Engineering Public Service Experience: Student Profile

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Kelli Horner Year: 2006 Major/Dept: Civil and Environmental Engineering Summer 2006 Experience: Internship with Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group (AIDG) Location: Xela, Guatemala Project: Micro-hydroelectric systems, solar hot water, water tower, educational materials, and more...

1 – What was the nature of your experience?

I worked with an east-coast based non-profit titled Appropriate Infrastructure Development Group (AIDG) [ www.aidg.org or www.aidg.net] and XelaTeco [www.xelateco.com] in Xela, Guatemala for just under 3 months (June-Sept, 2006). I worked on projects including civil aspects of a micro-hydroelectric project at a farm called Nueva Alianza, aided in the installation of a solar hot water system at a local hostel/office space called Entre Mundos, designed a water tower for children's school called The Guardaria, added to the collection of information necessary for the start-up of a hands-on volunteer/vacation program named Teco Tours, worked on awareness material for the office/workshop visitors and workers in Xela, helped coordinate interns while the lead Educational/Outreach coordinator Benny was back in the states for a few weeks, and overall, tried to create a more trustful and tighter bond with the people of Xela Teco and the volunteers of AIDG. During the first few weeks of my internship I was working approximately 20 hours a week and attending Spanish school for 25 hours per week. The working/volunteering time later increased to about 40 hours, including time spent in transit and at project sites. The summer volunteership was personally funded. However, AIDG hopes to have funding for future volunteers/interns this coming summer of 2007.

2 – Why did you choose this engineering and public service experience?

I found the information for the volunteer/internship position on Gil Master's list-serve and jumped at the opportunity to travel out of the country, not too far meant less travel expenses, and share my educational background with the people living and working in Xela, Guatemala. Practicing my knowledge with appropriate engineering design for practical solutions with people and the environment.

3 - What did you enjoy the most about the experience?

Working and living with people who are willing, able, and capable to carry on the knowledge and at the same time provide me with friendship, hands-on experience, and priceless experiences.

4 – What was the most challenging aspect?

Working in an environment with a language barrier and having to leave the lifestyle, situation, and projects at the end of the summer, when I would have loved to see everything through to the end. Realizing that the later challenge wasn't possible unless I lived there.

5 – What recommendations would you have for other students wanting to work through this or a similar experience?

It's worth it in every way imaginable. Whether it's a funded position or not! You can make it happen!

Pictures courtesy of Kelli Horner