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Students making a difference through service

This post was written by Gerald Montuya, a senior majoring in mechanical engineering with a minor in Spanish. Gerald is the president of the Students Offering Leadership Development (SOLD) student organization.

Over the week of spring break in March 2020, nine 51�������� students traveled to the small community of Middletown, California to aid in wildfire disaster relief. This trip was organized through the Student Leadership and Involvement office’s (ASB) program and led this year by SOM’s Students Offering Leadership Development (SOLD) student organization. As a team, we were tasked to help rebuild the home of Bernie and Darcy, which had been lost in the 2015 Valley Fire. We learned that the entirety of Lake County, where Middletown is located, was totally evacuated in the past five years. Because of the ASB program, we were able to help a wonderful community and have an incredible, life-changing experience over the course of our spring break.

On the first workday, we were introduced to carpentry skills unique to all of us. The team at Hope City, our partner organization, taught us how to tape, mud, and sand drywall. We had a lot of practice, as this remained our daily task for the whole week. The tedious labor and strain of sanding in awkward positions brought the team together. During breaks, the work site would often erupt in country music and dance. The work we completed taught us incredibly valuable lessons. One of them is to have fun with what you’re doing. Another, to do the task well the first time, so you’re not pained the second time.

During the week, we were able to connect with those impacted by the fires. We listened intently to their stories of heartbreak and resolve. Despite mudding and sanding not making a large visual impact on the home, we understood the work was important. What was equally, if not more, important was showing the community of Middletown that people still care, even years after the incident. This experience has strengthened our commitment to service. Returning to 51��������, we look forward to applying the lessons we learned to better serve those within our own community.

After our week of growth and learning, each member had a chance to reflect on the work that was done and how the service had directly impacted the team members. A few of their responses are included below:

Mina Carroll – first year, foreign languages (Japanese)
“I learned how fun service work could be. I had so much more fun than I would on a regular 'spring break' vacation. Although we had to work, it was relaxing and a nice break from what I usually do in school. The end was rewarding, but the process going through it was rewarding, as well. When you have a good team, people who care and share the same goals and values as you, you get work done well and in a fun way! I was thinking the next time I travel abroad or to a different state or even just to the beach, I can find some volunteer work to do. I can help a local community somehow or pick up trash safely. It helped me realize that being 'guests' of this world is not as satisfying as being 'of service' to the world. We have opportunities to help people wherever we go, even when we are just on vacation, a place where we think we are entitled to luxury. I think by acting with this mindset, I can more effectively change into a better person and change the world. The lessons I learned here are going to be used for my whole life.”

Heather Jensen – junior, sports and recreation business
“It wasn't until the last day where we heard everyone's stories that I truly understood the impact we had made. Even though we were just sanding and mudding, that meant the world to them and they can now start on another part of the house. I realized that our volunteer work means so much to the community. I want to continue volunteering and doing service projects in my own and other communities.”

Parker Stone – junior, biology
“This trip reinforced the impact that just five days can have on people who have already been serving and giving everything they had for years. It also reminded me that no matter where you look, you will find people who could use a helping hand. Middletown is about as out of the way as you could get in California, but their cause is just as valid as any of the more well-known disaster areas or areas in need of service.”