Veterans Village: Honestly to sum up my whole experience working at veteran’s village I would have to use the word transcendent.

(Service Project Fall 2015)

“You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” 
― Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

            Honestly to sum up my whole experience working at veteran’s village I would have to use the word transcendent. This experience has truly changed my life. I never realized before this, that my time would be worth so much. I didn’t have to give any of the men and women their gifts to make them feel happy. Talking with them, reliving events of their past, and just making them feel pride in their service for our country was worth so much more. Giving the veterans a group of friends that truly do appreciate them, is the best support in their journey to getting back on their feet. Each person there is drastically unique. From the not so “qualified” dentist, to Marvin who likes to make mix tapes for you. I look forward to continuing to come to Thursday night gatherings, and getting to know even more of the veterans there. For the actual service project part I decided to bring a Christmas gift. My Christmas gift was a pair of flannel pajama pants, a matching thermal long john top, and a pair of also matching slippers. (I really do hope they appreciate how good I matched everything.) I decided to give the gift of pajamas and slippers because that’s a luxury I know not everyone there has. It’s getting colder and having something warm to sleep in or just relax for the day is important. Christmas is a very family oriented holiday. For the veterans that don’t have a family, giving them a Christmas gift lets them know that they have people that care about them. Just the act of giving can change a person’s mindset. I hope my gift makes someone’s day, and helps them to realize they are not alone.

Service Project: All of my life I have never wanted for anything but I also failed to realize how many want for so much and cannot have it.

 “As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others,” said Audrey Hepburn. Well over my years, not only have I learned the use of my hands but I have also realized the importance of my helping hands to others. For my service project, I adopted a Veteran by the name of Marshall and bought him gifts for Christmas. For Christmas I got him two towels, two rags and a bathroom rug. All of my life I have never wanted for anything but I also failed to realize how many want for so much and cannot have it. I chose to do this for my service project because during the holidays, I tend to get really selfish and never think about those who are unable to receive the way I receive each year. By giving a gift to someone, I know there is one less person out there without a gift from someone this season. The project had an educational impact on my life because my career goal is to become a doctor. In that position, I need to learn to have more compassion for people. I believe I also need to be prepared to see all kinds of people and be able to deal with different families and situations. Buying a gift for Marshall, I know it will have a great impact on his life. He needs to know and will know that he was thought about over this holiday season. I hope he has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Service Project: The The delight of giving makes me feel like I am not only living for my own joy, but for the joy of another person.

(Another in a series of student essays from Fall 2015)

“We need more kindness, more compassion, more joy, more laughter. I definitely want to contribute to that.” - Ellen DeGeneres

A present should not be a gift that is simply given to somebody on Christmas or a Birthday; it should be given year round for any purpose, such as a unique event when somebody accomplishes something uncommon or something that is important to them. For this situation, the gift that I gave was something she may need this winter season. Gifts are given for a purpose. The purpose of my gifts is to show love and warmth to this individual, letting her know that she is much-loved. The object that is in my gift box is something that can be worn. It is used during the winter season. It likewise helps draws out her external excellence. When I was younger, I had gotten different gifts from individuals that were amazing. It isn't that the individual went to the store with the intention of purchasing a distasteful gift or anything of the sort. Individuals give others presents on the grounds that giving gifts is a legitimate way to praise someone; this lets him/her know you are thinking of him/her and would like to do something nice for him/her. I hope that the gift that I gave puts a smile on her face and gives her the certainty required. This task of giving somebody a present has affected my life in an incredible way. It made me feel fulfilled; it also made me feel great knowing that I might have fulfilled a person’s needs.

The delight of giving makes me feel like I am not only living for my own joy, but for the joy of another person. I love putting a smile on someone’s face. I could only hope I did the same in this case. I put my love, happiness, and goodwill into the box, and I hope it is received with the same content.

Service Project: I actually regret not going to Veterans Village earlier in the year because I really enjoyed myself.

            “The best way to find yourself…is to lose yourself in the service of others” said Mahatma Gandhi. This has to be one of my favorite quotes. To me this quote means that it’s one thing to do something good for yourself but it’s another thing to do it for someone else. People in today’s society are often desensitized from what goes on in the real world. Everyone isn’t as blessed and fortunate as some people are, and they may not be able to afford the flashy lifestyle. Often times people get caught up in those finer things and how good they make them feel. But it is very important that we take some of that good and give back. Not necessarily saying go buy something expensive that you know someone can’t afford but just simply do a good deed. You may have every material thing you ever wanted and karma can still repay you with something even better, maybe an opportunity. And that’s what this quote symbolizes to me, is that you can have it all and still be kind enough to help someone else, you never know what you’ll get out of it.

