Spring Break
Engineers leave classroom for volunteer construction work
Devonne Wallace
Issue date: 4/24/09 Section: News
Oregon State University is breaking ground with a new student organization, the OSU Team of Construction Volunteers. The group got its start after nine students, aided by the volunteer organization Encountour, traveled to Guatemala to help construct homes over spring break.
The team constructed houses of mortar and cinder block in the rural countryside for Guatemalan families.
"We were able to engage in full dinner conversations," said trip organizer and construction engineering management major Scott Mathewson. "I applied the skills I learned through my major," he said.
During the 11 days abroad, the volunteers experienced Guatemalan culture and history, spending days visiting Mayan temples and cathedrals and nights in the city of La Antigua. The team had a full itinerary that combined the exploits of a typical sight-seeing vacation with the fulfillment of volunteering. Matt Bradley, an English major at OSU, reflected on the memorable trip.
"The experience you gain is indescribable … all of us were there for the same thing, we wanted to make a positive change," Bradley said. Spring break in Guatemala was so gratifying Mathewson decided to make it a reoccurring event by creating a student group at OSU of which he is now president.
The new group is open to all students who express an interest. Mathewson, who worked in construction for eight years, said that no specific major or experience is required. "The trip expands your horizons and your potential," he said.
The OSU Team of Construction Volunteers is traveling to Guatemala again for continued assistance. Bradley said the work accomplished there, though rewarding, "… was a Band-Aid on a bullet wound [and] did not address core issues."
Mathewson plans to engage in a variety of philanthropic activities, such as helping local communities by pairing up with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. More information regarding the OSU Team of Construction Volunteers will be posted on Oregon State University's Student Activities website.
Devonne Wallace, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
The team constructed houses of mortar and cinder block in the rural countryside for Guatemalan families.
"We were able to engage in full dinner conversations," said trip organizer and construction engineering management major Scott Mathewson. "I applied the skills I learned through my major," he said.
During the 11 days abroad, the volunteers experienced Guatemalan culture and history, spending days visiting Mayan temples and cathedrals and nights in the city of La Antigua. The team had a full itinerary that combined the exploits of a typical sight-seeing vacation with the fulfillment of volunteering. Matt Bradley, an English major at OSU, reflected on the memorable trip.
"The experience you gain is indescribable … all of us were there for the same thing, we wanted to make a positive change," Bradley said. Spring break in Guatemala was so gratifying Mathewson decided to make it a reoccurring event by creating a student group at OSU of which he is now president.
The new group is open to all students who express an interest. Mathewson, who worked in construction for eight years, said that no specific major or experience is required. "The trip expands your horizons and your potential," he said.
The OSU Team of Construction Volunteers is traveling to Guatemala again for continued assistance. Bradley said the work accomplished there, though rewarding, "… was a Band-Aid on a bullet wound [and] did not address core issues."
Mathewson plans to engage in a variety of philanthropic activities, such as helping local communities by pairing up with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. More information regarding the OSU Team of Construction Volunteers will be posted on Oregon State University's Student Activities website.
Devonne Wallace, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
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