Amaya Smith

Today, we were in charge of packing grocery bags based on specific orders and handing those over to the people who came in for them. I met some cool people today, and had a fun time bagging. We were even given donated water and snacks afterward.

I had fun shopping for groceries with a few other members of the community. We shopped for goods and necessities so that some other volunteers could deliver the goods to different homes.

With Helping the Elderly, I had a very grounding experience. I helped to shop for, pack, and deliver groceries to eldery residents across D.C. who were no longer able to do so themselves, whether that was age, illness, or other limitations. Selecting low-sodum options for most residents connected to what I had learned about how excess sodium drives fluid retention and elevated blood pressure. Many of the residents I served were managing multiple chronic conditions, and I realized that the food delivery was not seperate from their medical care. It was a part of it. That realization deepened my understanding of biology in the real world. Previously, I had studied cellular metabolism, the role of glucose and the importance of regulation, and the consequences of poor nutrition. Food is not just sustenance, but a biochemical input with direct consequence for organ function, inflammation, and disease progression. The experience reinforced my belief that biology does not exist in isolation from social context. Understanding the human body means understandaing the conditions under which people are forced to live in. Medical conditions promoted from harsh conditions, conditions due to a systemically racist system of government, leaves minorities facing the brunt of it. The communities face food deserts or insecurity and have to naviagte that with a low income. This leads to obesity due to high cortisol levels (caused by stress), insulin reistance, higer storage of visceral fat, and cardiovascular risk that are all predictable based on the standard of living. Overall Biology is relevant, not only in the real world, but also in the government and every other aspect of life.

During my volunteering experience with Bread for the City, a nonprofit organization that aids minorities and low-income groups, I was responsible for packing food to be distributed to people from the community who it would help. This role not only developed my communication skills and time-management skills, but also deepend my knowledge on the biological importance of certain food groups and their inpact on the body. Engaging further allowed me to discover new informtation about health and nutrition, as well as the impact of a lack of food (food insecurity) within the body. At Bread for the City, sorting, packing, and distributing food is a way to combat malnutrition and diet related diseases, which coincidentally enough are found more often in low-income minority groups. I also learned that food insecurity has a phsiological impact as well. It can trigger stress responses thorughout the body, causing inflammation at both a cellular and molecular level, which cause the risk of developing chronic or autoimmube diseases to increase dramatically. Specifcally, an excess amount of cortisol is released which contributes to visceral fat storage, plays a part in metabolic dysfunction, and alters the gut microbiome to cause nutrient deficiencies. Some resulting conditions are as follows: diabetes, obesity, and elevated cardiovasuclar risks. In food deserts, the most affordable, easy-to-eat places tend to be fast food resturants like McDonald's, which are too high in calories and too low in nutritional value. When this is the only source of nutrients, the mind suffers effects, too. Dopamine neuron synapses are affected negatively, decreasing motivation, cognitive abilities, and creating destructive or addictive behaviors. This connection between my volunteering and Biology coursework demonstrate how practical experiences, like helping the community, can double as a learning experience. While I was able to learn much about the impacts of food insecurity in city with such a high cost of living, being respomsible for communicating with other team members of all age groups that I had never met before challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and honed my leadership and team working skills. This experience has ultimately strengthened my confidence, my will to help my community, and fueled my knowledge of biologival topics in the real world.

During my volunteering experience with Zion's Legacy Walk, a blood clot awareness association, I was responsible for reaching out to potential sponsors through emails and phone calls. This role not only developed my communication and organizational skills, but also deepened my appreciation for the biological importance of blood clotting.

As I engaged, I took the initiative to learn more bout the science behind blood clotting disorders. I discovered that understanding blood clotting at the molecular level involves studying nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, which carry the genetic instructions for producing clotting factors, essential protein in the coagulation process. Exploring these biological topics allowed me to understand how genetic mutations can lead to various clotting disorders, highlighting the importance of scientific research ad public awareness.

This connection between my volunteering and bioogy coursework demonstrates how practical experiences can enhance academic learning. This volunteering was also virtual, so it allowed me to easily contribute without having to sacrifice my health while being on bed rest due to an illness. While I was able to learn about the biological aspects of blood clotting, being responsible for contacting business and individuals I had never met before challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and develop leadership qualities. I learned to communicate our mission clearly, adapt my approach based on feedback, and take initiative when faced with rejection or uncertainty. These experiences strengthened my confidence, resilience, and passion, all while fueling my knowledge of biological topics in the real world.

I was able to walk 5,285 steps for Zion's Legacy Walk: Blood Clot Awareness today after I finished my classes at university. I like being able to help those who need it.