My expectations for the ASB Solar Spring Break trip were undoubtedly exceeded. Prior to the trip, I knew the physical impact we would have on the world. Installing solar panels creates a carbon offset while also saving the household money on their bills. It wasn’t until I was there in Atascadero, CA face to face with the family that I truly understood the degree of our work; we were changing the entire future of a family. The savings from these solar panels would allow their eldest son to go to college, the mother would have more time to spend with her 3 year old son possibly guiding him away from gangs that are a large force in the community.
The area we were in grows approximately 85% of the world’s salad greens so the majority of population is migrant workers from Mexico. With the recent political agenda, these families are in fear of being sent away from their loved ones further developing my opinions on immigration and citizenship in the USA. I won’t get political, but just in general the ASB experience opens one’s eyes to nationwide issues by seeing those affected first hand.
The entire experience would not have been the same without the people that were involved. GRID Alternatives, the non-profit we partnered with, really emphasized that trickle effect of how the 31 solar panels are more than just a discount on a bill at the end of the month. Their passion and love for the work at GRID was truly inspiring and has encouraged me to work for a similar organization upon graduation. They were also uplifting about each one of our futures and encouraged us to pursue our passions no matter what. In college with classes and stress and obligations we lose sight of that. The weeklong ASB trip enabled me to step back and find that passion once again. The team members, leader, and advisor were also vital to the trips success. Each person contributed wonderful ideas and conversation that fully enhanced the experience for everyone. Jackson hosted such great reflections that we were all intrigued and excited about. We all came from different majors, cities, backgrounds, but clicked so well together that it made the ASB trip all that more enjoyable.
One of my favorite days in California was when we volunteered with an organization, One Earth. Their mission is to start gardens as schools to educate students on ecology, while also giving them the responsibility of the nurseries success. Here we potted plants and moved mulch but hearing Eddie, the One Earth volunteer, speak about the plants and the students was eye opening. His words emphasized the connection between the Earth and communities, which brought the entire trip in full circle for me. We have a responsibility, and obligation to the environment around education and us in the first step.
To anyone interested in applying for the trip, DO IT. The experience changed my life in more ways than one and I’m sure the other teams member would concur. There’s no explaining it, but going back to school I felt more motivated, kind, appreciative, and experienced on a worldly scale. Thank you to ASB and SSB for this incredible week!