            With that being said, for my service project I decided to volunteer at a Veterans Village. When I went, I helped out with the food bringing garlic bread for the vets, and a classmate and I thought it would be fun if we brought paint and crafts for the vets. Together we decorated the house with red Christmas bows, designed some ornaments to put on their tree, and we let them personalize picture frames of their choice. I chose to do this service because I haven’t done something like this in a while. I actually regret not going to Veterans Village earlier in the year because I really enjoyed myself. Last Easter, after church my family and I went to a nursery home to welcome them with some home-made desserts, help the staff fix the food, and help clean up afterwards. Something like this may seem little but it’s always the thought that counts. I felt like going to the nursery home meant a lot to them because as soon as you walk in their faces light up with smiles so big! It’s so touching when the elderly are happy to see a new, young, helping face around. That day, I went home with a warm heart because I was able to make someone’s day a little better. I hope I did that with the veterans as well because going there definitely makes my day!

            The people at Veterans Village definitely have an impact on my educational path and outlook on veterans in general. To be in class and learning about them is completely different than actually meeting and getting to speak with one. Giving us their insight on life and hearing about what they did for not only us, but this country as well, just makes me have a new appreciation for all veterans. My favorite moment at the Village was at the end of the dinner when talking to Ron, Dr. Soldani, and Brittany. Ron was telling us about the troubles he’s had with his son and told us how he’s always bragging about his Master’s degree. Ron says that he told him simply that he “has a Master’s degree in life.” This was so remarkable to me and its s phrase that I’ll always remember! It shows that some people may have the highest education but what is life if it doesn’t put any obstacles in front of you. And Ron has surpassed all of his obstacles!

            One major reason I feel so compassionate about the veterans and elderly is because my granddad was a veteran and my grandmother is about 65 years old! So I imagine if one of them ever had to go to a place like that and how I would want people to treat them. I’m feeling pretty good that the last two weeks of my going to Veterans Village has had a positive impact on the veterans there. Its holiday season so the ornaments we made and the decorations we put up will be around for the holidays. Also, the picture frames they personalized can either be gifts to someone else or kept for their own memories. This reminded me of when I went to the nursery home and how I made the elderly feel so I wanted to be able to give the veterans that same feeling of joy. This was simply an activity to do other than their usual Thursday night dinner but I really hope it’s something they’ll remember!

Service Project: Everyone I told about this project would say things like that’s stupid or just take an F.

(Student Essay Fall 2015)

Dalai Lama once said, "Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." When I was first given this project I originally thought of the simplest thing to do which was just to past out food to homeless people. But when you really think about it, how many times have that been done? How easy would that be? It's not a genuine act because there's no thought behind it. I was given the choice of buying a Christmas for someone at veteran village. Everyone I told about this project would say things like that’s stupid or just take an F. I have always been the type to help those in need. I looked at the project as these people risked their lives for me, so I should be able to risk a few dollars on them. I knew if it was the other way around and I was in their shoes and someone bought me a gift I'd be more than happy and appreciative. I started doing this because I felt obligated to but it was until I went to get the gifts when I actually thought about it.

For my veteran I tried to think about what would be most useful for them and what they would need. I picked up a cotton sweat suit because I remember when I first moved up here I had no winter clothes. I had one sweater and maybe 5 pairs of jeans. That was the worst feeling ever for me. I was freezing for so many days. I figured with it being winter time and knowing how cold Tallahassee can get a sweat suit would be most beneficial for them to keep them warm. I also bought the big cotton towels. Towels are not as extravagant but they are definitely a necessity and the cotton ones are quite comfortable and feels good on the skin. I'm not sure if the toaster would be something that my veteran would be looking forward to but toasters come in handy when you're in need of a quick breakfast.

