Oak Ridge, TN

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."

-Mahatma Ghandi

Looking back on this past week, I find myself in awe of how much of a difference those with a service-oriented mind can have on others, their community, and the world as a whole. While working with Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County, I was granted the opportunity to help roof a home in South Clinton, Tennessee and construct a set for a community theater in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, as well as the pleasure to work with and meet a group of individuals with an ever-inspiring dedication to contributing to something that is greater than themselves.

At several points, it was suggested to our group of 18 diverse, collegiate students that we would perhaps rather be spending our Spring Break somewhere on a beach, having "fun." When I reflect on this statement, I can't help but to think that this couldn't be any further from the truth, there is nowhere else I would have rather been and it truly is exactly where I was meant to be. I am profoundly grateful for any opportunity I have to serve others, and I wish to spend the extent of my life doing just that, to make any and every difference that I am able. Meeting like-minded individuals, both in and out of our group, across all ages of the spectrum, only helped to solidify this aspiration even more. I couldn't be more grateful to be involved with an organization like Viking Expeditions and to have the ability to spread the spirit and lifestyle of service on to others as I progress myself. (Mattress surfing was pretty cool too) #DoGoodAlways

--Jessica Noe

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Locally Famous!

While in Oak Ridge, a local paper, The Oak Ridger made VE famous. We were recognized for our great work with Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County.

Check out the online article here!!

--Salena Kauffman

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We Built More than Just a Home

When our group of eighteen VE members travelled to Oak Ridge, Tennessee over spring break, we learned that when volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, you build more than just a home. Here are the top five things we built together in Tennessee.

1. We built a better understanding of community. As a group of eighteen, we built our own temporary community. Every member of our community had a special role, and each helped us function as a unit. We also learned about the community of Oak Ridge, which takes pride in the city’s rich history. The community also strives to better the lives of all of its members by supporting organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. This new understanding of community will help us better serve our community here in Cleveland.

2. We built an appreciation for service. The simple act of serving proves very rewarding to all those involved. Service encourages individuals to count their blessings, which we sometimes forget to do in our daily lives. It can help individuals realize their potential by achieving something they never thought possible. Lastly, service brings a group together to work as a team. There’s a strong bond formed as a team when working together toward one common goal. It makes you realize the positive impact a group of people can have when they work together.

3. We built great friendships. As we sat together for reflections one last time at the end of the week, I looked around our big circle and realized this trip brought together a very special group of individuals who otherwise may have never met. No one seemed at all excited to go home because we all enjoyed being together. Not even a week later, reunions both big and small have already taken place between members wanting to spend time with their newfound friends.

4. We built lasting memories. We’ve compiled hundreds of photos of our trip. However, it’s not the actual photos I’m referring to, but rather the memories you’re filled with when looking at the photos. There is one group photo, in particular, that was taken right after we finish the roof that really fills my mind with memories. When I look at that photo, I can hear the clapping and cheering that took place after the last nail was put in. I can see everyone high fiving one another with big smiles on their faces. It’s these intangible memories that are the biggest takeaway from an experience such as this.

5. We build a home. No, we did not built a new structure from the bottom up, which is what we usually think of when someone talks about Habitat for Humanity. What we did do was build a gentleman a new roof and some pretty snazzy new stairs. We did not build a home in the true sense of the word, but we did help restore the sense of home the owner feels. As a grandfather who takes care of his grandkids, I have to imagine the homeowner feels a strong sense of responsibility to maintain a safe home for the children. A roof and set of stairs may not seem like a huge deal, but he probably feels more at ease now and definitely more at home.

--Madison Scagnetti