When plans go awry, it's the spirit of volunteerism that can truly shine. This was recently showcased by the students of El Paso Community College's (EPCC) Travel and Tourism Department, who found themselves setting up for an event that wouldn't take flight, the Amigo Airsho. Despite the event's cancellation, their unwavering commitment didn't go unnoticed, catching the eye of U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar. On Thursday, October 23, the congresswoman delivered a nod of recognition, handing out certificates to the student volunteers for their efforts back on Friday, October 17, at Biggs Army Airfield. "I wanted to stop by and say thank you after the unfortunate cancellation last week," Escobar told EPCC News. "I want to commend you for volunteering and helping at the Airsho, what an extraordinary commitment you all made and thank you for your assistance."
According to the Program Coordinator, Rose Lucero, these diligent students managed to quickly adapt to serve over 300 children from the El Paso and New Mexico area with the same welcoming hospitality they would have offered had the event proceeded as planned. The kids were treated to the Special Guest Sho, a teaser of the air displays initially set up for the event's main weekend. By integrating a Service-Learning component into the program's curriculum, EPCC students are not only gaining hands-on experience but are also making a real difference in the community. "With every event the students participate in, I see them becoming more confident," Lucero expressed to EPCC News. The Amigo Airsho was just one of four events the students have been involved in this semester.
The spotlighted students from the EPCC Travel and Tourism program include Adam Gonzalez, Elizabeth Marquez, Marcela Martinez, Edith Figueroa, and Paola Becerra. These young adults, by contributing to various events, are rapidly building a foundation not only for their future careers but also for fostering community spirit, which, according to their coordinator, is part of their innate desire to see their community thrive. "Engagement in real world experiences is critical to prepare them for when they graduate. Additionally, I believe that each of them has a servant's heart who wants to help our community thrive - it's who they are as individuals. I'm just fortunate enough that Travel and Tourism and Hospitality Operations gives us the gateway to do good things for El Paso," Lucero shared with EPCC News.