By doing this project rather than impacting me educationally it impacts me emotionally. It help me realize that there is more to life than just receiving, sometimes it is the giving that gives you joy. It makes me feel good to know I did something for someone who was in need, someone who probably is expecting nothing but knowing that someone somewhere got them something would brighten their day. I think that if this was broadcasted to the community more people would join to make Christmas special for all veterans not just at veterans village but everywhere. Even if it doesn’t touch 100 people if touches just 10 it would make a difference. I'm sure all veterans whose a part of this gift exchange would be more than grateful and honored at the little gestures even if it isn't much to them it may mean a whole lot to know someone cares.

Service Project: One of my goals in life is to always find a way to give back to people whether I'm at work, at school or just out in the community

(Another in a series of Student Essays)

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel." -Maya Angelou

We deal with people every day that may not be as fortunate as we are and may not have what we have. I have learned that if you have something that you could big or small you should because it leaves a lasting effect on a person. Although I have always been the type of person to give and do great things for people, but this year I see people that are really appreciative for the little things. As I read the story Laughing Yoga Frog I found it to be a very good story because you have a teacher that wanted this frog from Cracker Barrel that she thought was gone after a few times of visiting the restaurant, but she was able to get the last one for 80% off. She had a student name Alex that was in wheel chair and he had a man name Reggie that would help him to class, but one day they discovered that Reggie was taking money from Alex's account. Through the pictures that the teacher would take at the end of every semester she was able to help catch Reggie which was a name she made up for the guy. Although she wrote this book, she had also given the frog to Alex even though she had wanted it really bad.

This semester I met a teacher who not only teaches her students about history, but she teaches them about values and how it’s good to give back. It's normal to cook food for people you know, but when I got the chance to cook food for people at Veterans village that made me see how the little things count the most. I really extended a helping hand this year because I cooked food a couple times for strangers that’s something that I never thought of doing. Not everyone has a family to go home too that could cook for them, no they might remember my face but they will remember how students came with their teacher and help serve them. Although it begin in class just the thought of me doing something for someone else is good because I know how it feels to not having much and to have people give to my family so that’s why one of my goals in life is to always find a way to give back to people whether I'm at work, at school or just out in the community it’s always good to give back.

For my service project I decided to buy Alex a body wash giftset. While choosing that gift I thought it would be nice because everyone likes to smell good. When thinking about what I should get him, I thought of something that I would want as a present because I always learned that when you are thinking about giving someone something, never give them anything that you wanted you like for yourself. Even though this is someone I have never met, when choosing his gift I asked a friend that I work with, that’s a guy, would this be something that he would like? And he said yes. So that was some assistance in choosing the gift. I also decided to get him a card because I know if someone was sending me a gift that I would like to read something along with my gift. I also brought Alex some snacks that he could enjoy as well. Even though it’s a project for class I still have to be considerate as if it was a gift for someone I know. Doing this is a good thing because we never know what someone is going through and it’s the holiday season so sending a stranger a gift will not only make them feel good and feel important but it will leave a lasting effect on them that will never forget. It’s also something forget because it is something that I have never done before. So doing this makes me feel good because I was able to take part in bringing someone joy.

From going to the Veterans Village and sending Alex something for Christmas this semester has put a lasting joy on me because through this class I have served people by cooking meals and sending a gift. Anyone can do these things, but it takes a person with a heart to do it and actually find joy in doing things such as I did this semester.

"I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy."

 - Rabindranath Tagore

Service Project: I also got Alex an extra tooth brush and toothpaste for all that candy he will be getting

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.

For my service project I chose to send Alex Lehr a couple of things I think he would enjoy. I chose this specific project because I have a soft spot in my heart for disabled people. I have a step-brother who is disabled and I try as much as possible to make them make feel as normal as possible although everyone else may treat them other ways. I heard that Alex loved candy, I thought that everyone would go out and buy him a whole bunch of candy so I chose to do something a little different. I bought him a book that his aid could read to him sometimes, also a book of crossword puzzles that he can do to with his aid as well to keep him a little entertained some days. I got him cookies and candy as well, but I tried not to make that my main focus. I also got Alex an extra tooth brush and toothpaste for all that candy he will be gettingJ. With a little friendly Christmas note that I think he would enjoy. I try everything in my power to    make everyone I come in contact with feel as special as they really are. I got him the things I got because unlike candy that makes someone happy for a moment, the many activities that I have gave him can keep him busy for a while and he might even find that he likes reading or doing crosswords and could take that up as a hobby.

