Hello everyone,

This is Irteza, a Cyber Engineering major from the class of 2026. I’m thrilled to be part of ABST Ruskin, and today, I’m excited to share my experience from our 6th day here in Florida.

    Our day began at Beth-El, an incredible organization dedicated to assisting migrant farm workers and needy residents by offering food, affordable clothing, and various forms of support. The first task we undertook was rearranging a lounge inside Beth-El. The lounge was initially in disarray, but we managed to transform it from a place that was hardly relaxing into a slice of heaven. This improvement set a positive tone for the rest of our day.

    After the lounge transformation, we focused on preparing for the next food pantry. We had two main tasks: preparing paper bags and assembling rice and bean packs, which took us about 5 hours to complete. For the paper bags, we double-bagged and stored an estimated 500 bags on shelves. Despite being a small group, our spirits were high, thanks to our companionship and two accompaniers who were really good entertainers, making 3 hours feel like mere 15 minutes. The rice and bean bagging involved carrying 50-70 lb bags and portioning them out for individuals. It was demanding but fulfilling work.

    Following this, we headed to the strawberry festival, 33 miles away from Beth-El. This was my first festival visit in the US, and it was an incredible experience. The festival was thoroughly strawberry-themed, with delicious strawberry meals available everywhere. We indulged in chocolate-coated strawberries, turkey legs, pizza, and enjoyed various forms of entertainment, including a memorable pig race. Trying a turkey leg for the first time in the US was a highlight and did not disappoint.

    Overall, today was another amazing day filled with meaningful work, fun activities, gossip, and the strengthening of bonds. It provided us a much-needed break from our stressful college and work life, offering relief and rejuvenation.

    Thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you. Here's to more adventures and experiences as we continue our journey with ABST Ruskin!