Service Learning Reflections

After being involved with my Service Learning Site for three weeks now, I can definitely say I learned so many things. My SL site, which is named "Campus Kitchen Outreach", has been very helpful in giving me knowledge and opening my eyes to the outside world, about what life really is on the streets. On our service Learning, we meet at EVCC campus every Saturdays, around 10am, and we make packed lunches and then distribute them to people who are in need at the downtown Everett area.

Upon being exposed to the outside world, I experienced an epiphany about the realities that Americans face every single day. As an immigrant coming to America, I have always thought that because the United States is the most powerful and wealthiest nation in the world, there is no such thing as "Poverty" in this country, and each citizen is quite wealthy because of the country's abundance and resources. But as I was exposed to the streets of Everett, I saw many homeless people on the streets. It's much more worst in downtown Seattle. It made me see the huge barrier between the rich and the poor, seeing tall buildings, expensive cars, posh hotels and department stores, and on the other side, seeing homeless people with worn out shoes and grimy clothes and face.

I also learned that not all people who are homeless are thieves or criminals. And some even dresses themselves like the rest of us, and this quite surprised me. It goes to show that things are not always what they seem. Some of the homeless people I've met are actually very nice. They just need someone to talk to, someone to listen. I always thought that because I'm well-educated, I don't have anything to learn from them, but I was quite wrong. People on the streets have thought me one of the most valuable lessons in Life. It's about importance of Education. Most of the people I've encountered used to go school, but because of several reasons, they decided to drop out of school, and never bothered to return. If they were given a chance to go back, and change one thing in their past, it is to go back to school, and make it a top priority. They knew, that if only they gave Education importance, they will not be where they are right now.

Also, they thought me about appreciating what I have. Most of the time, I always complain about the things I don't have. I somehow became materialistic and superficial as I came here in America. But after seeing their current situation and comparing it to mine, I felt guilty about complaining, and I realized that I am very lucky for the life I have. I may not have fancy and expensive things, but at least I have a roof over my head, and shoes under my feet. And I am lucky enough to be educated.

My experience as a server to the community has been very enlightening. This experience has expanded my horizons, and it made me see the world in a different way. It saddens me to see people in those kind of situations, and to think that we live in the wealthiest country in the world. The things that I've seen upon this experience made me appreciate my life more, and how lucky I am to be alive.

Parallel Ideas ( SL & TCT )

On my recent experience in my service learning program, I've experienced an epiphany which I'll always keep in mind. About the reality of the life of people without a home, and basically have nothing.

On Greg Mortenson's book entitled " Three Cups of Tea," a book about an ordinary American mountaineer, who experienced an epiphany upon failing to climb the summit of K-2, and wound up being lost in the Karakoram Range in northwest Pakistan where he was able to find a small town named Korphe. He saw the impoverished conditions of the people on that village, yet, he was amazed by their resilience and contentment despite their condition. Happiness is present on that village.

On chapter three of Three Cups Tea, Mortenson says that "Everything about their [ people of Korphe ] life was a struggle, they reminded me of a way Christa had to fight for the simplest things. And also the way she had of just persevering, no matter what life threw at her." He was amazed at how the people of Korphe was able to withstand all the hardships life threw at them. Without even having the most basic needs of human beings, their village were able to survive for hundreds of years.This passage has somewhat a parallel idea to the experience I had on my service learning.

My SL site which is the Campus Kitchen Program, where we prepare packed lunches at campus and distribute it to those who are in need around the city. I encountered several people, full of interesting stories. And upon hearing their statements, I was amazed at how resilient and happy they are despite their condition. Both people from Korphe, and homeless people in Everett, have struggled most of their lives. Without having any basic needs at hand. Yet, they never complain, and they never nag.

Upon this experience, I learned that in life, people will always have more. That's inevitable. But I also learned that millions of people in the world do not have I have, and I should be happy with that. It also taught me that life will knock you down for so many times, and if people of Korphe and homeless people all over the world are able to withstand such adversity, so can I.

23rd of January

Today was the First day of my Service Learning. I woke up at 6 in the morning. I was supposed to be at campus at 10am, but since I take public transportation everyday, I have to get up extra early so I won;t be late. It was a very cold, windy, and cloudy day, and I was hoping it wouldn't rain, and it didn't thank goodness.

I arrived at campus at 9am and went to see Mrs. Sharon. Since I was way too early, I decided to assist her with delivering some food supplies at a nearby church, and went to pick up some groceries for our Service later.

We went back to campus and when all of us were complete, we started on preparing the food supplies, such as fruits, sandwiches, desserts, noodles, and beverages such as hot chocolates, sodas, and water.

Then we went to several locations around the city to handout food, drinks, and some clothing for protection against the cold weather.

On my first service learning, at first I was anxious, and didn't know what to expect. But after today, I learned, and actually enjoyed it.

Today, I experienced an epiphany. It made me see things differently. Seeing people living on the streets, without a home, no extra clothing, no food, no work, made me appreciate what I have, and see how lucky I am. I also learned that things are not what they seem, and not all people in need are the same, and some actually looks and dresses like the rest of us. I encountered people from different walks of life today. All shapes, all sizes, different ethnicities. each with a story to tell. They're actually one of the nicest people I've met.

Overall, my first day was good. It was eye-opening, and it felt good seeing other people smile and knowing that the reason of that smile is the simple good acts you have did that made their day.

My Service Learning

I enrolled on English 98 this quarter. And one of the requirements to be able to pass this course is to engage in Service Learning. It is a combination of community service, and academic learning, with a reflection to oneself.

Mrs. Sharon Stultz, the Program Manager of Service Learning, gave us an Orientation about this activity, it's meaning, it's purpose, and what to expect. She gave us a list of Service Learning Site options on which it's up to us to decide which suits us best, and which fits our schedules.

My chosen Service Learning is called "Campus Kitchen Project" - Street Outreach.
This is one of the many programs of Center for Service-Learning at Everett Community College.

On this program, students assist with the preparation and serving of meals to the needy in our community. We all meet on College Campus every Saturday at 10am to prepare 40 lunches, beverages, and a variety of basic needs supplies for Street Outreach. Then we walk around several areas all over the city to hand out food, and interact with people who spend their time on the streets. We serve the homeless, disabled, youth, and families with young children