Volunteering Reflection

While volunteering I realized how much impact I have the ability to make with just a few hours. With just four hours I helped others by handing out supplies that were needed as well as sorted food and prepared snack items that would be used and eaten throughout the day and week. With the work that I got done not only did I help, I also connected with the people around me and had meaningful and positive conversations. While there I felt connected to the community as well as involved in the current struggles they were experiencing even though they were not my own. I felt that if I could have a positive interaction with anyone it would help their day or current situation seem more positive. I feel that the interactions I had and the conversations I held with people had just that effect. Even in bad situations a positive conversation about something unrelated to a certain struggle can help

Going into the experience I was open to learning and supportive of those with less than myself, but I was more withdrawn than I see myself now. With this, the values that were gained through volunteering softened my outwards view and also increased by compassion and want to make a change for these people. While addressing the conflict of the homeless population within the cities, I would first choose to focus on areas of affordable housing and supplies. With access to shelter and goods that can be used to clean oneself and their belongings, it portrays an image that would be desirable to employers, thus making the job process slightly more manageable when applying and interviewing for positions. By creating areas that low income citizens can go and afford to shop, it would not only boost their opportunities, it would also boost the local business economy and overall help the area. These are achievable goals that not only hold value, but also prove positive for all