By Katherine Anderer-DiMichele, Student at Cleveland State University
Mahatma Ghandi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” In December, my fellow classmantes and I traveled from Cleveland State University in Ohio, to serve for a week in South Los Angeles with SSP.
We worked with the Vermont Square Community Garden, where we tore down an existing shade structure and then rebuilt a bigger, more functional gathering area. The Garden is a cornerstone to the members of the community. We were lucky enough to meet and listen to Tamiko Nakamura, the garden’s president, as well as taste test some products of the garden; my favorite was the raw sugar cane.
Our visit to Homeboy Industries and our tour of LA gave us a glimpse in the city’s diversity and dynamics. After our work days we enjoyed making meals and playing games with the SSP staff. I enjoyed working in the garden and learning about South LA, and I will never forget my experience through Sierra Service Project.
Editor’s Note: Alternative Breaks can be scheduled at your group’s request. Weekends of Service are also being hosted in the coming months in Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, and Los Angeles.