from the roads in every major street that extend for miles beyond the main city center, allowing people to commute seamlessly via biking. The city of Copenhagen is flat, making biking a relatively easy task. Additionally, I was able to rent a bike through an app, allowing me to ride whenever I wanted. This was transformative for me because it was so easy to get around and was drastically different to my experience biking in the United States. The well-maintained bike lanes provided a safe and dedicated space for cyclists, something that is often lacking in many parts of the US. Instead of it being a scary and fearful experience, I felt at ease everywhere I went with the bike. Biking alongside the canals was an experience like no other.

One relationship that was transforming was meeting my friend Bella in my class in Stockholm. We took a class called “Photography in Europe: Technology, Culture and Art. Bella became a really good friend of mine through this class. During our field studies we would have fika, which meant that we would take a break to have coffee and a snack; we were able to bond during this time. We talked about nature and travel and all of our little adventures that we had throughout our trip. We went on hikes and took a boat to a nearby island. As we talked I learned about her background as a finance major but what she truly wanted to do was to be an entrepreneur. We talked a lot about food because she loved to learn about healthy ways of living. I also learned that she has a blog that she writes in her free time. Bella told me that what she wants to do at the end of the day is to create a business within the healthcare realm that is in tune with her healthy lifestyle. This was a transformative relationship because it has inspired me to think about a career as an entrepreneur and to create something that I am passionate about.

4) This study abroad experience was valuable to me because it allowed me to see a new part of the world and to live life in a completely different way. Studying and living in Copenhagen and Stockholm opened up my eyes to how different the lifestyle is between us. I gained a deeper appreciation for the Scandinavian approach to work-life balance, environmental sustainability, and social welfare. I noticed that people were, in general, happier and more relaxed on a daily basis. Being able to experience efficient public transportation, the biking culture and the abundance of parks and public spaces in a city impacted how I view major cities. It has allowed me to broaden my horizon and has inspired me to incorporate various aspects of Scandinavian lifestyle into my own routine.

This relates to my personal and academic goals because one day I want to move abroad and work in another country. Being able to have a taste of living and studying in two different countries over the summer opened my eyes to the world of possibilities that are out there. I met a medical doctor who lives in Stockholm but lived and trained in the United States. Through talking to her, I realized that my goal of working in healthcare and living abroad was much more attainable than I had previously thought. She has inspired me to continue to pursue my dreams of going to dental school and working in another country.

My STEP Project consisted of addressing and analyzing the peace process as well as conflict resolution in two countries that have recently experienced major conflict as well as peace resolution deals. I spent two weeks in Dublin, Ireland and Northern Ireland understanding, analyzing, and discussing the Troubles. I spent another three weeks in Amman, Jordan analyzing and conceptualizing the Israel-Palestine Conflict. I spent 3-4 hours a day in classroom learning context and discussing with my colleagues and astounding professors about the lead up to the conflict, the conflict itself, and why peace negotiations were or were not successful as well as what we can take away from each process to use or not use in the future.

This program was extremely mentally challenging. Everyday I was faced with the challenge of changing my perspective on certain events, cultures, lifestyles that I have was not exposed to much growing up.

In Ireland, I was not only exposed to a different group of people, but I was also introduced to an entirely different political background that had impacted the country on an astronomical level. Even though peace agreements were reached, you can still feel the effects of the conflict today. I didn’t expect Ireland to feel tense or meet people who were still so greatly affected by the conflict. In Dublin, the tensions were definitely less apparent, however, in Northern Ireland, not only was there a physical barrier still, but you could still feel the tension between Catholics and Protestants, Republicans and Loyalists. My perspective of Ireland changed in that I was able to see firsthand how a peace agreement can be effective in practice politically but not completely change the attitudes of the people. When we went to Northern Ireland, we were able to see how the region was still segregated despite the government’s planned integration including schools, neighborhoods, etc. In class, we spent a good amount of time analyzing the personal grievances of each community and I realized that real peace will not be achieved until the people involved, not the politicians, are willing to recognize and understand each other on an emotional level.

