For my STEP signature project, I traveled to Hawaii on the big island and did volunteer work in Kona with the non-profit organization GIVE. Over the course of nine days, I supported local farmers, participated in volunteer projects, facilitated educational programs to revitalize Kanaka Maoli cultural knowledge, and engaged in daily worksheets and debriefs to learn about environmental rehabilitation methods. These activities allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, deepen my understanding of service, and foster connections with fellow volunteers while making a positive impact on the community.
- What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place.
While completing my STEP Signature Project, my understanding of myself, my assumptions, and my view of the world underwent a transformative change. Immersing myself in the Kona community and working alongside local farmers and volunteers allowed me to break free from my preconceived notions and expand my perspective on health. I really dived deeper into the question of where my food comes from – and how certain foods affect my brain and overall health. I had assumed that most places around the world had preservatives added to their food and crops but did not realize how wrong I really was. This is very true where I grew up, but going to Kona and watching farmers plant so many vegetables and plants naturally shocked me with how unhealthy some of our “healthy” foods at home really are. For example, while staying on Big Island Farm, we did a farm-to-table meal where we made an eggplant and squash curry, spinach salad, and banana bread, all from homemade ingredients that we picked and harvested that day. It was extremely rewarding, and eye-opening to do so and see exactly where the ingredients came from and how as a team of 22 volunteers, we could transform them into such a delicious meal for everyone.
Additionally, another transformation I experienced was a deeper understanding of the power of service and its impact on both individuals and communities. Prior to this project, I had participated in some service but never fully immersed myself as I did in Kona. I never fully grasped its potential to bring about sustainable change and personal growth. Engaging in these volunteer projects and witnessing the positive effects on the local community not only reaffirmed my belief in the importance of service but also ignited a passion within me to continue making a difference in the world.
- What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.
During my STEP Signature Project, several events, interactions, relationships, and activities played a crucial role in bringing about the change and transformation I described earlier.
One significant experience was when we had the opportunity to participate in the traditional process of making an imu in Pahala, the small town we were staying in. Learning the traditional ways of preparing food and witnessing the communal effort involved was truly eye-opening. Seeing how a single imu could feed so many people highlighted the importance of sustainable practices and the power of collective action. This experience deepened my appreciation for traditional knowledge and the interconnectedness between food, culture, and community.
Another impactful encounter was with an older farmer named Uncle Wayne. He shared his experiences in farming and expressed his admiration for the young volunteers who cared about the world. His inspiring words resonated deeply with me, reinforcing the belief that every individual, regardless of age, can contribute to positive change. Uncle Wayne’s wisdom and perspective encouraged me to continue my journey of service and reminded me of the significance of intergenerational connections.
By engaging in hands-on work, such as clearing weeds from cultural grounds, provided a tangible way to contribute to the community. The appreciation expressed by the local community for our efforts was truly humbling. Interacting with the families who owned and operated the farms was immensely rewarding. I also loved working on different farmer’s markets because we were able to help with pulling vegetables and then creating a marketing plan for how they could best sell their crops. Their gratitude and recognition of the impact we made in just a few hours of work served as a powerful reminder of the value of our collective efforts and the importance of forging meaningful connections.
Overall, these experiences, from the immersive cultural activities to the conversations with Uncle Wayne and the appreciation from the local community, all contributed to a profound shift in my perspective. They highlighted the interconnectedness of people, culture, the environment, and a larger sense of purpose, empathy, and gratitude.
- Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.
The change and transformation I experienced through my STEP Signature Project hold significant value for my life, particularly in relation to my future goals in global health. With my major in Economics, I have grown to learn that social and economic factors are intricately linked to health outcomes. The immersive experience of working with the community in Waipi’o Valley and witnessing the impact of socioeconomic disparities on health has reinforced my understanding of these issues.
Understanding the local context and engaging with the Kona community members has provided me with a firsthand perspective on the challenges they face in accessing healthcare and the social determinants that influence their well-being. This knowledge will be invaluable as I pursue a career in global health, as it will enable me to develop comprehensive and sustainable interventions that address not only medical needs but also the underlying economic and social factors affecting health.
The change and transformation I experienced through my STEP Signature Project have provided me with a deeper understanding of the socio-economic factors influencing health, the importance of participatory approaches in global health initiatives, and the significance of community empowerment. Recognizing the expertise and agency of local communities is essential for the success and sustainability of health interventions, and this mindset will guide my future work in fostering partnerships and empowering communities to take ownership of their healthcare solutions. In summation, what I experienced in my project helped me understand how things are always connected and gave me ideas for how to make healthcare more equitable for everyone.