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.

1. For my STEP Signature Project, I went on a Buck-I-SERV trip to Charleston, South Carolina. During this trip, we worked as volunteers at the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Hospital, working 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.

2. Prior to this trip, I had never worked with the veteran population. With no military connections in my family, I had originally thought the veteran population to be struck by grief and sorrow. However, I was continually surprised with one of the most joyful communities I have ever met. With seemingly unending enthusiasm, the veterans were always grateful for each gift and every conversation. Their genuine display of kindness and merriment dispelled my prior notions of their way of life. Returning from Charleston, I now recognize the importance of any upstanding, service-oriented citizen to remain open-minded and reflect on the alternative viewpoints and identities of others.

3. During my STEP-funded Buck-I-SERV trip to the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Hospital, there were several key events, interactions, and activities that contributed to my overall personal transformation. For instance, one of the most significant experiences was even just the daily routine of visiting and building relationships with the patients. Initially, I noticed myself feeling apprehensive about interacting with veterans, as I had assumed that they would be laden with sorrow. However, as I began to engage with them, I was struck aback by their profound resilience and joy. Their stories were not just about the hardships of their service, but also about hope, perseverance, and the deep importance of community. The many interactions I had in the VA in Charleston taught me that there is a profound strength in positivity and gratitude, even in the face of adversity.

One other transformative aspect of my experience was the responsibility of transporting patients to and from their appointments within the hospital. As I would discover, this task required not only physical effort but also empathy and patience. I viewed each journey within the halls of the hospital as an opportunity to connect with the veterans on a personal level, and as a result, I heard many of their stories, laughed alongside them, and directly witnessed their unwavering spirit. These brief moments of connection were incredibly humbling and highlighted to me the importance of shared compassion and human connection.

Through this experience, I was also able to obtain a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes efforts required to support such a large hospital complex. From assisting with administrative tasks, to restocking supplies, to other seemingly mundane chores, I was able to recognize how each position and every individual was crucial in ensuring the continued smooth operation of the hospital and the well-being of the patients. Moreover, this experience displayed to me the large value of teamwork and the importance of every role in a larger system. Furthermore, it also emphasized that service is not always about direct interaction and directly helping others, but also about contributing to the infrastructure that supports those in need.

I truly believe that the culmination of these experiences fundamentally changed my perspective on the veteran community and service as a whole. The genuine kindness and appreciation that the veterans showed us challenged my prior assumptions of their way of life and taught me to approach every individual with an open mind and heart. This trip reinforced to me that the true idea of service is to understand and value the diverse experiences and identities of others. The relationships I built and the lessons I learned while in Charleston not only transformed my views of the veteran community, but also instilled in me a lifelong commitment to empathy, service, and open-mindedness.

4. I believe that this experience on my Buck-I-Serv trip has been incredibly significant for my life, particularly as I am pursuing my goal of becoming a doctor. Volunteering at the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Hospital allowed me to develop a deeper understanding of empathy, compassion, and the importance of human connection—qualities that are essential for a successful career in medicine. By interacting with veterans, I learned to appreciate the diverse experiences and resilience of individuals, which has greatly adjusted my perspective on patient care. I believe that this experience truly highlighted the importance of treating patients with dignity and kindness, regardless of their background or circumstances.

As a volunteer of Focus Hope the team I went with I served Detroit citizens with a food bank, early childhood education program, initiatives for adult education, and more. Service projects typically consist of preparing, packaging, and delivering food throughout Detroit. I took care of infant kids, I helped them by sleeping with the kids, giving them food, and playing with them.

My view on the world has shifted/transformed after being involved in this project. I was able to help people, I realized how a small act of kindness can make a huge difference in people’s lives. It wasn’t too much work to pack the food and deliver it to the senior’s houses, but knowing how big of a difference it makes in their lives and seeing the reaction on their face was worth all the time and energy I spent. I also learned how to take care of infants and learned how pure and sweet kids are.

