Last year
As a freshman last year, I had the opportunity to go to Asheville, North Carolina to focus on health and wellness. In the week that I was there, I created strong strong friendships with my fellow bears and I also created lasting connections with the citizens of Asheville. And while each act of service had either a direct or indirect impact on the community, the particular service opportunity that was impactful to many on the trip was the Haywood Street Congregation.
Haywood Street
Every Sunday and Wednesday, Haywood Street would serve congregate meals to individuals in the community. This family style meal allowed for interaction between the volunteers and those being served, promoting a healthy community atmosphere.
While on our trip, we had the opportunity of volunteering and serving meals to those at our table. Every interaction that we had, whether it was with a volunteer or someone sitting at the table, granted us the unique opportunity to be a part of the community and see firsthand the importance of community service.
This year
This year, I am going back to Asheville, but this time as a trip leader. I want this trip to be for others what it was for me – impactful. I hope that during this trip, others will experience what my trip did at Haywood Street, and experience firsthand the importance service plays within a community.