Hi everyone: I hope you like the new SJLA 2008 blog that Ken Durbin created for your class. Each month, you'll be able to see videos, pictures, students comments, and things that I write as well. You can react to any of it, and I hope that you'll visit the blog frequently.
My question for this month is: Tell me about one or two things you learned on Monday that you took away from the day, that you'll use going forward. What did you pick up that you thought was most important?
I'd like to have your answer by Friday, if possible.
I hope you'll bookmark the blog link so that you can check it often.
Have a great holiday, and thanks for being part of SJLA 2008.
Rick
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
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8 comments:
I learned that homelessness isn't always caused by drinking or drugs and I also learned that everyone can do more to help. The most important thing that I will take away from Monday is awareness. I am not more aware of this issue in our society and my eyes have been opened because of this experience.
-AS
I learned that the homeless people don't really ever chose to end up where they do. Everyhtng i saw and heard just reinforces this whole idea. I also learned from hearing the people talk that there are worser things that what may happen to us that have something they don't. ANd that when you hear them it reminds you that they are still alive and long for someone to talk to in all of their solitude and that just one smile or a hello can make them feel loved and appreciated when they don't feel that. And although we can not fix this problem fast enough we can start with little things like smiling and sharing the hope to those that are homeless. Sharing the idea that they do have something to look forward in life in the middle of their troubles and bewilderness.
This month's event was a real eye-opener; I've been sheltered all my life and I always knew there was a lot of poverty but i tended to overlook it. I learned that everyone has their own story and they are just like us. Unfortunately, bad things happen to good people and sometimes you can't really control it. It really gave me more incentive to help those less fortunate than me. In the future, I hope to help out and volunteer or perhaps, base my Gold Award on helping the homeless.
I learned that many people on the streets have places to go in order to receive help, though not many use these facilities. The most important thing I learned Monday was that many people have different stories about how they became homeless and it really changed my view on the homeless.
I definatley took in alot on Monday, first of all; I would like to point out how I thought it was very curtious and professional that the employees at Innvision and Goodwill called people their "clients" I just thought that was way better than labeling someone "homeless" or "less fortunate" I also learned that there are so many opportunities for clients to come in and to get help. However that is a long hard path. And there are only so many people that Innvision and Goodwill could help, seeing everything on Monday kept on making me think; maybe there should be more prevention programs, so that way there are less chances that clients can end up at a very low point so that way Innvision and Goodwill could help more people at a time. I also never noticed JSI behind the shark tank ever. It was a real eye opener.
The trip to the homeless shelters this month was truly both an enlightening and, in some way, gratifying experience. Enlightening is easy to explain as the visit taught me that homelessness is not necessarily the result of an individual's own actions, but instead, can affect almost anyone throughout the course of one's life. In fact, it touches all of us as a community, and unfortunately many are either unaware or simply tend to ignore the fact that homelessness exists. I myself am somewhat guilty of both, but this day, which allowed me to immerse myself in the issue, brought me one step closer towards becoming part of the solution. I walked away from the experience with an almost satisfying feeling after having met some incredibly resilient people, and for being able to listen to their stories and share smiles. I feel so very fortunate to have a roof over my head and now feel committed to lending an open hand to those who don't enjoy what I, for the most part, take for granted.
Monday was amazing, and that's a bit of an understatement. It was wonderful to learn about how Innvision and Goodwill are reaching out to help people who really need it. My favorite part of the day was hearing the testimonies of the clients at JSI. I am grateful that they were willing to share their personal stories because that was what had the most profound impact on me. I really hope that I can pull a team together from my church to serve meals at InnVision because talking to the clients of InnVision really made me want to help. Another big thing I will take away from that day was just to be truly kind and courteous to homeless people that I cross paths with. It will be a blessing to look these people in the eye and hold a conversation with them, instead of rolling up the car window and pretending I don't see them.
-Taylor
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