- My STEP project was used to fund my Buck-I-SERV trip to Guatemala through the Constru Casa service program. This trip focused on providing houses to families in Guatemala who were experiencing housing insecurity. Through collaboration with local masons, we were able to erect a new, permanent home for the local family in just under a week.
- My view of the world was challenged immensely on this trip. I have participated in several service-learning trips through Buck I SERV, and this one had perhaps the most staggering cultural shock that I have experienced. I was not aware of the sheer difference present in the culture, values, and history of Latin America compared to my current understanding of the United States. Perhaps the most unexpected was the devout Roman Catholic population in Guatemala, and their weekly tradition of Sunday Catholic masses. We observed what appeared to be almost the entire town gather for an entire day of celebration and worship–something absent in my local understanding of organized religion. It is inspiring to see large groups of individuals so dedicated and focused on their faith. I even had the chance to visit a local church and saw the amazing condition of the inner sanctum. All in all, this experience sticks out in my mind.
- We engaged in a number of activities that made this experience special. First, we performed service nearly every day of the trip that allowed me to learn how to mix concrete, speak poor, small amounts of Spanish, and interact on a small level with the family we were serving. We did primarily manual labor, but the experience was gratifying because we had a goal and purpose to our work. We also did a number of cultural immersion activities, like chocolate making class, a hike in which we ascended a volcano, a salsa dancing class, and eating at local diners and restaurants. As a group, we bonded in our long car rides, nightly dinners at our homestay in Antigua, and in the hours after dinner during our free time. I met some truly awesome people, and make great connections in just a weeks time with total strangers. Buck I SERV is truly unique in its ability to create strong connections in a short time with students that have never met each other before.
- One of the things I value most is perspective. In our daily lives, we repeat routines and cycles that can create an echo chamber of values that can be harmful. Especially in a culture as divided as ours, we can sometimes find ourselves sticking to views or opinions we have because we don’t seek out experiences or narratives that challenge our preconceived notions. To push oneself to have these experiences should be a lifelong habit. If you are not growing, you’re regressing. On this trip, my ideas of international economics, interpersonal relationships, and aftershocks of colonialism were all challenged and developed. Without this experience, I would lack the cultural competency necessary to be a future public servant. If I do not understand someone’s background, values, and beliefs, how am I meant to understand their attitudes and perceptions towards their life, daily routine, and decisions made regarding their finances, health, and interpersonal network. This experience was invaluable, and I am grateful for the opportunity provided to me via the STEP fellowship
