Post-Trip Reflection Questions
RenewCrew Honduras 2013
Post-Trip Reflection Questions
1. You’re back to State College! We shared some reflections during the trip and had some time between the trip and settling back into our routines. Having had the chance to hear yourself and others, as well as having this time to personally reflect on and digest your experience, what part of this experience do you feel made the biggest impression on you?
The thing that still sticks with me are the differences between lifestyles here in the States and those back in Roatan. Here, we have many modern amenities and comforts that we have become used to and take for granted. We go about our lives worrying about schedules, deadlines and the latest news across social media. In Roatan, many are still very much just trying to survive. Housing is still very simple, and basic utilities aren’t prevalent. It is odd to think of just how different the two lifestyles are. This dynamic also existed right on the island itself. It was crazy that a five-star resort with all the trimmings was on the same road as little shacks with tin roofs.
2. What is the one thing that you feel you learned or noticed about yourself while you were in Roatan?
I was able to adapt surprisingly well. I have never been out of the States before this trip so I was unsure how the difference in lifestyle was going to affect me. I am sure being in a large group of my peers definitely helped, but I feel that I am capable of handling new situations and surroundings fairly well. I never felt overwhelmed or experienced “culture shock”.
3. What insights into effective teamwork did you gain from this trip? How might these affect your future work in teams?
The team in Roatan never worked together. We all knew each other through class time but never did we have to pool our resources to accomplish something. Everyone was open to trying new things and was flexible; this allowed natural segregation of work so that many little parts could be accomplished at once. People also weren’t afraid to voice their opinions or questions, which allowed everyone to learn something and contribute. I feel that being flexible, and questioning are key to working as a team.
4. How did Roatan’s culture play a role on your experience on the trip?
The culture of Roatan seemed to vary based on where you went. There were many familiar aspects and sights, such as Coca Cola branding and West Side, which made our stay feel almost as if we weren’t in another country. I didn’t feel any sort of culture shock, and didn’t quite feel like a stranger. All of this contributed to having an enjoyable experience.
5. Did you experience anything on the trip that helps you to see your home culture differently?
Having seen so many wild cats and dogs was really weird since they are such a domesticated house pet back in the States. Even seeing one stray cat or dog around in the States can be odd. In Roatan, you’ll almost see packs of stray dogs on the streets and the locals walk around them as if it is a normal occurrence. Seeing the familiar Coca-Cola logo everywhere was also weird. I got the feeling of some dystopian future where corporations are the ones with power and not governments.
6. How did your perception of Roatan change after your trip?
Never having been out of the country before, I was unsure what to expect. I almost felt like we would be visiting a resort location, and although some of it was like that, most was not. The island is still very much a developing nation. Some parts of it seem to be ahead of its time (the mess of overhead wiring), so it almost seems like it hasn’t yet found the right pace for itself. Some parts are very developed and others are the opposite.
7. What do you see as the challenges of renewable energies both within the context of Roatan and within your home community?
In Roatan, renewable energy makes sense because the cost to burn oil is so high. There is a good solar resource and there may even be potential for wind energy. The challenges with it though are that it is hard to gather the resources and import materials to the island. Also, the average wealth of the community would not be able to support the installation of many arrays and would rely heavily on donations are charity work. Back home in the states, we have the wealth and infrastructure to have widespread installations of renewables but the cost of electricity is so low that many people don’t care enough to invest.
8. What aspects of the following do you think would be important to document for others who may work on this project in the future?
-Culture: There are many English speakers, and the locals are used to seeing tourists so you never really feel like a stranger.
-Teamwork: Be prepared to be assigned tasks but also be willing to assign tasks. Everyone must be flexible and maintain an open-mind. Don’t be afraid to voice questions or opinions.
-Renewable Energy: Every little bit counts. Electricity is so expensive that even if an array is not in an ideal spot, the energy it produces will have significant impacts on the community.
9. How has this experience shifted your thoughts on both being a citizen in your home community and in your occupational aspirations?
I’m certainly a little more appreciative of everything that I have here. We joke about moving to Roatan and setting up a solar installation company, but really that might be an option somewhere down the line. Many places exist like Roatan where there is a great potential for change and it just requires the right push and initiative. Having the chance to set up a solar array gave me some great hands-on experience that supplemented well with what I am learning in class. I know feel a bit more confident in my endeavors and hope to continue in the solar industry.
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