My name is Veronica Entley. I am currently an incoming sophomore at the University of Notre Dame, studying environmental engineering. For the summer of 2026, I interned with ASPI through the NDBridge program with the Notre Dame Institute of Social Concerns. Being from Arizona, I had no idea what to expect working in rural Kentucky. ASPI showed me a completely different part of the United States I likely would have never experienced and truly changed my life.
While we were there to help with ASPI infrastructure, Timi mentioned that her goal for us was to become integrated into the community and learn. She sent us all throughout eastern Kentucky to help out. We had the opportunity to assist in digging trenches for spring water systems, constructing community centers and footbridges for other non-profits, and working on upkeep projects at the ASPI Mt. Vernon office and river site. No words can truly describe how much I have learned from the community here.
Throughout the summer, I tried to capture this experience through a documentary-style film. I got to interview a lot of the ASPI board about their experiences living in Appalachia, working with ASPI, and efforts towards sustainable development in the region. Their stories shifted my perspective on what sustainability can mean for rural communities. Rather than a “trend” that is often in more urban spaces, sustainability in these communities is often a necessity. Sustainable practices are a pathway for affordability, simplicity, and livelihood for families. I have seen their integration in the community in so many different ways – from growing and harvesting their own food to creating art from recycled and household materials to transitioning to be completely off-grid.
If you are contemplating participating in any sort of program or volunteer experience with ASPI, I would recommend it in a heartbeat. Whether you are an engineering student interested in exploring energy in rural spaces or more humanities-minded and interested in oral histories throughout the region, this experience will change you. If you are interested in learning more about ASPI or the documentary I created in my time here, click below to watch.
