When our Class of 2026 Student Service Program members touched down in Asheville on June 2, it marked not just the start of a five-day journey, but the continuation of our year-round collective mission: To ignite servant leadership through immersive community engagement. As I reflect on the trip, especially through the blogs written by our students, I’m inspired by lessons woven with compassion, resilience, and personal growth.
Empowering Through Service: My Reflections on Asheville
Days 1 & 2: Beginning with Purpose
From the moment our students arrived, they practiced flexibility, as we learned the rental cars we reserved (months in advance) were not available, and we all had to pivot our plans. When that was resolved, and we were settled at the beautiful Aloft – Downtown Asheville (Thank you, McKibbon Hospitality!), the students walked through downtown Asheville to dinner at PIE‑ZAA, where we saw the students embrace unfamiliarity with open hearts. They even identified a place they wanted to do trivia at later in the week, which turned into a really fun night with these teens!
That very next morning, they all rolled up their sleeves to serve at three different organization. With All Hands and Hearts, the students helped rebuild homes affected by Hurricane Helene, tackling insulation, mold remediation, and drywall.
At Eliada Homes, they learned about their incredible work in the community to care for children who have experienced trauma. The students’ reflections reminded me how service often transcends physical labor. It can be about offering dignity and connection.
The same group who served with Eliada wrapped their second day at the Asheville Humane Society, crafting enrichment items, a lesson in extending empathy toward all living beings. It was eye-opening to the students to hear they “only” created treat bags that would last a day or two, but it was still important work in making those animals feel loved while experiencing uncertainty.
Day 3: Learning to Lead with Curiosity
An early start led half of the students to a local housing center and shelter, where they engaged with the mission behind each part of the tour, recognizing how living spaces foster community well‑being. They were learning by listening, and through those conversations, discovered how this organization’s services were rooted in respect. The Western Carolina Rescue Mission had thought of as many ways to extend a hand-up, rather than a hand-out.
To me, this reminded us how service isn’t just action, it’s active, empathic listening and creating responses rooted in respect and dignity.
Day 4: Building Community — Literally & Figuratively
Day four brought our students to Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, where student volunteers tackled every construction detail, from stairs and structures to doorknobs and gravel spreading. These seemingly smaller moments reinforced that every skill (big or small) can find purpose in giving back.
Later, our group bonded and recharged during a hike at DuPont State Forest, connecting through shared experiences and seeing the beauty of a community outside of their own.
Day 5: Reflection and Resolution
Their final morning was filled with intentionality: Early breakfast, meaningful exchanges, and a sense of purpose as they prepared to return to Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. There, the students also got to see employees from Deloitte serving alongside one another for their company-wide Impact Day. My hope is our students choose to work in a space where the #powerofgiving is a core value.
Overall, all of these experiences underlined our beliefs here at the Ryan Nece Foundation: Powerful service opens eyes to multifaceted needs and shows how young leaders can address them – no matter where they are, in Greater Tampa Bay or another community they may eventually call home.
My Key Takeaways from Asheville
1. Service accelerates empathy. Whether clearing mold or painting a fence, the students didn’t just help, they immersed themselves in human stories and community restoration.
2. Collaboration is the catalyst for impact. From construction zones to forest trails, results happened when students listened, experimented, and supported one another.
3. Every role matters. The students walked away knowing they made a difference, whether they packed treat bags which would only last Asheville Humane Society a day or two to taking pride in painting a fence because the children who come to live at Eliada should be met with a well upkept environment… No contribution is “too small” when it’s centered in service.
4. Leadership grows through reflection. By participating in “highs and lows” every night, writing blogs, and drafting thank you notes (sometimes even in Old English) and videos, the students connected action to impact.
All of these takeaways are why we call it a service-learning trip here at the Ryan Nece Foundation, and not just a service and/or mission trip. I believe the students takeaway just as much as they put in, and it’s always one of my favorite weeks of the entire year.
Looking Ahead
To Ms. Krystle and Ms. Donna: Thank you for co-chaperoning this trip! Your leadership, planning, pivoting, and contributions helped shape this into one of the best trips we’ve had to date.
To our donors and partners: Your belief in this work provides real-world experiences for positive lifelong transformation. Thank you will never be enough!
To our students: May the gratitude you felt this past week shape the leaders you become tomorrow. Your service-learning journeys have only just begun! I couldn’t be prouder of you for embracing discomfort, meeting challenges with humility, and discovering how leadership should start with service.
Related Blogs
Asheville Service-Learning Trip: Days 1 & 2
Asheville Service-Learning Trip: Day 3 Recap