There were students from different backgrounds, cultures, and different grade levels. I was able to learn from other people’s cultures and also learned to accept our differences and live together. At night, we had a reflection activity where we reflected on how the day went and “our high and low” of the day. Also, we write a positive note to each other every night, so basically we build and cheer each other up. These activities have helped me to realize how saying something positive can make someone’s day, which I will be applying to my daily life from now on.

I also learned that true happiness comes from making others happy. Packing and delivering food might not take a lot of time but it made my soul happy. Also spending time with the kids was so much fun, they are such pure souls. I remember a moment when one kid got a stomach ache. She was crying the whole time and wasn’t able to sleep when all the other kids were asleep. And then I asked them if I could try to get her to sleep. Then I took her into my arms, then I started to walk in the hallway while patting her head. Then she slept, this situation made me realize I want to be a pediatrician and help kids heal from the pain. It was so hard seeing kids in pain as they could express how they felt.

I was also able to see some interesting places in Michigan like “Coney Island”. I used to think Michigan was not as interesting as it is. The city is beautiful and also I was able to see Canada from far away, so I will take my friends with me next time and visit it even more. I will also be involved in more Buck-I serve trips.

This project has given me the lessons that will help me succeed in my life. I learned how vital kindness is in the world we live in. In my life, I will make sure to lend my hand for help because the goal is so satisfying. The other thing this project made me realize is how I enjoy spending time with kids so it made me consider pursuing a career related to kids like a pediatrician.  

1. For my STEP project I did a service learning at Diorite Michigan. There were two main activities I have done during my project. One was children learning. In this activity I had the chance to pick the age group of kids and work with them. The activity was similar to a daycare, so I was basically helping the teacher in that daycare with the kids. I had to help the kids to go to sleep and service their food. The other activity was a food bank for seniors. I have packed food from a non profit organization called “ Focus hope” which is the one responsible for packing and delivering the food to the seniors. After packing the food, my group and I delivered the food to each senior’s house.

2. I believe my assumptions and understanding has changed a lot. That fact that I can make a change in this world. One might think that delivering those packages of food might not make a huge difference, but actually it does, that one package of food will help and support the family for a month. This means they don’t have to worry about food expenses. Rather they can use their money on their other expenses. Talking about the other project, being able to spend time with kids at the age of 1 is such an adorable thing to do.

3. So events that led me to change could be when delivery packages, the reaction of the seniors, when going up to their apartments and leaving the food outside their doors. And some of them will be waiting outside and when getting there their reaction and smiles means a lot. And we were able to have a little bit of chat with them and leave, which gives us a little bit of time to get to know them.

Another interaction with the kids also changed my view. Those kids were very friendly, it took them one day to get used to us. The next day I went there, they were running towards me playing and bonding pretty well. All they needed was their good nap and their food. It shows me their pure heart and kindness, the fact that getting along with a stranger they just met and playing with them shows how they are so sweet and I feel like they made me the happiest person of my time there.

In General, spending time with older people and kids taught me a lot. It helped me to understand the fact that I was not the only one helping them, rather I was getting a huge help from them. Seeing their kindness, their true personality. Truly makes me think that there are many good people out there and wanna be around those people.

4. This is valuable in my life because it will help me to accomplish more things in the future. It will show me what to improve and what to expect. Plus knowing this will also prepare me in the future on how to become the best version of myself. Not only that but also since it’s related to my professional goal as a health professional this is how I am going to learn on how to help others. Because helping others is not only in the medical field rather being a shoulder for others in any aspect of life.

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.

For my STEP signature project, I chose to do an international Buck-I-Serv trip. During this trip, I was a part of a team that built a family a new, safe, and stable home in Santa Maria, Guatemala. This was possible with the help of Consrtu Cassa, local masons, the family receiving the new home, and other Buck-I-Serv participants that were able to go on this trip due to the support of STEP!

2. 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.

