Will Patillo

Volunteering at Rise Up Community Farm on Wednesday was a rewarding and eye-opening experience. During my time there, I helped harvest crops, wash produce, and pull weeds from the fields, which gave me a hands-on understanding of the work required to maintain a productive farm. I noticed that everyone worked closely together, communicating effectively and stepping in to help wherever needed, which kept things running efficiently even when tasks were physically demanding. This experience connected to my values of hard work and giving back to the community, while also aligning with my interest in business by showing how important teamwork and organization are in any operation. I learned that the farm’s mission goes beyond just growing food. It focuses on supporting the community by providing fresh, local produce and promoting sustainability. Overall, this experience shaped my thinking about leadership by showing me the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and leading by example. It reinforced that in business, success often depends on how well a team works together toward a shared goal.