This service project had an impact on my educational wisdom because I helped me understand that being able to do something for someone that is not forced helps you grow as a person. It makes you feel better knowing that you are spreading your kindness to a complete stranger that you may not ever meet but just to know that someone out there named Kayla  thought so much about them and used her own money to make them feel special. For this project I talked to a lot of people about it asking what should I send and what my project was for. I think it will impact the people around me to start doing for others. Not by just sending someone a box of things but the thought of doing for someone else besides their selves and putting some good into the world and not expect something in return. My service project may not impact the community because it was a private thing but the other ideas that I’ve heard during the time we had to do the project could impact the community because there were some really good ideas out there that people were going to do that others could join in on and make it into something.

Service Project: I will be an ambassador that will ensure cancer patients around my home have timely access to the treatment they require.

Driving Cancer patients

There has been remarkable progress in the fight against cancer that has seen many cancer care centres that are fully equipped being set up in different areas of the United States. There have also been advances in the medical field that have led to reduced costs of cancer care and enhanced cancer equipment that has made it easy and faster to detect, treat and manage cancer.

Despite these developments, cancer is still a big burden to the society and is the cause of many deaths and suffering among many patients. According to Cancer facts and figures report of 2015, about 589,430 Americans are expected to die of cancer, or about 1,620 people per day in 2015 alone (Breast Carcinoma In Situ and American Cancer Society).  Sadly, some of the deaths cases could be prevented if the patients received effective treatment in good time.

There are many known barriers inhibiting patients from effective cancer treatment. Whereas some like patients believes, lack of proper funding due to underinsurance or lack if it may not have immediate solutions, others like inability to access treatment centres can be addressed almost instantly.

Much research work has been conducted around cancer patients’ experiences of transport and travelling for treatment but very little has been done to get solutions around the difficulties in transportation. According to the American Cancer Society, access to transportation is one of the barriers to effective cancer treatment and management. Similarly, studies have shown that transportation is indeed a barrier to some cancer patients especially those from minority groups and those located far away from the facilities with the required equipment (Guidry, Aday and Zhang). According to Guidry et al, availability and affordability of transport were the two main issues that needed to be tackled in order for cancer patients to access the cancer care facilities for their specific requirements.

Many of the Cancer patients cited transportation to and from treatment as a critical need second to financial assistance. To bridge this gap, the American Cancer Society launched a program called Road to Recovery that enlists the services of trained drivers to work as volunteers to drive cancer patients to and from treatment centres.

From my experience as a young boy who encountered first-hand experience, cancer patients need to be cared for not only by the State but also by everyone with ability to do so. As such, I would like to be a volunteer driver transporting patients living around Boulevard to their life saving treatment centres.

My desire to contribute towards alleviating the suffering of cancer patients started when I was just 20 years. At that time, my family and I lived in the suburbs in Florida where the nearest cancer facility was about 20 miles away. That was also the time when I met with the harsh reality of the suffering occasioned by cancer. My friend’s mother who was also our immediate neighbour was on long term treatment of cervical cancer that had been diagnosed about five years earlier. She was a single parent with no medical insurance cover and a stable job, as such; much of the little that she earned was spent on hospital visits and drugs.

 I can remember the suffering she went through as if the events happened recently. I can remember when she got bed ridden with no one to care for her other than her seven year old son. She became completely unable to support herself let alone to walk a couple of miles to catch public transport to the facility for treatment. Her situation worsened so fast that within two or three days, she was taken into a coma. My parents together with the local authorities tried to find a way out, to ensure she gets to her hospital but finding means was a bit difficult. It took about five hours to get one but it was too late. She was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Hospital.

This experience turned me into a social being. To always be grateful for my healthy condition and to do all it takes to assist those who are terminally ill. It pushed me towards alleviating pains from cancer patients. As a student, I plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in medicine to arm myself with life saving knowledge to achieve my ambition. I will be an ambassador that will ensure cancer patients around my home have timely access to the treatment they require.

In the mean time, I intend to use my driving license that I acquired two years ago to apply for a position of a volunteer driver with American Cancer Society’s Road to recovery program during holidays. I started driving at 16 and I also have a car that my parents bought for me to use as my means of transport to and from College. It is ideal for the job as it is in a very good condition and is fully insured.  

Service Project: She suffered from depression as result to her blind condition, but my good deeds had filled her with silent happiness she held onto in darker moments.

