London, ON – 5^th year Mustangs Defensive Back Chris Cameron-Kogler has embraced the values of teamwork and resilience during his time at Western. While the football field has been a significant part of his journey, it was a life-changing project in the Andes Mountains of Bolivia that left an indelible mark on his life.

This unique endeavour not only transformed the communities Cameron-Kogler and his fellow students served but also profoundly impacted his personal growth.



As an engineering student at Western, Cameron-Kogler joined the Engineers in Action (EIA) club during his second semester in 2023. Little did he know that this decision would lead him to a remote corner of Bolivia, where he would participate in a project aimed at providing clean drinking water to two indigenous communities.

The project involved extensive planning and collaboration with students from the University of Colorado Boulder, all under the guidance of the EIA non-profit organization. The logistics, design, and calculations were meticulously organized before the team embarked on their two-month journey to Bolivia.

Upon arriving in the isolated communities nestled in the Andes Mountains, Cameron-Kogler and his team were welcomed with open arms. The locals, who rarely receive visitors, treated them like family. From sharing meals to exchanging cultural experiences, the bond formed between the students and the indigenous community members was extraordinary.

"The interaction with the locals was very special," Cameron-Kogler said. "They made us feel like family."



However, it was not all smooth sailing. The challenges of working in a remote location, coupled with the language barrier, tested the team's mettle. Living off the grid in harsh environmental conditions, including freezing temperatures and altitude sickness, further added to the complexity of the project.

But Cameron-Kogler and his team persevered, driven by the knowledge that their efforts would make a lasting difference in the lives of the community members.

"This experience was extremely meaningful to me," Cameron-Kogler said. "Not only did I get the engineering work experience of doing the design process, but I also got to do the manual labour and see all the ins and outs of how difficult this work is and how difficult the conditions are."

Cameron-Kogler's time in Bolivia was more than just a project; it was a profound learning experience. He gained invaluable life skills, engineering expertise, and a deep appreciation for the resilience of the indigenous communities. The project not only confirmed his passion for civil and environmental engineering with a focus on international development but also opened his eyes to the challenges faced by people around the world.

"Getting to actually travel and face the challenges and live through the challenges that these people live through, you know, without any drinking water, living off-grid, no electricity, no access to any medical centers, any school, higher education, et cetera, it's really opened my eyes to what some people around the world have to endure," Cameron-Kogler said.



One of the most significant lessons Cameron-Kogler learned from this experience was the power of teamwork and resilience. The project required the collaboration of seven students, three masons, and numerous community members. Each person played a vital role in the success of the project, demonstrating the importance of coming together for a common goal.

"It was an amazing experience," Cameron-Kogler said. "It was very difficult, but it really taught me a lot about teamwork and the importance of coming together and everybody asserting and performing their role to the best of their abilities in order to accomplish a common goal."

This experience has left an indelible mark on Cameron-Kogler's future plans. He now envisions a career in civil and environmental engineering with a focus on international development. The project in Bolivia not only confirmed his passion for this field but also reinforced his belief in the power of engineering to create positive change in the world.

For Cameron-Kogler, giving back is an essential part of his journey as a student-athlete. He believes that sharing his experiences and knowledge with others is the most rewarding aspect of his achievements. In Bolivia, he had the opportunity to inspire the youth in the community by engaging them in his daily workouts and training sessions.

"Giving back is very important," Cameron-Kogler said. "I mean, that's probably the most rewarding thing you can do as an athlete, as a student-athlete, after going through all the successes and failures is to help the next generation kind of learn from you and give back to people who are less fortunate."



Cameron-Kogler's story is a testament to the transformative power of experiences that go beyond the boundaries of sports and academics. His journey to Bolivia not only changed the lives of the indigenous communities but also shaped his own perspective on life, engineering, and the importance of giving back.

"It was an uncomfortable experience, but it was purely up my alley when it comes to the academic side of what I was studying," Cameron-Kogler said. "For me personally and for my academic career, it was a huge learning curve and a great learning experience."

As he continues his studies and football career at Western, Cameron-Kogler remains committed to using his skills and experiences to make a lasting impact on the world.