Service Learning Reflection

Register to read the introduction… The room was big enough to hold people from different floors. It was located at the bottom of a ramp which made assistance necessary for the majority of residents coming or leaving the room. There was an elevator used near the room that required assistance operating and helping residents to their rooms. The room had a refrigerator filled with goodies as well as a small kitchen with an oven. Some of my time was spent in the residents halls and going to their rooms with snacks and drinks. A favorite nostalgic country music and variety TV show was shown in the resident lounge which housed a big screen TV as well as a large glass birdhouse with exotic birds. The smells varied throughout my experience from freshly baked cake to the fetid smell of some rooms to a distinctive “hospital smell” in other rooms.
What kind of tasks did you do while serving?

During “happy hour,” I would assist in going to residents’ rooms and offering snacks and drinks. I assisted in other activities such as baking and bingo. I helped bring residents to and from the activity room. General things such as passing out cards and chips for bingo or serving tea or coffee I was able to take care of so the coordinator could focus on the main task at hand. I was also able to directly interact with residents by running games of bingo and assisting residents in making a cake.
What are some of the systemic issues that contribute to the situation …show more content…
This experience is unique in how resonate with my own experiences and truly engages me in ways that I simply would not be able to simply by learning about it in a classroom.
In what way did your service-learning experiences express the mission of the University of St. Thomas?
I signed up to volunteer at St. Mary’s Home—a nursing home near St. Thomas. Because my father works there, I have been to St. Mary’s many times before. However, volunteering there was very new to me.
I had to understand the circumstances in which people were in and how interact with residents respectfully and compassionately which provided opportunities for personal growth by practicing integrity, justice and good stewardship. Though I was a bit hesitant, my experience has been very positive. Just being a volunteer without any related experience or skills, I was unqualified to help and many ways. The few menial tasks that I was able to do seemed to be met with much enthusiasm and appreciation. Simply helping someone to their seat bringing them a cup of tea or making conversation was enough make a smile. My goal was to help change everyone’s day for the better in what little ways I can and I think my experience reflects my