In Jordan, I experienced culture shock on a different level than I have before. Not everything about the Middle East is different than Western Society, but many of the norms and how the society and community functioned were very new to me. I came into Jordan believing that the people would dislike my being there or dislike me because I am American. I was taught that the majority of people in the Middle East are hateful people who do not want to interact with “Westerners”. However, this thought was disproven within hours of my arrival. I was met with open arms and warm smiles by every local I encountered, and I learned quickly by my host mother and my professor that many people in Jordan want to visit America or have some family in America. I was told that they will most likely ask for help to get to America rather than despise you for being from the West. It was interesting to see the level of community and togetherness that the people of Jordan have despite having origins in different parts of the Middle East. Many people are Jordanian but will also tell you that they are a mix with Palestinian, Lebanese, or Syrian roots. Despite the conflict in Gaza, Jordan and its people appear happy and hopeful for an end to the genocide. However, our professor and locals around us explained that everyone is sadder and melancholier than before October 7. They explained that there is a huge decrease in the emotions of the citizens and refugees which I found surprising to hear because from an outside perspective, I saw nothing but happiness, celebrations, and people going about their normal lives. Something I figured out early on is that people living in the Middle East are resilient, whether it is by choice or force, without resilience or perseverance, society would collapse. Palestinian refugees in Jordan have every right to give up and be angry or depressed, yet they put on a brave face and continue to work, to live, to fight, for equality.

In Ireland, we spent the last leg of our two-week trip in Northern Ireland, specifically Belfast and Derry where we were able to see and hear firsthand how the conflict divided the region both physically and politically. In Belfast, we took a tour around the city where we saw the wall that was built, physically dividing the Republicans from the Loyalists, Catholics from the Protestants, etc. There is still a curfew at night in which the gate that leads from one side of the neighborhood to the other is closed and locked. Anyone who is caught on the opposite side of the wall must take a longer route home which is not only inconvenient but can also be dangerous if you happen to run into the wrong group of people. There is a term called negative peace which I believe still exists in Northern Ireland today. Negative peace explains how there is only peace because there is an absence of violence; even with the peace agreements made in the 1990s as a part of the Good Friday Agreement, I perceive the north as a perfect example of negative peace. There is no more violence or fighting, but there is a tension in the air in the neighborhoods that are so starkly split. Especially in Derry, my peers and I concluded that it feels like the community is in a waiting period. No one wants to restart any violence, but everyone is on edge, ready to come together if fighting or violence were to erupt once again. Furthermore, our program had the opportunity to speak with a former member of the IRA, a former member of the UDF, and a former member of the RUC. This would have never been thought of if it had not been for the Good Friday Agreement and the relentless work of key actors in the peace-making process. Each person got to tell their story, how they got involved in their respective role, their perspective during the height of the Troubles, and why they ultimately chose to leave their organization. It was incredibly intriguing to be able to have a conversation with these former members and be able to really analyze why someone would be drawn or forced into an organization determined to keep the nation divided as well as utilize the level of violence that these organizations engaged in. The IRA and UDF members recounted specific turning points in their lives that led them to want to be engage in violence to protect their communities and how it was a personal choice for them rather than a forced entry into the organization. The personal grievances that were felt on both sides of the Troubles is a key factor that we were able to analyze not just in this exercise, but in lecture every day. One of the main reasons as to why it took so long to find peace in Northern Ireland was because neither side was willing to recognize the others personal grievances as legitimate and humanize one another while still advocating for their beliefs.

On the other hand, during the second half of the program in Jordan, we spent 3 weeks trying to see colonialism from an outside perspective rather than from a colonialist perspective. It was extremely challenging trying to adjust my previous knowledge on how the Middle East came to be and what role Western and European society played in that process. I, along with my peers, struggled a little with trying to wrap our minds around how the Middle East exists the way it does today geographically, politically, and even economically due to a long history of Colonialism stemming from Western Europe. For example, the boundaries of each Middle East country were drawn by the French and the British with little to no regard for the already established bounds, communities, and cultures that existed in this region. We were exposed to this fact both in class sessions and when we would have conversations with locals such as our tour guides or people we would meet while sitting at a café. This idea that the United States and Western Europe aren’t as wanted as we make it seem challenged much of my previous education in that I read multiple publications, watched films and documentaries, and analyzed why this idea is true in many parts of the Middle East. Furthermore, we were able to pick apart the Israeli-Palestinian situation that is currently happening in the West Bank and Gaza as well as all of Palestine. Based on our proximity to the conflict and the region of the world we were in, it was hard to come by an unbiased person who was willing to talk about the conflict, but we were able to talk to many Palestinian refugees who escaped prosecution and are trying to start anew in Jordan. It was heartbreaking to hear their stories firsthand about how their homes were destroyed, they had to abandon their families, and flee to different countries where they faced very similar discrimination. For example, my roommate and I had the opportunity to speak with a man who had been forced out of Palestine, lived in Kuwait, but was forced out of Kuwait when it was invaded, and eventually established a refugee camp outside of Jordan that became home to thousands of Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian refugees waiting to get into Jordan. The amount of resilience and determination that this man showed in his early 20s to make a life for himself and not immediately give up was incredible to hear about. Currently, he is neither a Jordanian resident or a Palestinian citizen due to the politics of both countries but that has not deterred him from getting a job, helping others, and overall, continuing to fight for his state’s freedom. This is a common theme among many Palestinian refugees and Jordanian non-citizens; the fact that they do not let their status deteriorate their quality of life.

