Amanda Roche
AA Reaction Paper
I went to an AA meeting on November 20th, 9:00 am at the Summit Center. Cristina and I walked into the building not really knowing what to expect. In order to properly explain my reaction I feel that it’s important to think about all aspects of my experience and thoughts about the meeting. I will first think back to my expectations for the meeting, then my initial reactions throughout the meeting, and finally reflect on the overall experience.
My thoughts and expectations for the meeting have only been shaped by media influences and my prior experience. Since I had no experience with alcoholics really in my life, all of my expectations were formed off of what I have seen on T.V. or in movies. I pictured walking into a room filled with people and a table in the back filled with donuts and coffee. I thought I could just sit in the back unnoticed by everyone else and just listen in as an observer. For me, I thought the meeting would go like any other inspirational meeting. I expected there to be a definite leader who would introduce other speakers to help reach out to the alcoholics in the audience.
However, the actual meeting differed tremendously from my expectations and invoked powerful emotions within me. I quickly learned how ignorant to the process I really was. First of all, it was a group of 9 people including Cristina and I. It was a small gathering and everyone seemed to know each other. I remember thinking how great it was that each person knew each other, and I think that really helps build support and trust within the group. I almost felt that I was intruding on their personal meeting, but it was open and everyone was willing to share this experience with us. The really powerful aspects of the meeting were when everyone told their stories. Each person was so willing to share the struggles they have endured and are still enduring. Although I won’t go into anyone’s personal stories, there was a man there who talked...