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

                  It was the dawn of a new day, and I had rose early to it like many others, but I Had work to do. Unlike most days however, I was not bringing a huge backpack, but a simple tiny bag to hold my wallet, my headphones, and an umbrella in case it rained. The path was already mapped out in my head, and as I stepped out to greet my good deeds, I prayed my phone would stay charged.

The first time I walked four miles ( a total of two and a half hours), I was swamped and didn’t know If I had the energy to weed, but gladly I snagged lunch at Larry’s Giant Subs, and in minutes I was ready to weed Mrs. Davenport’s garden.

She was an older woman, glasses as thick as a table, and useless even then. She could see but a pinprick compared to others, and I felt terrible, but quickly remembered it wasn’t me we were thinking of that day.

She showed me her garden and stated she has introduced invasive plants over the years without realizing it. When I inspected it I had realized quite yes, it was well overwhelmed and would be keeping my weekends very busy for a few months to come. Sure enough after each time I tugged, snapped and tied up a garbage bag, the ground cover was uprooted; hundreds of thick treelike plants were removed. Many other things such as common weeds, catbrier and wandering Jew was disposed of, leaving her with a tiled and healthy garden that could breathe once more.

She gave very little praise to my face, saw me little, and at one point I had thought maybe she did not want me there, but sure enough my roommate had told me how happy she felt. She suffered from depression as result to her blind condition, but my good deeds had filled her with silent happiness she held onto in darker moments.

I learned not only is it good to help others, but by doing so it means they can lean on you. We ourselves need to learn that we can lean on others too, and in that lesson I felt my body grow stronger, more sound, and soon enough I was stretching in the meditation room, practicing my spiritual craft again. A simple good deed allowed me to become sound, that I saw my educational background in a new light.

This light was that I could depend on my fellow friends and classmates, that we were all in on the struggle together. It spurred many great things to help others, and in the end it allowed us to be able to rest and fight the storm in a stronger more, sturdier stance.   

It all started when one person challenged me to give, and in that I vowed silently to give, because after all a witch can do is make a difference  one day at a time.

Service Project: People feel so loved and empowered when they are aware that someone cares for them, and why would I not strive more often to contribute to that?

 “You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” 
― Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

            For my service project I brought something that I love and am passionate about to people with a need. This is going to sound really cheesy, but I love Chick-fil-A. After I dropped out of college for personal and financial reasons, I was desperately looking for a job to consume my time and to start paying off debt.  Chick-fil-A hired me about a month after I stopped attending school and it gave me purpose in my year off of school. Chick-fil-A has a very special piece in my heart and I love being able to share it with people.

            Originally when thinking of my service project, I just knew I wanted to engage in conversation with people.  I think loneliness is a huge struggle in our society and I want to serve people with company.  So being able to bring Chick-fil-A to Veterans Village and engage in conversation with the Veterans was a very rewarding experience.  They were all so excited about getting free Chick-fil-A and it was really fun to serve that to them.

            Some of the Veterans were very reserved, but the ones that I got to talk to were really enjoyable and it’s just so fun to listen to people talk about things they care about. I know that I didn’t work for Chick-fil-A when I did this service project, but it was cool to talk to them about the good that Chick-fil-A does in general and in my life.  I really enjoyed just getting a glimpse into some of their stories.

            I think genuine care and service is displayed in people and their actions, not just people giving things.  It would have been very easy for me to drop off the food and leave, but service is more about time and using our abilities then just simply giving.  People have a lot to offer just within themselves, not necessarily what they can just physically give.  If I had showed up to Veterans Village without food, just to chat and engage with others, I believe there still would have been a significant impact. I know that I feel much more valued and cared for when someone reaches out to genuinely ask about my day and who I am than I do when I am given things and left with them. 

            From this experience I learned that I need to get back into serving more regularly.  I love listening to peoples stories and learning more about them as individuals, and this experience reminded me of that passion.  People feel so loved and empowered when they are aware that someone cares for them, and why would I not strive more often to contribute to that?  I’m really thankful for this project and for this class for pushing me out of my comfort zone and into a place where I can serve. 

Service Project: all I want is for him to smile knowing someone out there cares about him.

