- I used my STEP funds to join a Buck-i-Serv service learning trip to Antigua, Guatemala, known as Guatemala: Constru Casa. The primary objective of this trip was to collaborate with the nonprofit organization Constru Casa to build a house for a family living in inadequate housing. Remarkably, we were able to complete this project within a week.
- During my STEP Signature Project service learning trip, I learned a lot about myself and the world around me. Being in a different community and culture showed me how much I took for granted in my own life. I realized that many of my ideas about how other people live were wrong. Seeing how people can be strong and resourceful even when facing tough situations made me rethink what I thought I knew about poverty and development. This trip made me more humble and gave me a stronger sense of empathy and responsibility to help others. I understood that to make a real difference, it’s not enough to just know about problems—we need to get involved and listen to the people we want to support. This experience changed the way I see the world and my place in it.
- During this trip, we participated in numerous activities within the community, each contributing to an enriching and fulfilling experience. One of the most significant activities was collaborating with local masons to build a house. Working alongside them was incredibly rewarding, as it provided hands-on experience in tasks such as mixing concrete, carrying bricks, leveling, and digging a foundation.Interacting with the family for whom we were building the house, as well as with the children of the community, was profoundly impactful and transformative. These engagements significantly improved my Spanish-speaking skills, revealing that I knew more of the language than I had previously realized. The daily conversations and shared moments of laughter and learning fostered a strong connection, making the experience even more meaningful and highlighting the importance of communication and cultural exchange.
Overall, these activities and interactions created a deeply transformative experience. The blend of practical work and personal connections enriched my understanding of the community’s challenges and strengths, while also enhancing my linguistic and cultural competencies. This trip not only allowed me to contribute to the community in a tangible way but also fostered personal growth and a deeper appreciation for the power of collaboration and cultural immersion.
- This was my first international service learning trip and it was transformative because it provided me with perspective about a culture completely different from mine. Immersing myself in a new community challenged my assumptions and broadened my perspective, fostering personal growth and self-awareness. This hands-on experience with cultural diversity and global issues pushed me to adapt and learn in ways that traditional classroom settings never could. The trip also helped me develop crucial skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication