My Trip to Appalachia

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I slowly awoke after the 18-hour van ride to Harlan County, Kentucky. I peered outside and saw the sun ferociously beating down against the earth. Eager to leave the van, which smelled of sports drinks, chips and two days’ worth of unshowered teenagers, I stepped out and my lungs immediately filled with the hot and humid summer air. We had arrived at our destination: an elementary school in Appalachia. This was the first step of a one week journey that would change my view on life. Our group spent the night preparing for our first day of work. Shortly after sunrise, we evaluated our assignment to work efficiently to meet our goal of repairing a family’s house. Pulling into the cobble-stone driveway of our family’s home, The children were playing with the chickens in the front yard, a baby clothed in just a diaper and oversized tee-shirt was held by her mother who looked much older than her years. Sitting on a torn couch at the end of the driveway, the mother greeted us with several missing teeth and a tired look. The next surprise was the family’s poor communication skills. Although they spoke English, their lack of education was obvious in their use of the language. While in Appalachia, I was able to demonstrate my leadership potential. Because I had experience working with my uncle who owns a construction company and for another general contractor in the area, I was comfortable with basic tools and was familiar with fundamental construction. Many of the others on this trip came to me for advice and guidance, which I gladly provided. Due to my experience, the group leaders would assign me individual projects around the house, such as cutting out a dead spot in the floor with a Sawzall, measuring, cutting and replacing it with a fresh piece of wood; or laying tile in the bathroom. I not only worked successfully with a group, but also independently.

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