Service Learning Reflection Paper

Words: 967
Pages: 4

Service Learning Reflection
When an individual volunteers, they are choosing to act in recognition of a specific need, with an attitude of social responsibility and without concern for monetary profit. You provide services without expecting any form of payment. I took the course Human Relations in a Multicultural Society with Professor Sandell. During this course we were expected to complete eighteen hours of service learning or volunteering with a community we have not been exposed to. I chose to volunteer my time with disabled adults at Harry Meyering Center. After completing these hours, I have drawn conclusions about my past oppressions, my culture in comparison with the residents, and my use of power. I was able to apply what I have learned
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Harry Meyering is an intermediate care facility where adults with developmental disabilities live in home settings with help from several staff members. There are five apartments with twenty-five residents in the main building. The rooms are modified to fit the lifestyle that the residents require. The rooms are customized with wheelchair accessible doorways and tables, chair lifts, and automatic doors that are easy to open. In each apartment there are five bedrooms where each resident has their own bedroom that they are able personalize with their unique style. Individuals hang artwork, family pictures, and photographs of sports teams or famous celebrities. Residents share a living room, dining room, bathroom, and patio space. I volunteer Tuesdays and Wednesdays for one to two hours around noon. Once inside the center I meet up with one of the supervising staff members. We discuss what residents are currently doing and we assess the activities that I will be able to do for the day. On Tuesdays I normally do a one to one activity with one of the residents. These activities include cards, puzzles, reading books, or a craft. It is during that activity that we have a conversation regarding their day, discuss how they are feeling, and share stories. I was fortunate enough to have one of the residents teach me how to play a card game named Rummy. Rummy is her favorite card game