Holistic Healing from Hurricane Helene: A Nashville Experience
Abstract
Our Alternative Spring Break took place in Nashville, Tennessee, where we engaged in discussions on natural disaster policy with representatives from TEMA and TNVOAD.Additionally, we had the opportunity to work with community members on an immigrant-run farm and volunteered with the Tennessee Environmental Council to plant over a dozen new trees in a flood-affected community. These experiences were further enriched by discussions on sustainability and how eco-friendly practices can be implemented both on the ETSU campus and in rural appalachia.The impact of these service experiences could not be better epitomized than the sight of Shondra–the immigrant whose farm we helped prepare for the summer’s harvest–smiling among his family. Through our work, we supported the sustainability of the farm and eased the physical burden on Shondra. Additionally, our other projects contributed to local environmental projects, which directly benefited community members by improving public spaces and fostering a stronger sense of environmental stewardship.The gravity of this trip was not comprehended until we had come to the last room of the Tennessee State Museum, which summarized the history of the early 21st century. It was then a daunting revelation fell upon all of us: we were all the authors of the next room in history. Our voice and actions would mold the stories that are told for years to come, and it was our generation’s responsibility to decide our legacy. We realized that now–amidst wreckage and fragile recovery–it was time to do the thing that goes without glory.
Start Time
16-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Time
16-4-2025 2:30 PM
Room Number
210
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Community Engaged Showcase
Holistic Healing from Hurricane Helene: A Nashville Experience
210
Our Alternative Spring Break took place in Nashville, Tennessee, where we engaged in discussions on natural disaster policy with representatives from TEMA and TNVOAD.Additionally, we had the opportunity to work with community members on an immigrant-run farm and volunteered with the Tennessee Environmental Council to plant over a dozen new trees in a flood-affected community. These experiences were further enriched by discussions on sustainability and how eco-friendly practices can be implemented both on the ETSU campus and in rural appalachia.The impact of these service experiences could not be better epitomized than the sight of Shondra–the immigrant whose farm we helped prepare for the summer’s harvest–smiling among his family. Through our work, we supported the sustainability of the farm and eased the physical burden on Shondra. Additionally, our other projects contributed to local environmental projects, which directly benefited community members by improving public spaces and fostering a stronger sense of environmental stewardship.The gravity of this trip was not comprehended until we had come to the last room of the Tennessee State Museum, which summarized the history of the early 21st century. It was then a daunting revelation fell upon all of us: we were all the authors of the next room in history. Our voice and actions would mold the stories that are told for years to come, and it was our generation’s responsibility to decide our legacy. We realized that now–amidst wreckage and fragile recovery–it was time to do the thing that goes without glory.