This program has already had a significant impact on my life in that I have a stronger, more well-rounded understanding of how peace and conflict resolution is extremely complicated and complex, yet possible in regions where it shouldn’t be. From an academic and career standpoint, this program has equipped me with the ability to adapt and adjust my previous knowledge to get a more accurate perspective of the material. I have learned how to question my previous understandings as well as question others in an appropriate manner. I think that this internal transformation has given me the ability to approach a situation from multiple angles rather than just one side. For example, when we were analyzing the Israel-Palestine conflict, we approached the situation from different perspectives such as a colonialist perspective, orientalist perspective, Pan-Arabism, and many more. I think that this skill is extremely important in whatever career path I choose whether it be law, foreign policy, or domestic politics.

Similarly, I also left with new life skills such as traveling with a group, being able to communicate without speaking due a language barrier, navigating two entirely different countries on my own, etc. I will carry these skills with me for the rest of my life and I think that it is crucial that everyone be able to travel on their own or with new people in order to develop these skills as they are necessary in daily life. I think that it is important to practice these skills as well as being able to put yourself in situations where you don’t have complete control or feel uncomfortable because it is in those situations that you learn how to find patience, and composure while making split second decisions.

STEP REFLECTION

1. The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System provides outstanding health care, trains America’s future health care providers, and conducts important medical research. With the STEP fellowship I was able to volunteer at the RHJ VA Health Care system for a week. Service will took place from approximately 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day. I worked in various wings of the hospital assisting with tasks such as visiting and building relationships with patients, transporting patients to and from appointments within the hospital, restocking supplies in the rooms, and supporting other administrative/organizational projects/needs. I also had the opportunity to visit with veterans as well as their families and friends and partake in many fun activities with them. In addition to that I had the opportunity to shadow doctors, surgeons and other healthcare workers alongside sitting in on surgeries, etc.
2. With the completion of my STEP Signature Project I was able to gain a better understanding of the life of senior citizens and veterans. Before completing this signature project my only experience with senior citizens and veterans was through my family. When caring for and interacting with senior citizens and veterans you have to maintain the cadence that’s conducive to the lifestyle that senior citizens and veterans live. This project really opened up my eyes to how senior citizens live especially after experiencing war or being active in the military. The care that they require and receive is different. Not only is the care that they receive and require different they also require Specify the individual accommodations due to their lifestyle that is different from civilians. This project helped put into perspective just how different lifestyles can be in different communities and generations.
3. During my signature project we were given the opportunity to interact with the patients by distributing donations and gifts. The gifts ranged from Armed Forces paraphernalia to food. When interacting with the veterans and patients while giving out the armed force paraphernalia I got a firsthand look at how the different branches of the Armed Forces interact with each other. The banter between the different branches showed me just how connected they all are. The paraphernalia had different dates, countries, and years to represent different wars across the world. This helped me put into perspective how much work the armed forces does and get a scope of their roles. Throughout our service we were also given the opportunity to work with the patients and their families through navigation and providing information. During this process they shared personal stories and experiences from their lives. This helped me gain more insight on the lives of senior citizens and the lines that elders walk. The stories from elders vary as they were leaders not only in their military community but also in civilian lives. As veterans aged into senior citizens their lives past lives weren’t forgotten. They told us testimonials about their military life as well as reentering civilian life and acclimating to society as it changed. Because I am not a part of their generation, I was able to learn more about not only history but how I may navigate my future. Break Alongside service we also had the opportunity to explore the historic community that Charleston offers and explore historical sites that made the States what it is today. South Carolina is one of the original thirteen colonies, so it has a rich history when it comes to colonialism and the development of the United States. We learned about war history and indigenous populations in the South. This translated my academic learning outside of the classroom. This experience changed how I learn.
4. This transformation was significant to my life because before this I had no concrete knowledge about armed forces the military and working with senior citizens. It gave me a better understanding on the importance of giving back and investing in communities that I am not actively a part of. It also taught me to take advantage of the fact that I still have access to primary sources of history in my community, and to leverage that.

