Good Bye October: Understanding The ANS And Poverty Alleviation

October Community Service Hours: 2

Total Fall Community Service Hours: 6

Location: Owerri, Nigeria

Our class module focused on the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the central nervous system (CNS) exploring their roles in responding to stress and maintaining balance in the body. This foundation become tangible during 

my visit to Owerri, Nigeria, where I had the opportunity to put out learning into practice.

During my time in Owerri,  I actively engaged in community service activities aimed at addressing poverty. Firsthand, I  witnessed the challenges faced by local communities, where poverty was deeply rooted in daily life. In response to the urgent need for assistance, we provided immediate relief by distributing essential supplies such as food, clean water, and medical aid.

Additionally, we recognized the importance of implementing long-term sustainable solution to combat poverty effectively. This involved collaborating with community leaders and residents to support initiatives focused on education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and economic empowerment. By investing in these efforts, we aimed to empower the community members, enabling them to achieve self-sufficiency and break the cycle of poverty.

Overall, my experience in Owerri expressed the importance of finding a balance between providing immediate relief and implementing sustainable, long-term solutions - a concept deeply rooted in the principles of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the central nervous system. This hand- on experience enhanced my understanding of the theoretical concepts learned in class and reaffirmed my commitment to supporting communities in need.