Friday, July 22, 2016

Madison Served Dinner at Veterans Village and Will be Back!


 Student Service Project Report Summer 2016
“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”- Maya Angelou
I believe that this quote ties in well with my experience at Veteran’s Village because though they probably won’t remember who I am, they won’t forget how good they felt when they saw students there to provide them with dinner. I really admire how passionate my teacher is about the importance of engaging and giving back to those in need in the community. Though I liked taking this class online and not having to wake up every morning, I do wish I could have had Professor Soldani in class because I would have really enjoyed listening to her lectures. She seems very inspiring and I definitely would recommend taking this professor for American history.
             For my service project I chose to attend Veteran’s Village. I was a bit skeptical at first, at attending Veteran’s Village because I was not too sure what to expect. Arriving at the townhome community and being welcomed by Professor Soldani and a nice older man downstairs that helped with directions, made walking into a new environment very comforting. All of the other volunteers were really nice as well, making the experience fun and enjoyable. Participating in Veteran’s Village, brought to my attention that the little things in life that I sometimes take for granted, should be appreciated more because situations could be a lot worse. I am thankful for everything I am able to do in my life and also being able to help others in need. Sometimes I get so wrapped up in my life, along with homework, that it felt good to just take a break and do something nice for others. I enjoyed taking the time out of my day to provide dinner to the veteran’s, my part was the drinks. Before they started to arrive, I was shown the stocked food pantry of can foods for the veterans. I thought that was really awesome that this facility provided that.  As they arrived, I watched many of their faces light up when they walked through the door and saw us there and it warmed my heart. All of the classmates that attended, prepared a delicious dish and the veteran’s loved it. Some even came back for seconds. Though I did not make a ton of conversations with the veteran’s, the few that I did talk to I would ask how their day was going as I handed them their drink. They thanked me but really, I was showing them that I am thankful for what they have done. I am thankful for the arm services, these individuals I feel should be acknowledged for all that they have contributed, for some, even their lives, so we can enjoy the freedom and amenities that we have today. I am grateful for the opportunity to show these men and women my appreciation for all that they have done. If I ever need another service project, I know where I’m going to go!