Hello from Johnson City!
It feels strange writing this knowing I am at my last destination for the summer. This week, the summer staff gathered here for wrap-up, marking the end of another summer with Appalachia Service Project. While most centers have finished hosting volunteers, three centers still had crews serving this week. We had the chance to visit two of them—Jonesville and Johnson County—and getting to see those communities one last time felt like the perfect way to close out the season.
Returning to Johnson County was especially meaningful. I was able to visit one of the homeowners again and spend time talking with her, her daughter, and her granddaughters. It was one of those conversations where nothing extraordinary had to happen for it to be memorable. We laughed, caught up, and had some cookies together. It reminded me that some of the best moments this summer have come from slowing down and spending time with people.
As the week went on, I realized these would be my last runs with the summer staff, my last drives through winding mountain roads, and my last chance to be surrounded by the beautiful mountains of Appalachia. It’s hard to believe how quickly these past couple months have gone by.
When I wrote my very first blog, I talked about how I wasn’t from the South and how spending an entire summer in Appalachia was completely new to me. I had no idea what to expect. Looking back now, I can honestly say this summer has been unlike anything I’ve ever experienced even from my volunteering days.
Every week seemed to bring a new county, a new center, and a whole new story. I traveled through places I had never heard of before, met people whose lives were completely different from my own, and learned that every community has something valuable to teach you if you’re willing to just listen.
One thing I wish I had more time for was building deeper relationships with homeowners. Because my role had me constantly traveling, I often met someone, heard part of their story, and then it was time to move on to the next place. There were so many conversations I wish could have lasted just a little bit longer.
Even though I couldn’t stay in one place, I got to witness something special. I saw the excitement homeowners had when summer staff visited. I watched staff members reconnect with families they had only known for a few weeks, yet it felt like they had known each other for years. Those relationships are built through shared meals, workdays, laughter, and simply showing up day after day. Seeing those connections reminded me that ASP is about so much more than repairing homes. It’s about building relationships around you.
Many times, this summer, I felt like I was looking into just a small piece of something so much bigger than myself. It’s difficult to explain to someone who hasn’t experienced it. You can talk about replacing roofs, repairing floors, or building wheelchair ramps, but those projects are only part of the entire story. The real impact comes from the people—the conversations on front porches, the stories shared over lunch, the friendships formed between volunteers and homeowners, and the way entire community’s welcome people they’ve never met before for just 8 weeks.
This summer challenged me in ways I didn’t see coming. It taught me to listen more than I speak. It reminded me that everyone has a story worth listening too. It challenged me to ask for help when I needed it and gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone. Most importantly, it showed me that giving back isn’t just about what you can offer someone else. Sometimes the greatest gift is what you receive in return.
As I am getting ready to leave Johnson City, the real treasures I’m taking home aren’t photos or simple souvenirs. They’re the stories generously shared with me, the lessons gained from each county, and a lasting appreciation for the area and people who call it home.
Thank you for following along with The Travelers this summer. Thank you for letting me share the places I explored, and the moments that have changed me. I arrived in Appalachia hoping to tell stories, but I’m leaving with a story of my own.
Goodbye for now,
Cassidy Smith
Story Gathering Intern
