I can’t believe we are just hours away from departure! I am looking forward to this amazing experience. For our Global Service Learning Program, my group and I are traveling to Puerto Rico to work with All People Be Happy and Caras Con Causa in the Environmental Lab School (LabCom) to create a lasting impact through community-based environmental education and sustainability efforts. During class, we have learned about the importance of Global Service Learning, and I’m eager to apply this knowledge in the field. Our scope of work involves supporting Caras Con Causa’s efforts in promoting LabCom, an environmental education program that combines hands-on learning with community involvement.

All People Be Happy and Caras Con Causa

We have been working with our partners All People Be Happy, whose mission is to inspire and improve the lives of individuals and communities through global learning experiences and sustainable development projects. It merges the work of Amizade and the All People Be Happy Foundation to create impactful educational programs in over 25 countries. It emphasizes fair trade learning, ensuring that both volunteers and community partners engage in reciprocal, transparent, and mutually beneficial relationships. They are our middle man in communication with our client.

Caras Con Causa was founded by Michael Fernandez in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 2004. Caras Con Causa’s mission is to “eradicate poverty through community-driven development.” We will meet with Michael this week to discuss his vision, the organization’s growth, and Pitt’s contribution to their efforts. Based in San Juan, Caras Con Causa focuses on educational programs, sustainable environmental practices, and economic opportunities, particularly in the areas of Cataño and Guaynabo. This is where we will be mainly during our time in Puerto Rico. Our group is focusing on LabCom, an environmental laboratory and educational program run by Caras Con Causa. What struck me most about Caras Con Causa is their deep commitment to community-based solutions. They prioritize empowering the local population through education and sustainable practices rather than just providing short-term aid. This is especially important given the environmental issues in Puerto Rico.

We’ve had two Zoom calls with a representative from All People Be Happy, where we’ve learned more about their mission and how we can support their efforts on the ground. It’s been great maintaining a consistent relationship with the organizations we’re working with. We discussed the importance of fair trade learning, emphasizing mutual respect and transparency between volunteers and community partners. One key detail that stood out to me was the shift toward regular, transparent conversations with partners, acknowledging the value of their long-term community work and fostering a two-way, collaborative relationship. We also got an introduction to our community partners, Caras Con Causa. We had the opportunity to meet with Adriana S. Ayala Gonzalez, our key point of contact from Caras Con Causa, who we will be working with closely. We asked questions about the community lab and the future of LabCom. I also learned a bit about Puerto Rico’s legal background as a rich territory. Adriana mentioned that she wanted to see our group communicating effectively and showing respect for each other, as well as for Puerto Rico. These calls have made me feel more connected to the cause and confident that we are all on the same page as we move forward. Caras Con Causa’s work is essential in fostering long-term, positive change within Puerto Rican communities, and I am excited to contribute to their mission through our service learning project.

Team Goals and Our Mission

Through our work, we will continue the legacy of past Pitt cohorts by assisting in the advertisement and promotion of LabCom’s environmental programs, which focus on creating a sustainable future for the local community. As a team, our primary goal is to promote LabCom’s environmental programs and ensuring they attract participants from around the globe. As we prepare to gather promotional materials, including videos, photos, and interviews, we aim to showcase LabCom’s mission and expand its reach to universities and institutions around the world. We hope to attract future participants for this immersive environmental experience while ensuring that the program remains sustainable and beneficial for the community. Our work also involves learning by taking action, gathering first-hand insights about the program and community through direct volunteering and our immersion into Puerto Rican culture. We will interact with local students, teachers, and community members to understand their experiences and how our contributions can support the organization’s growth. Our goal is to help expand LabCom’s reach to universities and institutions around the world, attracting future participants and ensuring the sustainability of the program.

In terms of cultural norms, one challenge I anticipate is adjusting to Puerto Rico’s more relaxed pace of life, which is often referred to as “island time.” In the U.S., we are accustomed to strict schedules and punctuality, but in Puerto Rico, the pace is more flexible, and deadlines may not always be as rigid. Puerto Ricans are also more emotional than we might be used to. We were told that they might cry when receiving help out of gratitude. However, I see this as an opportunity to practice patience, adaptability, and respect for local customs. I honestly don’t think these differences will be much of a struggle while doing our business. It will be nice to relax a bit! I am excited to engage with community members as we do our work with the client.

Notable Class Readings and Discussions

One class reading that stood out to me was “Comparing the Effects of Community Service and Service Learning” by Lori J. Vogelgesang and Alexander W. Astin, both affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles. This reading explores the comparative effects of community service and service learning on college students, focusing on how these activities impact their skills, engagement, and future commitment to community involvement. It highlights that service learning, paired with academic coursework, offers greater developmental benefits than simple community service, such as improved leadership abilities and a stronger commitment to activism. The study uses data from a range of college students to analyze how these forms of service engagement influence both personal and academic growth. I found this particularly interesting because, in high school, I volunteered but often felt disconnected from the learning aspect; it felt more like a task I had to complete rather than an opportunity to truly learn. Now, I’m excited to experience hands-on service learning, and I hadn’t realized the significant difference between volunteering and engaging in service learning.

Final Thoughts

I expect to gain a greater appreciation for our clients after this trip. I look forward to seeing the community and lab in person, and to the challenges and learning that come with stepping outside my comfort zone. I know that this experience will not only help me grow academically and professionally but will also deepen my understanding of global service and sustainability. I’m excited to see what comes out of this trip!