For my STEP Project I traveled to Kansas City, Missouri with Buck-I-SERV to work with Operation Breakthrough. They are an amazing organization who aim to uplift children and families experiencing poverty through education and meeting their needs as well. We spent time in the classrooms with the children, and also helped them do some tasks necessary to keep the center running like organizing and building. You can check them out here! https://operationbreakthrough.org

I absolutely loved my time at OB. Something I really admired about the people there was the beautiful sense of community they’ve created. Despite the challenges they face, they choose to find joy in each other and recognize the importance of spending time together. There was a clear respect for those they share life with and an understanding that everyone helps each other. I appreciate this worldview and think our world would be a better place if we all shared in it. At the end of the day, one another are all we truly have.

One moment that made it clear how special this place is was my first day in my classroom. I sat down on the carpet with the children and engaged with them as they did their morning routine. They all welcomed each other and took turns going to the front to share how they were feeling that day. As my kiddos were 3-4, this was done through pictures they pointed to. After they finished, I was given a chance to do the same. I introduced myself to the class and shared how I was feeling that day, excited to meet so many new friends and be in a new place. I felt so included and welcomed in a space I had just entered, that is not something I took for granted. However, I also listened as the children shared and some of them said things that broke my heart. One felt tired because he only got a few hours of sleep since his mom’s boyfriend had the TV on loud all night. Another said she missed her dad and didn’t know when he would come home. At only 3-4 years old, their extreme maturity was hard not to note. On a lighter note, I had one little girl in particular I seemed to connect with, for this story I’ll call her M. We bonded right away as she speaks Spanish and I have a minor in Spanish that I was able to use those skills from. We had a wonderful week together full of learning and fun, leaving us both a bit upset when I had to leave. However, on my last day M decided to use her art time to make something for me. A drawing of a house made of watercolors, which she told me was my house back home where I can bring this to remember her. Needless to say, it’s still hung up in my bedroom. I miss M and all my other little buddies, but she was a wonderful reminder that taking the time to connect with someone in a way that is meaningful to them makes all the difference.

This experience is extremely important to my future as an elementary school teacher. I will have the opportunity to teach students from all sorts of backgrounds, which is a big reason why I wanted to learn Spanish and add a minor to my time here at OSU. Language is such an important aspect of who we are and a vital part of connecting with people. In addition, I got to see a lot of trauma-informed practices while at OB. This is something I am very interested in because as a teacher I want my students to learn and be successful, but they can’t do that if they are dealing with underlying trauma that they need help addressing. My only goal is to do right by my students, and this is a step in that direction.

1. Brief Description of Your STEP Signature Project 

My STEP Signature Project involved volunteering with Constru Casa in Guatemala, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for Guatemalans living in extreme poverty through the provision of basic housing. Our main activities included working alongside local masons and homeowners to construct homes using concrete blocks, which involved tasks such as digging foundations, carrying materials, mixing concrete, laying blocks, and painting.

2. Change/Transformation in Understanding of Self or Worldview

Participating in the STEP Signature Project with Constru Casa significantly transformed my understanding of community and the impact of poverty. Initially, I assumed that poverty was primarily a financial issue. However, through this experience, I realized that poverty affects all aspects of life, including access to safe housing, which is fundamental to health, security, and well-being. This experience also made me more aware of my own privileges and the importance of community support and resilience. Witnessing the strong sense of community and collaboration among the Guatemalan people, despite their hardships, shifted my perspective on the value of community and collective effort in overcoming challenges.

3. Key Events, Interactions, Relationships, or Activities Leading to Transformation

One of the most impactful events was the first day on the construction site. The physical labor was intense, and working under the hot sun was challenging. However, seeing the gratitude in the eyes of the homeowners and their families as we laid the first concrete blocks was incredibly rewarding. This initial interaction highlighted the direct impact of our work and the tangible difference we were making in their lives.

Building relationships with local masons and homeowners was another critical aspect of my transformation. Working closely with them allowed me to hear their stories and understand their daily struggles and aspirations. These interactions were humbling and made me realize the strength and resilience of people living in poverty. The homeowners’ optimism and the masons’ dedication, despite limited resources, taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and hope.

A particularly memorable moment was when a homeowner invited us to share a meal with their family. Despite their limited means, they offered us what they had with genuine hospitality. This act of kindness made me reflect on the essence of generosity and community spirit. It reinforced the idea that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the strength of human connections and the willingness to support one another.

Lastly, the daily routine of physical labor, teamwork, and problem-solving fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among our group. Working together to overcome challenges, from mixing concrete to constructing walls, built a deep bond among us. This experience highlighted the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving common goals and taught me to appreciate the value of every individual’s contribution.

