I am a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences and more importantly, a returning member of Appalachia volunteers. I just read your article in the Feb. 24 issue of The Heightsand wanted to commend you for keeping an open mind on your Appalachia service trip.
I simply wanted to let you know that I was also frustrated over many facets of Appalachia volunteers last year before I embarked on my Appalachia service trip. You're absolutely right in thinking that it is counter-intuitive to lend a hand to a community that can probably help themselves better than you can. But you seem to be touching upon some greater themes of an Appalachia service trip, which I hope will take precedence in your Appalachia experience.
Although it seems like you were already planning on doing so, I encourage you to interact with the members of your site as much as possible. Also be sure to discuss your thoughts and experiences with your group members, and especially with your trip leaders.
Every person, group and site is different so I will leave you to figure things out for yourself. But you raised some interesting points about Appalachia Volunteers and I simply wanted to tell you that you seem to be on the right track in making the most of your Appalachia service trip.
.
Samuel Hwang
is a member of the 
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