After a semester of service and a thorough needs assessment of the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, we decided our $100 Solution project would be to build a fence around their garden. At first I can say I was skeptical. We are college students and have no prior experience in building fences. Also our majors don’t scream handy-man/women. Yes, building a fence was what the Salvation Army needed and made great sense on paper, but our skills seemed to be lacking.
One thing that stuck with me throughout our class this semester was that attitude was everything. Your passion and attitude can help you reach our goal, whether your goal is to make UK’s campus sustainable or to transform Scott County.
Our goal was to erect a sustainable fence, and the first thing we had to think about before we even thought about our lack of skill was how we would get the funds for the materials to build the fence. Our solution was a bake sale. We had our bake sale in the Kentucky Clinic for two days around lunchtime. This was a joint effort between both groups in our class – our group helping the Salvation Army and the other group in our class, which helped support the Village Branch of the Public Library. The great baking skills of Olivia, Ashley, the other group’s members and myself, combined with Rahul’s expert salesman’s skills and positive attitude we reached our goal. We made enough money to purchase the materials for our fence.
Our next step was to venture out to Lowes, a sponsor of the Salvation Army, to purchase our materials.
One thing that stuck with me throughout our class this semester was that attitude was everything. Your passion and attitude can help you reach our goal, whether your goal is to make UK’s campus sustainable or to transform Scott County.
Our goal was to erect a sustainable fence, and the first thing we had to think about before we even thought about our lack of skill was how we would get the funds for the materials to build the fence. Our solution was a bake sale. We had our bake sale in the Kentucky Clinic for two days around lunchtime. This was a joint effort between both groups in our class – our group helping the Salvation Army and the other group in our class, which helped support the Village Branch of the Public Library. The great baking skills of Olivia, Ashley, the other group’s members and myself, combined with Rahul’s expert salesman’s skills and positive attitude we reached our goal. We made enough money to purchase the materials for our fence.
Our next step was to venture out to Lowes, a sponsor of the Salvation Army, to purchase our materials.
We called beforehand to see what kind of discounts we would be able to get on our supplies. They told us we would most likely get a 10% discount. After we collected are needed materials, with the help of a friendly employee, we went to the checkout counter. Rahul, with a positive demeanor and a nice smile, again asked for a discount and to our surprise the manger, with a little hesitation, looked at us and said, “how about a 25% discount?” We gladly took that deal.
Our materials were purchased and now was time for the real kicker, to build the fence – well actually fences. There were three gardening boxes; therefore, we needed to build a fence around each box. Yes, none of us knew how to build a fence but we all had great attitudes and were willing to give it our best shot. We spent one Friday afternoon and Sunday morning working on building and fences.
Our materials were purchased and now was time for the real kicker, to build the fence – well actually fences. There were three gardening boxes; therefore, we needed to build a fence around each box. Yes, none of us knew how to build a fence but we all had great attitudes and were willing to give it our best shot. We spent one Friday afternoon and Sunday morning working on building and fences.
(Ashley is behind my head, but working away)
Our first fence was a learning experience to say the least. It took us almost an hour and required a lot of re-doing. How many college students does it take to assemble small garden fence?
We took a break after our first fence, regrouped and made plans to finish the other two fences on Sunday. On Sunday, we were seasoned fence builders, but still far from experts. We built the last two fences in about 45 minutes total and they turned out much better. The final product of our third fence is shown below.
Our first fence was a learning experience to say the least. It took us almost an hour and required a lot of re-doing. How many college students does it take to assemble small garden fence?
We took a break after our first fence, regrouped and made plans to finish the other two fences on Sunday. On Sunday, we were seasoned fence builders, but still far from experts. We built the last two fences in about 45 minutes total and they turned out much better. The final product of our third fence is shown below.
To be completely honest, our fences weren’t masterpieces but looking at the finished product, it give us a sense of accomplishment. We were proud to finish our project and protect the children’s garden. It would not have been possible without the commitment of our group, our positive attitudes, and everyone’s passion for service. For those reasons, I am extremely thankful to the members of my group.
-- Jesse Giles
-- Jesse Giles