4. Significance or Value of the Change/Transformation

This transformation is significant because it has deeply influenced my personal values and future aspirations. Understanding the broader implications of poverty has inspired me to pursue a career in social work or international development, where I can contribute to creating sustainable solutions for underserved communities. Academically, it has motivated me to focus on studies related to social justice, community development, and humanitarian aid.

On a personal level, this experience has made me more empathetic and socially conscious. I am now more committed to volunteering and supporting initiatives that promote social equity. Professionally, the skills and insights gained from this project, such as teamwork, resilience, and cross-cultural communication, are invaluable. They will undoubtedly enhance my ability to work effectively in diverse and challenging environments in the future. This project has instilled in me a lifelong commitment to making a positive impact in the world, driven by the understanding that meaningful change starts with community and collective effort.

I went with a group of Ohio State students to Montaña de Luz in El Paraíso, Honduras. Our main service project consisted of fixing up the area around an emergency house and re-painting the fence and guardhouse. Outside of the service project, we learned more about HIV, learned how to make baleadas, and spent time with the kids in the evenings by playing soccer and volleyball with them.

My experience at Montaña de Luz significantly influenced my perception of HIV. I learned that in Honduras, there is huge stigma surrounding HIV, which makes it difficult for people with HIV to get the same opportunities as everyone else. I also learned about the ways that HIV is transmitted as well as the ways that it is not transmitted, which was very enlightening. There is no complete cure for HIV yet, but there is treatment that can cause it to stay dormant. After learning all of this, I have a newfound appreciation for Montaña de Luz and other places with the same mission of reducing the stigma and empowering people who have been affected by HIV.

In addition to deepening my understanding of HIV, this trip broadened my views of the world. I got to experience how different Honduras is from anywhere else I have lived or traveled to. One example is that they burn all of their trash, creating a lot of air pollution. Also, English lessons are very expensive there, but learning English opens the door to many opportunities and higher chances of getting jobs. This made me think about some of the things that I take for granted in my life, including garbage services and my education.

When we first arrived at Montaña de Luz, all the kids and staff were waiting to greet us with a welcome sign. From this first moment all the way to our last, everyone made us feel like family. During the service projects, they taught us new skills like mixing concrete and laying bricks. Even though they probably could have finished the jobs a lot faster than us, the staff were so patient with us and let us try to do things on our own. When I first tried to lay bricks, I kept failing to get them level. Despite my many failures, Carlos kept teaching me and giving me more chances, which I really appreciated. From him and everyone else at Montaña de Luz, I learned that in many cases, being patient and building relationships is much more important than just getting the task done. There were also so many other things that the staff did to make us feel welcome and comfortable. Sara brought us little refreshing snacks while we were working, Angela made us homecooked meals that were ready for us after a long day of working outside, and Fabiola sold us cold drinks from her shop.

Outside of our service project, we got to experience the culture of Honduras a little bit. On our first day there, we went to a local water park. I learned that the pool culture in Honduras is more conservative that it is here. We also went to Valle one day and went to a restaurant for lunch. It was cool to walk around and see places outside of Montaña de Luz. One evening, Angela taught us how to make baleadas, which is a traditional Honduran dish. Getting to make and eat my own baleada was such a cool experience.

I think that the most impactful part of my trip was being able to spend time with and learn from the kids and staff at Montaña de Luz. Some of the staff gave us a presentation about HIV that was both informative and entertaining, and I learned so much from it. The kids also taught us games like “Pikachu”, and we taught them some games that we grew up with. It was amazing to be able to teach them and learn from them at the same time. We also got to play soccer, volleyball, and dance with the kids. It was so fun to just be able to live in the moment and have fun playing outside. Despite the language barrier, we were able to connect with the kids through games and sports.

From all these experiences, I learned to value my relationships and live in the moment. In the future, instead of focusing on only finishing tasks, I will pay more attention to the relationships that I am building along the way. I will be more conscious of how I interact with people, and I will remember that there are things that I can learn from everyone. This trip also made me realize the importance of taking breaks and having fun. This was the first time in so long that I let myself just play outside and have fun without worrying about other things. From now on, I will make sure I take time to go outside and just enjoy life.

In the future, I also plan to help educate people around me about HIV and the ways that is it spread. I want to promote the mission of Montaña de Luz and reduce the stigma around HIV. We plan on starting a club at OSU to fundraise and further this mission. Overall, this trip had such a huge impact on me and I want to go on more service trips in the future.