Completing my STEP Signature Project through Ohio State University was a transformative experience that certainly impacted my understanding of myself and the world around me. Through my service trip to Guatemala, where I participated in building a stable house for a family in need, I gained a newfound appreciation for the power of collective action and the impact of thoughtful service on communities. Witnessing the tangible difference we made in the lives of this family, along with their help, provided me a sense of fulfillment and purpose that reshaped my perspective on my own capabilities and responsibilities as a global citizen.

Immersing myself in the vibrant culture of Antigua, Guatemala, allowed me to broaden my horizons and challenge my preconceived notions. Before getting to Guatemala I was very scared that something might go wrong, whether it be an insect bite or safety in the cities, I was concerned prior to departure. I quickly learned after engaging with locals and experiencing pieces of their culture and community fostered an understanding of the beauty in diversity but also the deeply rooted similarities across cultures such as music, art, dance, community engagement and fulfillment reinforcing the interconnectedness of humanity despite cultural differences. I was immediately relieved by the kindness of everyone I met along the way in Guatemala and their genuine desire to make you feel welcome. The friendships I formed during this journey further enriched my experience, showing me the universality of human connection and the importance of building bridges across cultures. Overall, my STEP Signature Project not only deepened my commitment to service and social justice but also instilled in me a greater sense of humility, gratitude, and curiosity about the world.

3. 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.

One of the most meaningful experiences of the trip was getting to know one of the younger members of the Constru Casa team on this trip. She was 19 years old and interested in learning more English. I wanted to learn more Spanish so we worked together to help each other learn more about each other’s languages and as a result, cultures. Connecting with someone in this way was one of the most unique and special connections I have ever made and it was only during the span of one week. This experience taught me that putting in the effort to talk to people who are different from you can result in a transformational relationship. It also taught me to not shy away from having real conversations with people you do not know because that is the only time connections and mutual learning really happens.

I also learned through this trip how important it is to give in a way that benefits those you are wanting to serve. Sometimes when we are serving we forget that the experience, although collaborative, is not really about what we want to gain from the community but instead gaining through avenues that are most beneficial to the community we are working with. We spoke about this with the other Buck-I-Serv participants that wanted to talk more with the family we were building the house for. They did not speak much English and were often times speaking with the local masons or busy with other things. They may also not have felt overly comfortable with us, not for a lack of effort but just due to the circumstances. We were still able to communicate and work together and at the end of the day we helped to provide them a new home and that is invaluable. Although we may not have connected with them in the ways some of our participants may have liked we have still made a huge impact and in the way that was most beneficial to the family. They needed a new home, they did not need to have the burden of trying to explain their lives and perspectives with a group of strangers who live much more momentarily privileged lives.

Another thing that I learned during this service trip was that money, although a very important and large part of quality of life in the systems humanity has created, it is not the only part. This is a pretty simple sentiment that most people living relatively privileged lives such as myself understand on a surface level, but we often times believe that we have more to give and have a better quality of life. What I saw in Guatemala truly proved to me that this is not always or even often the case. The sense of community and familial relationships in the places we were serving in was truly beautiful and something you would not find in the suburbs of America. Social connection is one of the most critical parts of human life and I saw this flourishing in the cities of Guatemala. I am beyond grateful for my ability to have easily accessible drinking water and healthy food and shelter, but I didn’t know how much sense of family and community love I have been missing out on. I want to try and bring back that beauty and create more community here in Columbus and everywhere I go.

4. 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 transformation I experienced during my service trip to Guatemala holds immense significance for my future aspirations in public policy, social work, or community building fields. My newfound understanding of the power of genuine human connection and cultural exchange directly relates to my passions for community development and social change that I hope to embody in my career. Through building connections with individuals from diverse backgrounds, I have learned the importance of empathy, effective communication, and cross-cultural understanding in creating positive and sustainable impact within communities.
On a personal level, this experience has deeply resonated with my desire to cultivate stronger relationships with my friends and loved ones. I now recognize the importance of prioritizing human connection and shared experiences over things like work and school. In order to foster a sense of belonging and mutual support within my personal circles and beyond I intend to try my best to learn how to best communicate with others. I think it is also important to view relationships as an act of service that goes both ways, emphasizing that it is supposed to be rooted in selfless action and love. This intention to create spaces of warmth, understanding, and appreciation is important to me in both my personal and professional lives. By integrating my broader commitment to community building and social justice into both my personal and professional life, I believe I can create a more holistic approach to well-being and fulfillment, where individual growth and collective flourishing are supported and celebrated.