(Student Essay Fall 20150

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” -Mahatma Gandhi. I feel peace within my soul knowing I have the privilege to help others that need it more than myself. To make a positive impact on someone, even for a temporary moment, is an eternal gratification that can not be replaced. As my service project, I chose to read the book, “Prayer of the Laughing Yoga Frog” and send a box of goodies to Alex Lehr for Christmas.

When I first heard about Alex, I immediately thought of my biological cousin AJ, whom has severe down syndrome. He has always been an extremely special person in my life whether he knows my name or not. He calls me “Tina.” I grew up with AJ and remember when he was brought in to this world. Ever since, my outlook on mental disabilities has changed and I began to take it much more seriously than most people. Hearing about Alex, I felt as if it was my duty to make even the slightest difference in his life. I added him on snapchat and I believe we have snapped three times now. Although I have never met him, I know that he deserves to have as much joy in his life as anyone else does.

Knowing his penchant for candy, I bought Alex many different types: Twizzlers, Swedish Fish, Skittles, Dots, M&M’s, A&W soda gummies, and I threw in a box of Star Wars cheez-its. Not only did I get him candy, I wanted to spice it up and acknowledge the season we are in. Along with the candy, I sent Alex a Santa hat, Santa socks, a light up frog, sunglasses, headphones, and glow in the dark creatures he could put on the wall. I turned this project in to my own and went out of my way for a few hours to put together something nice for Alex. Whether he can distinguish who sent it to him or not, all I want is for him to smile knowing someone out there cares about him.

Completing this service project has had a great impact on me and the way I want to pursue my life. It has always genuinely been my passion to go out of my way to help others in need. This project has influenced me to do more things like this for other people. As much money as I spent, I know that putting a smile on Alex’s face would be well worth every penny. From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely hope Alex enjoys everything I put together for him.

Here are a few pictures documenting my experience:

Service Project: For my service project I wanted to make a record of all the jokes, advice and rescue missions my dad has completed.

“Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you.” My father has had the biggest impact on my life out of anyone that I’ve known. He has always been there to make me laugh, give advice, and rescue me from all my bad decisions. Knowing that something as evil as cancer has started to attack his organs is heartbreaking. The most caring, hard working, dedicated father has stage four cancer.

When it hit me that my dad may not ever see me graduate from college let alone walk me down the aisle or hold his grandchildren it made me extremely depressed. My mother passed away three years ago so I’ve felt the intense pain of losing a parent. The thought of going through that again, without the strength of my father makes me weak. Even in three short years I’ve already started to lose the memory of the sound of my mom’s voice and the warmth of her hugs. Because I had no warning of her death, I never got the chance to prepare.

Knowing that I have at least have two more years to savor as many memories with my dad as possible leaves me a little more at ease. For my service project I wanted to make a record of all the jokes, advice and rescue missions my dad has completed. From the things I never thought I would miss like “If your clothes aren’t picked up by tomorrow they’re going in the garage!” -The Most Effective Way to Clean a Bedroom. To the stuff I know I will miss more than anything, like the fact that he is the only man who answers all my phone calls. Through this project I hope to be able to show my children the amazing man their grandfather was. Although nothing will ever replace his presence, having this project will make losing him a little less devastating.

Service Project: Everyone deserves to be treated with care and respect, and I hope the man who receives this feels an abundance of both.

 (Student Essay Fall 2015)

            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

For my service project, I provided Christmas gifts for a veteran. In the beginning, I had decided to volunteer at Florida Wild Mammal Association. But I have volunteered there before and you advised us to pick something new, something that we wouldn’t have normally done. I wasn’t sure what exactly to do, and decided to provide the gifts for the veteran as you suggested.

            My grandpa was a veteran, as well as both of his parents and countless other family members. I feel as if he would be proud of me for doing this. Veterans now don’t get nearly as many benefits and such that he did. My grandpa served in the Air Force, but was stationed in North Dakota and never actually fought in a war zone. Albeit this, the VA payed for almost all of his medical bills last year when he was being treated with cancer, and still pays my grandma for being his widow. Now though, the men and women who fought for our freedom come home from thousands of miles away overseas, and end up homeless because they don’t have any money and have a hard time transitioning back into normal life.

            I know that a good number of people in homeless shelters and transitional homes have a strained relationship with their family. And it breaks my heart to imagine anyone spending their Christmas alone. I cannot be there to celebrate Christmas with them, but I feel as if I’m helping at least a little by providing some gifts. Everyone needs love, and I hope that the man who gets my gift realizes that someone cares for him.

