This blog post was written by Aranza Jimenez Cruz, a first year accounting major.
As we arrived at what would be our work site for the next two weeks, the reality of what needed to be done settled in. The majority of us did not have construction knowledge, so the whole volunteer experience was new. The group was faced with challenges such as concerns and anxiety about how we were going to meaningfully contribute and participate without more construction skills and experience.
As we learned about different machinery and the proper ways of completing tasks, students, teachers, and long term volunteers practiced a lot of patience and flexibility. Listening to the advice of the MDS volunteers and crew leaders on how to safely use different tools allowed us to branch out and try new activities and develop our confidence in our skills.
As we adjusted our regular daily routines to what’s expected of an MDS volunteer, getting up in the morning was a struggle. After the first few days we started to get used to it little by little. Our days started at 7 A.M. with a hot breakfast and ended around 6 P.M. after a full dinner, with an hour for lunch in between the day.
As we all tried new jobs, there were frustrating moments when tension would build up. Our professors would constantly remind us to know our limits and that it was okay to take breaks. It has taken time for us to feel comfortable working on all the different aspects of the volunteer center but our skills are developing everyday.
The progress has been nonstop, but it’s not always as evident as one might think. For example, getting in the ceilings of the building takes days as people have to measure, put borders on the walls, put up the tracks, measure and cut the tiles, and the list goes on. Exhaustion drowns our bodies after we have a long day of work and do not see our results right away.
One or two people can work on a single task almost all day, so before and after comparisons reveal the fruits of our labor. Our mental and physical health have been stretched, even with the support to take care of our bodies.
It all comes down to having patience with ourselves, patience with each other, patience with our physical and emotional limits, patience with the uncomfortable moments, and an overall patience and flexibility throughout the day.
Our MDS team
Packing lunch the last morning
Finished room
Work in progress
After our hard work
Before our hard work