Memorandum

DATE: May 10, 2024

TO: Professor Pier A. Le Compte-Zambrana

FROM: Alejandro Pérez, Eduardo Díaz, Estefanía Ramos, Kiara Hidalgo, and William García

SUBJECT: Progress Report on Community Service

OBJECTIVE

ENGL4021, commonly referred to as Technical Writing, forms an integral part of the biology
programs at the University of Puerto Rico at Ponce, equipping students with essential skills for
crafting technical documents. Under the guidance of Professor Pier LeCompte Zambrana, the
course emphasizes precision, clarity, consistency, and correctness in written communication.
Spanning from August to December of 2023, the curriculum encompasses a diverse array of
technical document elements, ranging from Minutes and Oral Presentations to Trip Reports,
Resumes, outlines, and emails, among other projects. The pinnacle of the course entails applying
these technical characteristics to produce a comprehensive Progress Report.

The central aim of the Progress Report is to instill in students a heightened sense of
responsibility while simultaneously contributing to the advancement of education and awareness
surrounding agriculture.

Moreover, "Huerto Atabey," overseen by the association "Coalición de Estudiantes Pro-

Agricultura" (CEPA), serves as a focal point for illustrating the ramifications of contamination
on our environment, aligning seamlessly with the broader objective of fostering ecological
awareness and responsibility within the student community.
INTRODUCTORY SUMMARY

Beginning on January 16, 2023, students enrolled in ENGL 4021 Section M03, under the
guidance of Professor Pier Le Compte, embarked on an eight-hour community service effort
focused on environmental stewardship. The culmination of this initiative was a group progress
report, due at the semester's close, detailing activities undertaken at the Atabey Garden,
University of Puerto Rico at Ponce. Tasks included cleaning, waste disposal, weed removal,
watering, and planting, with the collective aim of enhancing the garden's quality for the
upcoming Agriculture Fair. The team included Alejandro A. Pérez-Serbiá, Eduardo Díaz-Vega,
Estefanía Ramos-Cruz, Kiara M. Hidalgo-García, and William G. García-Menéndez.

COMPLETED TASKS

Each member of the group dedicated eight hours individually to the Atabey Garden, University
of Puerto Rico at Ponce, undertaking various tasks:

I. Weed Removal:

Using rakes, shovels, and hoes, excess weeds around the garden were diligently removed to
mitigate competition for nutrients, water, and sunlight, thereby optimizing conditions for plant
growth.

II. Watering:

Effective manual watering with hoses ensured plants received adequate moisture essential for
photosynthesis, nutrient absorption, and overall health, thereby safeguarding against
compromised crop yields due to insufficient or excessive watering.

III. Soil Preparation:

The soil in the Atabey garden was meticulously prepared for planting, involving the use of
pickaxes to address soil compaction, till the land, and incorporate organic matter. This crucial
step facilitated optimal root development, nutrient uptake, and water retention, laying the
foundation for successful agriculture.
Encountered Issues:

The progress report on the university's garden cleanup revealed several challenges that hindered
the project's overall success. It is imperative to acknowledge these obstacles to facilitate future
planning and enhancement. Key issues identified include:

Atabey Garden:

A. Inadequate organization and planning by CEPA.

B. Limited maintenance capabilities due to adverse weather conditions.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Briefly, the progress report underscores the diverse technical acumen acquired by ENGL4021
students from January to May 2023. While celebrating accomplishments, it is vital to address
encountered hurdles, notably the organizational deficiencies observed in the Atabey Garden
overseen by CEPA. These challenges underscore the significance of continual improvement in
community service endeavors. Integrating these insights into future initiatives promises to
cultivate a more effective and impactful learning environment for students and the wider
community alike.

SUPPORTING EVIDENCE

The evidence presented in this document to bolster our assertions and proposals primarily
consists of official certifications and service logs. These certifications offer tangible validation of
our actions, lending credibility and assurance to our Progress Report. Furthermore, service logs
meticulously outline the maintenance history and performance metrics, furnishing a thorough
account of our endeavors. By drawing upon these authenticated records, we fortify the reliability
of our assertions, ensuring an open and evidence-driven approach to our technical
documentation.
Service log: Atabey garden; Alejandro A. Pérez-Serbiá
Service log: Atabey garden; Estefanía Ramos-Cruz
Service log: Atabey garden; Eduardo Díaz-Vega
Service log: Atabey garden; Kiara M. Hidalgo-García
Service log: Atabey garden; William G. García-Menéndez
PROGRESS PHOTOS:

Picture taken by: Adler Torres-Santiago, on February 21, 2024.

Picture taken by: Shown Muñiz-Rodriguez, on April 03, 2024.

Picture taken by: Eduardo Díaz-Vega, on April 03, 2024.

Picture taken by: William G. García-Menéndez, on April 17, 2024.

Picture taken by: kiara M. Hidalgo-García, on April 17, 2024.