Service Learning in Jemez Pueblo, NM

Over spring break, I got on an airplane (for the first time!!) and flew to New Mexico for a week of learning and serving in Jemez Pueblo, about an hour northwest of Albuquerque. And what an experience it was! The main focuses of the travel study were poverty and diversity in education, so many of our activities focused on these. However, the range of things we were able to see and do was fascinating.

While in Jemez Springs, the ETSU group toured schools, the pueblo government building, and a senior center, even venturing to Santa Fe for an afternoon at the state legislature. We learned about the culture, social practices, and current situations of the pueblo. With these things behind us, we were prepared to serve the community. Most days of the trip, we went into the fields and helped clear the fields for the planting that would soon take place. The sandy soil and air were so dry that we hardly broke a sweat, but we knew we had done something significant when we woke up sore the next day! We cleared the irrigation ditches lining the field of weeds and debris, which were combined into a pile that Cam, the Jemez farmer who supervised our work, would burn to clear. Who knew tumbleweed would be so prickly?

Though we spent most of our volunteering time in the fields, we also got to visit Walatowa Charter High School and speak with the students there about college. The purpose of our visit was to inspire the students, but they inspired me! Most of them were driven to learn and had big plans for life after graduation, including college and the armed forces. Eileen, a Jemez native who helped guide us through the week, explained that many Jemez students leave for college and experience such culture shock that they return home as soon as possible and never complete their education. Many Jemez students and their parents do not realize what essentials they will be needing for college, such as bedding and other basic dorm room necessities. The ETSU bunch answered every question we could for the students. Visiting with them was a pleasure.

It would take me until next semester to write all about my trip to Jemez Pueblo so I'll keep this post short. But visiting the Jemez Pueblo, especially the schools, was such an eye-opening experience. I am thankful to have been able to serve such a great community, even if only in small capacities.