Learning Through Serving

How Volunteering Has Refocused One Woman’s Life

Sai Cambell first began cycling in the fall of ‘18 at her doctor’s recommendation. Struggling with high blood pressure, she knew that she needed to incorporate something active into her daily life. But Sai feared that cycling might fall to the same fate as some of her past attempts to try something new; she might lose interest. 

In an effort to keep cycling exciting, Sai sought out anything she could find to keep it interesting for her. She quickly found Bike Party, a monthly group cycling event put on by Bike Walk Macon. This event increased her confidence to cycle on the road and introduced her to the fun and supportive community that surrounds cycling. Shortly thereafter, Sai learned of the new Re-Cycle Macon co-op offered at Centenary Community Ministries Inc., where she had a plot in the community garden.

She came to the first co-op event in early 2019 and was greatly impressed with the program. Having had some trouble with a bike she had recently purchased, the event gave her the chance to have someone knowledgable take a look at it and help her understand the problem. In addition to having the opportunity to learn from individuals who repair bikes professionally, Sai also saw how the program offered a chance for disadvantaged community members to earn a bike through community service. She immediately knew that this program was something special.    

In the months that followed, Sai made sure to be at every co-op event. She quickly realized that learning to work on bicycles brought her joy and was something she could see herself honing as a career. Each month, she enjoyed learning more from the Bike Tech professionals as well as using what she knows to help those around her. The co-op community is a group that Sai loves to be a part of each month. She finds the eclectic make-up of neighborhood families, individuals in rehab, persons with developmental disabilities, bike technicians, homeless persons, and church members an environment where anyone can come and belong. The inclusivity in the room “makes the whole program feel more welcoming because everyone is there with no judgment.”

To Sai, this program has helped her refocus her life. She plans to gain more bike experience through volunteering and eventually find a job where she can help others with bike repairs the way the program has helped her. The co-op showed her the impact of a bike and the power of working together to stay active and build community.  Now interning with the program, Sai plans to keep coming, continue learning, and growing her community through ReCylce Macon’s Co-op.