1. I participated in a GIVE trip to the Pacific Northwest for my STEP Signature Project. On this trip, my group volunteered on environmental restoration projects, hiked through the Cascade Mountain range, swam in the Snoqualmie River, and whale-watched in the Salish Sea.
2. Completing environmental restoration projects on my GIVE trip profoundly changed my views of the world. Through this project, I gained a deeper appreciation for the land we live on and its rich history, with an emphasis on recognizing the significance of preserving natural habitats. Several of my volunteer projects allowed me to learn about the heritage and contributions of native peoples, particularly the Snoqualmie Tribe located in the Cascade Mountain range. This experience showed the importance of respecting and honoring their enduring connection to the land which has furthered my understanding of environmental stewardship and sustainability.
3. During my STEP signature project, several activities and volunteer projects contributed to my transformation and deepened my understanding of environmental stewardship, sustainability, and cultural heritage. On the first day, our group worked alongside an environmental specialist collaborating with the Snoqualmie Tribe in their efforts to restore the 69 acres that have been returned to them. We focused on removing invasive blackberry plants that have taken over parts of the land. These experiences showed me the importance of restoring the land to its original state before colonization and emphasizing the tribe’s enduring connection to the land and the significance of preserving it. On the second day, our group did a similar project at Ox-Bow Farms, removing invasive iris. This task highlighted the persistence that is required when it comes to conservation projects. This project also taught me about the ongoing battle of invasive species and how we need to maintain an ecological balance. This large farming community’s commitment to sustainable farming practices inspired me to think about the broader impact of my daily routine on the environment.
The third day of volunteer work was dedicated to conservation work on one of the many wildlife corridors in the Pacific Northwest. These corridors are crucial for protecting wildlife from being hit by fast-moving cars traveling on the highway. Participating in this project opened my eyes up to a different side of conservation work. These large bridge structures, although expensive and labor-intensive to build are critical in preserving the biodiversity of this land. Working here was a reminder of how human infrastructure has had a large impact on wildlife and the importance of creating ways to reduce this impact. On the last volunteer day of this trip, I worked planting, harvesting, and weeding at Aash Farm, a no-till farm where the owner employs techniques that build the soil rather than deplete it. This innovative approach to agriculture allows plants to grow faster and more abundant than modern methods that often harm the land. This farm also had a commitment to donating part of their harvest to people in need demonstrating that farms can both be sustainable and community-oriented. Personally, this was my favorite project we worked on because I not only liked the gardening and harvesting aspect of it, but it also taught me the idea that places are able to feed their communities without sacrificing the health and wellness of these important ecosystems we call home.
These experiences, coupled with the interactions with many different experts of various fields and the other volunteers changed my views on environmental sustainability and how essential it is for our world. The hands-on work at all four of these sites along with sharing ideas, thoughts, and stories with whom I spent the week increased my awareness and respect for the environment and the people who have cared for it longer than this country has been around. Not only was this project an educational experience, but also a personal journey in which I was able to reshape my worldview of commitment to improving the environment around me through small changes in my daily life.
4. This transformation experience is significant for my life because it directly correlates to my academic and personal goals. Academically, it has enhanced my knowledge of environmental sciences and sustainable practices, inspiring me to potentially take courses and research in these fields. On a personal level, it has instilled a stronger responsibility toward helping the world and becoming more sustainable as an individual. This trip inspired me to improve my daily practices and become more intentional. I now make a conscious effort to pick up trash on walks, hikes, and at my local beach which helps to make these areas clean. Making efforts to take public transportation to reduce my carbon footprint has also been something I want to try to do. Lastly, I am currently trying to share my GIVE trip experiences with others to try and spread awareness about sustainability in hopes that those around me will choose to join me in making a positive difference in our world.