            I purchased a navy blue full sized sheet set, a standard white pillow, gray pant and long leave shirt long-johns, a pack of black socks, a black beanie, and a pair of thick gray gloves. I used the list you sent out of advised options, and tried to find very warm things. Underwear was on the list, but I felt strange buying a grown man underwear so I got the long-johns, which should actually be quite useful on freezing days. I hope this really benefits the man who gets it and keeps him warm throughout the winter, and hopefully lasts him for many winters to come.

            This opened my eyes a little. At first I was kind of mad when I realized how much money this was going to cost me personally. I was wondering why I was spending all this money on a man I don’t even know. Then I kept thinking about how beneficial it could be to his life, and how he might not have the money himself to buy it, or how he might not have family to buy it for him. So I stopped internally complaining and just focused on finding the clothing. At one point I found myself debating on whether to buy the long sleeve shirt long-john too or just the pants, and had to stop and remind myself how useful it would be and necessary to keep a person warm. Doing this helped remind me how I should be helping people and spreading love as much as possible as far as I can.

            All in all, I am glad I did this. Although it cost me some personal money, I feel as if I really helped someone and hope that whoever gets my gifts uses them to their full advantage and gets plenty of use out of them. Everyone deserves to be treated with care and respect, and I hope the man who receives this feels an abundance of both.

Service Project: Doing this service project was sort of a challenge for me.

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 (Student Essay Fall 2015)

“Reason, season, lifetime, period”.  This is like my lifetime quote. It’s a philosophy I live by. I have never been one to dwell on anything. Things happen and I’m fine with that. Sure there are maybe a couple things I wish I could stop from happening or change but that’s not possible… Doing this service project was sort of a challenge for me. Before the option of providing gifts for the veterans was proposed, I had no idea what I was going to do! Honestly, I just don’t put myself out there, not because I’m scared of what I’m going to receive back, but rather the commitment that goes along with it. I don’t know how to be warm, neither am I an inviting person. I’m very closed off, mild mannered, and irresponsible. So for me to provide service to anyone else I felt was ludicrous! I feel as though, the process of having to come up with a service project was a service to myself, if that makes sense. Originally, what I decided on doing was…nothing! I couldn’t bring myself to open up to the point where I could potentially make an impact in others lives. When I think about it… Well, when I type about it, it makes me feel kind of uneasy. Why would I let things that have effected me to act the way I do hinder me from providing service for those in need? I feel like no matter what we go through, we are who we decide to become period. Sure, there may have been things that happen in your life that kind of throws you for a loop, but its up to you to decide if or not you would allow that to consume you, and in this case I lost the war. The service project that I completed was providing gifts to a veteran. How do I feel about doing that? Great! BUT… What more could I do? You know? I didn’t push myself, I didn’t do anything that would provide service to me! I may have possibly made someone’s Christmas which is a feat in itself, however, I could have done more… I can do more. Why not take it a step further and help deliver the gifts? I think that there are a lot of intellectual growing opportunities I could take up to further my character development.   

Me being secluded isn’t hurting anyone but myself… I’m not the first nor the last to experience lost, or pain… So why am I allowing the thought to consume me? This class has pushed me out of my comfort zone like no other… It has forced me to think, not only about things that are going on around me, or that has happened, but also about who I am, what I’m able to do, and what my limits are.    

While talking to my mom, I was telling her about the items I brought for the veterans, and also the reasoning behind the assignment. When I told her how the slots on the adopt a veteran’s sheet were all accounted for, she replied saying “Well, that shouldn’t be hard. You used to provide service all the time when you would go spend time with Mr. Shake.” My grandmother was the primary caretaker of an elderly man, much older then her. He had kids, however they did not communicate. In fact, during this time, he probably hadn’t heard from them in about 15 years. Well, I’d frequent his house a lot, which is near my grandmothers on adjacent land, and id ask him to tell me stories about things that happened in the olden days. He’d proceed by telling me stories about his childhood, and how the world was back then. We’d talk about how for Christmas he and his siblings would get bags with peppermint, fruit, and sometimes a little wood made toy, and be content. I was always so fascinated by his stories because they were so different then how the world is today. As I got older, I stopped visiting Mr. Shake, I didn’t think nothing of it at first, until I got much older… I realized that he admired my time, as much as I did his. He didn’t have other visitors who would listen to what he had to say. That may not have been a secular service to a community but it was service to one man. One man who I possibly made look forward to waking up, knowing that he had someone ready to listen to what he had to say. I regret that I stopped visiting him. He died not too long ago. Maybe about 3-4 years back. He began to sort of lose his mind, forgetting where he was, and why he was here. My Grandmother was forced to put him into a nursing home because she didn’t know what else to do I assume.  

