Roberto Oliva Alvarez

My time volunteering at the Zen Garden was a refreshing and unexpected experience that balanced learning, relaxation, and community engagement. The day began with a surprising gesture—being handed edible lettuce as a welcome gift. While it felt unusual, I embraced it (who says no to free snacks?), setting a lighthearted tone for the session.
After a brief presentation, I learned how to harvest, replant ,and use oregano and aloe vera, which was a hands-on activity I shared with my peers. The process of caring for these plants was fascinating and reinforced the importance of understanding nature's role in our lives. Rather than feeling like traditional heavy volunteering work, the session flowed more like good vibes shared among the group as we connected with the environment and each other.
The highlight of the day for me was the 30-minute group meditation session. Nestled in the calm of the garden, it provided a “stressless” moment of introspection and mindfulness. This time of meditation complemented the physical activities and left me with a sense of peace and fulfillment.
Overall, the experience taught me how small, mindful actions, like gardening or meditating, can significantly impact mental clarity and community well-being. It didn’t just feel like earning service hours; it felt like reclaiming a connection to nature.

Returning to volunteer at the Zen Garden felt like revisiting a place of growth, connection, and community. This session started with a presentation by Veba Vitae, an organization that has been actively promoting environmental initiatives since the beginning of the month. Their presentation reinforced the importance of sustainable practices and community-driven efforts to maintain and revitalize green spaces.
During this event, I had the opportunity to assist the new president of the club. Her leadership and enthusiasm impressed me, and I found myself motivated to contribute in small yet meaningful ways, I personally like her. One of these contributions included donating a book to support the garden and its mission. It was a simple gesture but symbolized my commitment to fostering knowledge and community spirit within the group.
After the official activities concluded, spending time in the Zen Garden left me with a renewed sense of tranquility and purpose. The garden truly embodies a space where nature and collective efforts come together to create something beautiful and lasting. This experience deepened my appreciation for the role of community and leadership in making volunteer work not just impactful but also personally fulfilling.