Final Service Learning Reflection

My service experience this semester I think very astutely reflects me as an individual. I am usually very reluctant to undertake new experiences in my life because I'm essentially perpetually nervous and afraid of having a bad time. I rose to the personal challenge a few times, volunteering time at one of the Lord's Acre trips for class and by gardening at the Womyn's Garden off campus a few times. These experiences were me stepping out of my comfort zone; my comfort zone being in my room stagnating, isolating myself from the world around me for no real reason other than feeling like I'm home. When I did exit my little bubble, I tended to actually enjoy myself despite my fears. Digging up sweet potatoes at the Lord's Acre, cutting down trees at the Womyn's Garden, and chatting with friends was a cleansing experience. I am by no means past these fears entirely, but I think these experiences are a step in the right direction.

I've learned about the community around me though, even though I don't fully feel as though I'm a part of it. I've found that there are people who dedicate their lives to helping carry the burden of those who need assistance, like the staff at the Lord's Acre. To me, that's such a beautiful sentiment that someone would make their life's work a tool to better equip the less fortunate. I want to be a high school teacher for a similar reason. I want to leave an impact on someone's life, even if it's just one lost kid like me who takes something profound from my teaching. Seeing what service can do for an individual makes me want to dive into it a little bit more and diminish a bit more of those fears of putting myself out there. Life is better when trying to work toward bettering oneself.