October 18, 2016 was a beautiful day for two Truman classes to tour and provide service to the Possibility Alliance eco project near LaPlata, Missouri.\u00a0 Students from Dr. Alicia Wodika\u2019s JINS 336, Environmental Justice course, and Dr. Janice Clark\u2019s HLTH 362, Environmental Health course learned about the mission and principles of the 10 year \u201cexperiment\u201d at the Possibility Alliance (PA) from founders, Ethan and Sarah Hughes.\u00a0 While there, students were reminded to use their \u201cgifts,\u201d and combine their passion with what breaks their heart to find their life\u2019s purpose.\u00a0 They toured parts of the original 80-acre farm and learned about native species of herbs, vegetables, flowers, and fruit and nut trees in the yard and five gardens, where \u201ceverything is edible and\/or medicinal.\u201d\u00a0 Students were reminded about the importance of spending time outdoors to reduce help them reduce stress, obtain exercise, and live more holistically.<\/p>\n
Students learned about the Possibility Alliance\u2019s gift economy where the founders and PA residents don\u2019t charge for any of the services, housing, or food they provide to the 1,500 guests who visit each year.\u00a0 After the tour, the 29 HLTH 362 and JINS 336 students contributed their sweat equity on several fall projects at the Possibility Alliance.\u00a0 Groups of students cut wood for winter fuel, gathered berries to make jam, and prepared apples for canning applesauce.\u00a0 Pictures of the work groups are posted below.<\/p>\n
Above from left are a group of wood cutters who include Taylor Steinhart, Mackenzie Maher, Ty Gould, Melanie King, Marita Moore, Andy Summers, Alyssa Marin, a PA intern, and Dan ( PA resident).<\/p>\n The individuals pictured above developing their upper arm strength on the cross-cut saw are from left:\u00a0 Emmy Fry, Benjamin Lasser (holding wood to be cut), Ethan Hughes (PA co-founder), and Rachel Hanson.<\/p>\n![\"wood-cutters\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.truman.edu\/hes\/files\/2016\/10\/wood-cutters.png\")
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