A TLU Student’s Transformative Journey: With Alex Aguilar
The Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship department at TLU has undergone many changes within the degree program over the last few years. Many of those changes involve allowing students to go study and work in public health through Living and Learning East Coast’s internship program, called Baltimore Urban Studies.
In May of 2023, 12 students went to Baltimore on an immersion trip, to see the facilities at which students can intern and get an opportunity to get hands-on experience relating to how Baltimore’s community is shaped through its deep history, including the diversity, vibrance, and resilience that is in the area.
Baltimore Urban Studies became a part of TLU SISE, attracting individuals interested in public health and community engagement. This initiative encouraged new students to return to Baltimore in a six-to-eight week time frame through Living and Learning’s internship facilities.
Alex Aguilar, a senior at TLU, majoring in social innovation and entrepreneurship, went to Baltimore this past summer alongside eight other students to study the area in which they would be. Aguilar first heard of this opportunity through his advisor, Dr. Kaminski, initially stating that he was nervous, as he had never done something like this.
When she told me about it, it seemed exciting at the time, but I never traveled anywhere far, so that made me nervous and I was not sure if I wanted to do it or not.
Alex Aguilar
After a discussion with his parents and connection to peers, Aguilar decided that this would be a good opportunity to see the world for himself and venture out.
Once in Baltimore…
When Aguilar arrived in Baltimore and visited the facilities that are a part of Baltimore Urban Studies community, Alex stated that being able to see the change that the facilities are creating in order to help the men, women, children, and overall individuals in the area really makes a difference in peoples lives. Aguilar felt he could relate and wanted to use this time to be the change as well.
Being able to visit these organizations… they’re really making a difference in these people’s lives and that is something that really hits home for me and I wanted to be able to do that as well.
Alex Aguilar
When it came time for Aguilar to make the decision about where he wanted to help over the summer, he mentioned that it was a tough choice choosing between two facilities. Aguilar was faced with a dilemma. It was either Helping up Missions Center for Men or Still Meadow Fellowship and their peace park. In the end, Aguilar chose to go to Still Meadow.
I was able to see God’s creation and be in nature, I truly wanted to get back to my roots in a way with God and just be with him and the community that was built there…because of the peace park and still meadow- just to see men, women, and the children come together to help build the peace park… I thought it was a great experience.
Alex Aguilar
Returning home
Alex mentions that since being in Baltimore, one thing he brought back with him was the friendships he made in his cohort. The others who went to Baltimore with Aguilar were also from TLU. Aguilar reflects on this and states that being able to get to know these people whom he has never met before was an altering moment for him, and the friendships he made there, are now with him forever.
In Baltimore, confidence was another big thing that Aguilar brought back with him to TLU. Being able to use this confidence helped him not only as a Residence Assistant here on campus, but as a speaker and communicator as well.
In Baltimore, we were always together and meeting new people, and I feel like that is the norm now- to meet new people and talk to people.
Alex Aguilar
Since being in Baltimore, Aguilar’s relationship with his faith has become more grounded.
Being a part of the internship I was in really helped me see that God has me here for a reason and I was where I was supposed to be. God sent me to the B.U.S for a reason. I now have a stronger passion for social change and am eager to graduate and see what else God has in store for me.
Alex Aguilar
Overall, Aguilar is grateful for this experience, as he has gained confidence and a more grounded relationship within his faith and prayer life. Aguilar shared his story with us in hopes of bringing this word to others around the TLU community.
It is a great experience, and I don’t think they will regret it. I think they will be happy they made that jump to experience meeting the people that I have met.
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