Relief After Disaster, an organization founded by junior Camila Young, has managed to host several events, including monthly zoom meetings with special speakers and a planting trees project, despite having been established so recently. For the past weeks, the executive board and R.A.D. members have been working on a big project that will be realized at the school: building a garden.

The project was first thought out by the R.A.D. club members at Belen, who then shared their idea with the Lourdes R.A.D. members, who instantly loved it. Gradually, more members of the organization became involved and eager to help.

“We were in one of our meetings and when they us told their idea and I thought: wow it’s actually a pretty good idea that we could do now,” said R.A.D. president Camila Young.

However, it is one thing to come up with an idea for a project and another to actually take action. Launching a project takes a great amount of work and commitment from all those participating, including the ones without a leadership position.

“The executive board has been very helpful by organizing and planning everything with me, but R.A.D. members outside of the executive board have allowed this project to get going,” said Young.

In addition to bringing awareness about the conservation of the environment, the garden will also be something appealing to look at while walking down the hallway in front of the new science classrooms (where the student center used to be).

“I think that looking at a garden instead of an empty space of roof will be a lot nicer. I can’t wait to see how the garden looks,” said junior and R.A.D. member Victoria Avila.

One of the challenges that comes with projects, especially at a school, is actually acquiring permission to carry out the project. In this case, members of the R.A.D. executive board reached out and presented their plans to the administration. After tirelessly sending emails back and forth, Sister Carmen approved the plan, giving R.A.D. the “go signal” to continue further planning.

“I was very excited when Sister Carmen told us our project was approved and I couldn’t wait to tell the other R.A.D. members,” said junior and R.A.D. secretary Christina Silva.

Upon hearing the news about the garden, many students at the school, even non-R.A.D. members, have offered to lend a hand to start this project. Unfortunately, despite the support the organization has received, they are in need of funds to finally execute their plans. Luckily, they have an idea.

“We are planning to do a kickball tournament with the Belen club as a way to raise money for the garden,” said junior Christina Silva.

Once they gain the necessary funds to commence the garden, the construction of the garden will have to take place during the beginning of summer vacation.

“With APs and finals, people will not have time to work on the garden, so we figured that we will have to work on it the first weeks of summer,” said Young.

As founder and president of R.A.D., Camila Young is very excited to see advancement in their plans. She is still amazed at how many people have collaborated with her to make events happen and cannot wait to see what R.A.D. will accomplish in the future.

“I’m really excited to start this initiative with everyone. Hopefully in the future we can do the same project in other schools,” said Camila Young.