Knowing that I have provided service to someone, and that I can has really got me contemplating the idea of doing more. Regardless of how I feel, I should not let that limit how in ways I can be of help to others. “Reason, season, lifetime period.” Started as a project, progressed into an issue, and became a lesson.

Service Project: I chose to volunteer with the teens because I was once a teen and know what it's like to be faced with adversity.

                                                              

(Student essay Fall 2015)
                       The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. -Mahatma Gandhi. What is serving? Serving is an act of selflessness. It's giving up something you're doing or want to do, to help or do something for someone. Serving others is something I have enjoyed doing since I was a little girl. I have a heart for giving back and serving others so this project was not a difficult task for me at all.

             For my service project I volunteered with the youth at **** Church. On Sundays they have a youth night open to all the kids in the community. Most of the kids are middle and high schoolers who live near the church. Some of the youth come from broken homes, foster homes or single parent homes. The church helps give the youth something to do on the weekends and help keep them out of trouble. When teenagers are bored and don't have anything to do is when they're more likely to get into trouble.

        When I first arrived I helped serve the teens pizza which they really enjoyed. After serving the pizza I grabbed a slice for myself and walked around introducing myself to some of the youth. I talked with some of the girls and got to know them a little bit. I really enjoy that because I was able to be open with them and tell them a little bit about myself. While the kids who came late got their food I went outside and mingled with the teens on the basketball court. It was fun hooping and playing with them. However it was not long before everyone was called inside to start the games and activities.

          First we played a game where everyone had to interlock arms and see which group can break apart the quickest without releasing the partners hand. It was a little difficult at first but after several attempts my group got the hang of it. This was a team building exercise and helped the teens learn how to work together. We played three times and than everyone became worn out. Next, the teens played doge ball and basketball. However, it wasn't long before it got dark and everyone went back inside the building. I also, helped serve chips and Gatorade to the teens once they came back in.

        In addition to playing outside the teens were given a jam session. Some of the teens who sing or play instruments performed their routine for everyone. It was nice to see them display their musical talents.  After the jam session a motivational speaker came and talked with the teenagers. He encouraged them to continue to reach for the sky and pursue their dreams. He told them a story of his child hood and everything he went through growing up. This really touched a lot of the current middle & high school students. Most of their stories were similar to the speakers. After talking with the teens he prayed for them and dismissed them.  Once all of the teenagers went home the remaining mentors helped clean up the building and than we were dismissed to go home.

           I chose to volunteer with the teens because I was once a teen and know what it's like to be faced with adversity. My parents worked all the time and I wanted to involved in activities. I placed in the "Boy & Girls". I enjoyed this because I was able to be around other kids my age and really just be a kid. This helped shape my future career. I am currently majoring in social work and I want to be a school social worker.  I believe this will help shape the futures of those teens. They will know that someone cared enough about them to spend two Sunday evenings with them.

Service Project: The joy that you are able to bring to people measures more than any dollar value.

“The wise man does not lay up his own treasures.
The more he gives to others,
the more he has for his own.” 
― Lao Tzu

                  For my service project I helped the veterans. I visited veteran village on many occasions, but tried to make it better than it was. From bringing dirt cups to a fire pit for s’mores, the experience has changed me. Technically my service project was bringing a Christmas gift to a veteran. My gift box included a pair of slippers, a thermal shirt, and a pair of pajama pants. As the weather is getting colder, the items that I provided will come in handy, especially those fuzzy slippers. Through this project, my educational wisdom has grown. This program was shown that going to college is more than just learning things. Rather, the experience is meant to explore ones character and examine how one will be in the real world. Through this program I have learned that money isn’t everything. The joy that you are able to bring to people measures more than any dollar value. I hope that throughout this I impacted at least one veteran. They have shown me values that I never quite understood, and for that I can never repay them.