Service Learning Reflection
My service learning site was The Sharing Center. Their mission, “Is to provide emergency assistance to those in our community who are struggling to meet life’s most basic needs”, the homeless, homebound, single parent families and those who are not quit making ends meet. The services they offer are; Preparing and handing out take home meals and delivery of meals. Also offered; a food pantry, prescription program, sneaker program, thrift store and shelter. I volunteered at the food pantry and helping with the meal program.
The most enjoyable aspect of my experience is simply, being in the service of others. It reminds me of my blessings and I find that I am not thinking or dwelling on my problems, which actually are so small compared to theirs.
After finishing the four hours of service I volunteered for four more. I returned the following Saturday only to find the same volunteers working as before. I asked them, “do the ones you help volunteer any?” Their reply, “Sometimes, but it’s not required”. This to me was very frustrating, because they never have enough help. Therefore, some end up staying late, cleaning and preparing for the next day. Meals are seven days a week and Sundays are sack meals.
What did I gain from this experience? Esteem, toward those who, diligently and freely gave of themselves. Most of the volunteers either receiving assistance, or had received assistance in the past and no longer required it. I believe they realized, “When you are in the service of others you are in the service of the Lord”. I only hope that others are not so blinded by their own misfortune, and not return what was given to them so freely.
I am so glad I had this experience and the reason being; realizing that there are people who are appreciate the sacrifice and hard work of others. I sometimes forget that because there are so many diverse beliefs and a sense of reality with our patients and families. I was finding it...