My STEP Signature Project was a Buck-I-SERV trip to Puerto Rico from May 6, 2023, to May 13, 2023. The trip was partnered with Community Collaborations International and, as a group, we assisted in the completion of multiple disaster relief projects. We helped to rebuild homes, spent time at a local Boys and Girls Club, and participated in environmental conservation work in the rainforest.
Prior to the completion of my STEP Signature Project, I was unaware of the limited view of the world that I held. I thought that the best way to help others was through making small impacts. Following my trip, I still believe that small acts can be very beneficial when serving communities. However, through the growth of a deeper understanding of myself, I have come to realize that I was greatly underestimating the impact that one person could make. While in Puerto Rico, my group worked alongside a disaster relief group to assist in the reconstruction of homes that were damaged in Hurricane Maria. While at the homes, we were able to form strong connections with volunteers from the relief group. Many of the volunteers did not speak much English, yet we found ways to communicate. This was truly one of the most impactful moments of the trip and I learned that different cultures and languages do not stop people from being able to work together harmoniously to produce good in the world.
Each one of the activities on my STEP Signature Project contributed to the transformation in that my small acts of service were creating a larger impact than I thought previously. I also learned that interacting with local communities is one of the best ways to expand one’s view of the world.
While working with the disaster relief organization, SBP, for two consecutive days to assist in rebuilding homes in local Puerto Rican communities, I was able to form connections with many different people. At one of the homes, my group worked with an SBP volunteer named Michael who was born in Puerto Rico. Michael did not speak much English and we, in return, did not speak much Spanish. Nevertheless, we did not allow for that one hurdle to hinder us from laughing, teaching, and learning about each other. He also shared with us the personal impact that Hurricane Maria had on him and some of the history of Puerto Rico. That day, we also got the privilege of meeting the homeowner of the house and she shared her gratitude. We left that day not only after painting the outside of a house, but also with a new view of the importance of harmony.
Outside of the house that we painted.
On another day of the trip, we got the opportunity to spend time at a local Boys and Girls Club in Puerto Rico. While there, I meet a young boy named Candall who created such a big impact on me. He ran in the building and sat next to me to show me the soccer game he was watching. From there, so many conversations were sparked, and I was able to meet many of his friends. He knew little to no English, yet we were still able to form such a strong bond. At the end of our time at the club, he took a picture of us together and then gave me a big hug. My time there melted my heart and showed me how people don’t need to speak the same language to get along and make a difference in each other’s lives.
After graduating from Ohio State, I have the intent of becoming an elementary teacher. To achieve this goal, I have centered most of my time at Ohio State focusing on my academics and seeking various opportunities that can help to develop my resume. The transformation that this project created allowed me to take a step back and witness how life is not as serious as I previously thought. After witnessing how joyful the community of Puerto Rico was while living in an economically poor area, I was able to understand the important aspects of life. Seeing beauty in those around you through civic engagement is something that I hope to employ in my academic life on campus as well as in my future. Specifically, the Boys and Girls Club demonstrated to me how great joy can be found in small acts of kindness. The children at the club did not speak or understand much English, yet we were able to have fun and it was amazing to witness the impact that we made on each other. In future situations, I will remember that people can create change even when from completely different backgrounds.
