How You Can Use Your Professional Skills to Build Something Bigger

by Kennon Matthews, Metrology Engineer, ReLogic Research, Inc., REI Volunteer, Short-Term Business Team, Indonesia

Could eight days really make a difference?

That was the question I asked myself as I was deciding whether or not to join this REI team going to Indonesia. I wanted to use the skills I’d developed throughout my career to encourage and equip others, but I also wondered whether such a short trip could actually have any lasting impact.

Why I Said, “Yes”

I wanted to do more than just volunteer. Throughout my professional career many colleagues and mentors have shared their knowledge with me, purposefully investing in me both professionally, and sometimes personally too, as I’ve built my career. I wanted to share that with others and do it in a place where it’s really needed, like Indonesia.

The other thing too though is that I’ve genuinely been curious about REI and how they do their work around the world. And that’s part of what led me to this opportunity as well: I’ve been asking if I could envision myself living and working long-term in a place like Indonesia. Wouldn’t the opportunity to serve on a short-term team to Indonesia be the perfect way to explore that possibility?

No Surprise: Eight Days Does Feel Short . . .

How would eight days be a long enough time to make any meaningful difference? How would I experience enough of Indonesian life and culture, as well as the work rhythms, to honestly be able to envision my life there?

The truth is that more time isn’t always necessary. Sometimes – even across cultures and languages – you just know you belong.

Kennon teaching at Brawijaya University in Malang, Indonesia

I expected to Teach. I Didn’t Expect to Learn So Much.

I expected to lead training sessions – engage with university faculty and students as well as consult with the local foundation with whom REI partners. I didn’t expect to learn so much myself. To be honest, I’m not sure if I didn’t learn more than I taught, which created a uniquely impressive exchange.

Traveling to the other side of the world, to a country I had never visited and whose language I did not understand, naturally came with some nerves. However, those quickly calmed as I was immediately met with the overwhelming warmth, hospitality and kindness of the Indonesian people.

They welcomed me with natural ease from the moment of my arrival, making it easy to step into their culture and context, with a foreign language. I soaked up every moment, interacting with local people and learning everything about their culture; eating their food, trying to speak the new words I’d learned, visiting their homes and seeing their city. It is a culture I hope to continue learning about, whether through future short-term trips or a longer-term commitment.

Kennon learning about Holistikas biochar instillation from Peter (Holistika board member)

Here’s What Changed My Thinking

It wasn’t just the people of Indonesia but also the REI team.

The REI resident team was impressive, equally as welcoming, generous, warm and open as their host culture, the local Indonesians.

You never really know how well you will fit into a new group, but this team went above and beyond. And any of my uncertainty or apprehension quickly faded.

Hosting a short-term team of volunteers while balancing the demands of their everyday life did not look easy: They are raising two toddlers with a third on the way, juggling work schedules and meeting with mentoring three new field staff who have been learning language and beginning master’s degree programs.

Kennon with Jake and Amber Fettig (REI's Indonesia Country Leaders) with their kids and Tim Moore (left, REI's Director of Short-Term Teams)

Yet, each person on REI’s resident team was gracious with their time, eager to take the time to show me their work, whether it was projects with the local foundation, interacting with faculty and students at the university or getting to see what it takes to earn a master’s degree in Indonesia.

Their commitment to their work and the Indonesian people seemed to motivate how intentional they were about helping me understand how I could contribute in a meaningful way. And I did, I added my contribution alongside theirs, reassured it was significant toward something bigger.

Eight Days Does Matter

While it can be challenging to measure meaningful impact over the course of only eight days, I came away convinced that short-term teams are not isolated events: They’re building blocks. Each visit strengthens relationships, encourages local partners and contributes to work that continues long after the team returns home.

Kennon with Holistika staff (local foundation)

Your Invitation to Build Something Bigger

If you’ve ever wondered whether your professional experience could make a difference somewhere in the world, I’d encourage you to consider volunteering for one of REI’s short-term teams.

You’ll experience another culture. You’ll meet incredible people. You’ll use your skills in meaningful ways. You’ll be a part of helping to build something bigger.

And chances are, you’ll return home, after something like eight days, having received just as much as you gave.