1. For my STEP project I traveled to Colonia Valdense, Uruguay with a BUCK-I-Serv team for a week long service learning experience. Our team partnered with local, family-owned, organic, agricultural operations who practice regenerative agriculture. We had two main goals: one learning goal and one service goal. We learned about a sustainable and regenerative way to life and agriculture, especially in the context of a different society. We served by aiding our community partners with whatever functions they needed, such as helping build a home, harvesting squash, preparing onions, cracking and processing walnuts, creating signs, and so much more. 
2. My STEP project expanded my view of the world in several ways. One, I left the United States for the first time in my life. In this I got to observe and experience different cultures and languages from my own. This fresh language and cultural experience showed me how much more there is to learn about and experience in the world, especially since I only encountered a very small portion of what is out there. Two, I learned that life in Colonia Valdense is much simpler than here in the States. Three, I learned that the “hurry” mindset is so present in the U.S. and that other cultures have practices in place to resist the temptation to hurry in life and “work work work work” as a human doing rather than living as a human being. 
3. We learned the simpler lifestyle from the families we interacted with. Each family who ran a sustainable farming operation showed so much gratitude for what they have and they taught us that sustainability really begins and ends with taking as few resources from the earth as possible. In order to achieve this you must value things in life that really matter most, such as family, friendship, peace, and living in the present moment. I noticed a lot of the families we partnered with just simply live joyfully with less material items. The heart of sustainability isn’t anything fancy but rather a mindset and lifestyle shift. I remember the first family we served by aiding in construction of their house. They were building their home from sustainable materials like bamboo, straw, mud, and recycled materials. What we observed in their home was firstly the much smaller size compared to American homes, and secondly the self construction of their space. These two things work in tandem to create a more sustainable home. The transformation from a human-doing to a human-being came from the specific practices in Uruguay. Everyone practices a siesta (or three hour rest from work after lunch to enjoy the fruits of your labor and have quality time with family) everyday. This practice shifted the mindsets of the families we worked with from focus on accomplishing to finding joy and satisfaction with what you already have and what you’ve already achieved. A three hour rest each day built in space to breathe and know that each day is a gift worth enjoying. This transformational practice wasn’t only observed but we integrated it into our serving schedules as well for a fully cultural immersive experience. Another transformational activity of visiting the Caliu Earthship Restaurant and Hotel in Colonia Del Sacramento, gave us a different perspective on how modern construction and cooking can meet sustainable and traditional methods to create a more ecological friendly world. Earthship, the type of architecture, uses mud, recycled materials (like tires), clay, and modern engineering like solar panels and rainwater collection ducts for a completely off grid and renewable resource-reliant living space. This transformative experience revealed the endless possibilities of environmentally friendly architecture and gives hope for the future of sustainable living.
4. This transformation is valuable in my life because I believe we are stewards of the planet Earth. Meaning it’s our job as humans to care for and protect the planet. This begins with a cultural change as the American culture of consumerism isn’t sustainable or good stewardship of the earth. Rather than creating an artificial relationship with the Earth for our convenience, we should foster an authentic, more natural relationship with the land. Relying on a simpler, slower lifestyle that values what you have rather than working for what you don’t have combined with using a natural method to achieve what you need will lead to a healthier, happier planet for all people. Being a good steward of the Earth is not an easy feat but most definitely possible, as I witnessed while serving with BUCK-I-Serv in Uruguay.