A Labor of Love

Today, our Student Service Program helped out at a community garden run by a woman named Gloria. We got into some pretty difficult labor: painting tables, pulling weeds around the perimeter of the garden, shoveling dirt, and laying mulch out. Subsequently, our group joined together to plant succulents in the tire fence at the main entrance; the outcome was a beautiful entrance to the community garden. Lastly, we lined and moved large plant troughs for gardening and tables for preparing plants. I think my entire group would agree that it was tough labor, but it was definitely worth it. Gloria was so appreciative of everything we were able to accomplish, and it was so eye-opening to learn what our group could do in just a day that could change someone’s life. While 70-years-young Gloria was the most amiable, energetic, and determined person I’ve ever met, she wouldn’t have been able to do all this alone. The complete joy and appreciation she expressed throughout and at the end of the day really drove home the idea that when you give you also receive. Although it may be a new, difficult, or uncomfortable situation at first, doing something beneficial for the community or for even a single person has far-reaching influence. For me, this service project made me feel proud and confident in both myself and my group as a whole in knowing that we were able to make Gloria so happy and bring as useful a tool as gardening to this community.

-Sophie Wagner