Reflection Paper: How Volunteering Changed My Perspective

How Volunteering Changed My Perspective We live in a world where the newest clothes, phones, and cars are worshipped. There is a constant battle between companies for the money of teens. Meanwhile, families cannot afford heat, food, in worst cases even shelter. Almost always, poverty is followed by a high crime rate. This makes it difficult for parents to provide for their children. All of the needs of others are ignored for the rewards of a materialistic world. My experiences have humbled me and made me grateful for everything I have. I believe that schools should require some sort of volunteer work. What got me interested in volunteering was the first time I job shadowed IEMS paramedics in Indianapolis, especially in the region called Little Mexico. Little Mexico is a community that consists mostly of illegal, Spanish-speaking immigrants. According to city-data.com, In 2013 the poverty rate was 11.9% compared to the state rate of 9% (“Indianapolis, Indiana (IN),” 2015). Little Mexico is an area that has been hit hard by poverty. The increasing crime rate and gang violence is making it a very poor and dangerous place to live. That night, we were dispatched to a one …show more content…
I decided to visit one of the shelters to find out. Wheeler Mission Men’s Shelter is a non-profit, christian organization. They house a vast number of the homeless; However, due to overcrowding, many are turned out again on the streets within a few weeks. Wheeler Mission also has several work and training programs to help people get back on their feet. If they fail to exceed worker expectations they will be removed from the program. The shelter is based on the principle of earning the stay by working for the shelter. However, if an individual is too disabled to work, the shelter will only provide the necessities for up to six months. The result is putting them back out in the