How Does This Picture Relate To My Service Learning Project?

The picture on the right exemplifies the inner spirit that the residents at Forest Haven Nursing Home. While not all of the residents smile as brightly as this man in the picture, I can tell that after watching a funny movie or playing a game, it is a highlight of their day. And knowing that I helped plan that activity and seeing that they are having a good time helps make me smile just like the man to the right. It is the feeling that makes you feel good on the inside.

Where I volunteered, the residents at the nursing home came there because they do not have anyone to care for them and they do not know how to care of themselves. I can imagine that if you are not able to take care of yourself, you would be very upset most of the time. When I would walk around the nursing home, that is exactly what I saw. I saw several people who were very upset and had a hard time enjoying their new way of life. But, after spending time with them, you can see their expression change. So, the picture of this man represents my service learning project because it shows both the happiness of the residents at the nursing home, as well as the happiness I felt after spending time with them and making their day better.

Why is Service Learning Important?

Before my Junior Year, I had hardly done any service hours in my lifetime. But afterwards, I am glad to say that I had done over thirty hours during my junior year at high school. I believe that everyone should complete at least a few hours of service in their lives, not only because it is a challenging yet fulfilling experience, but it can also help you realize the great life a person has.

Completely service learning hours is good for your human dignity for many reason. One reason is that is helps you realize what type of life you have. After volunteering at a nursing home, I realized that I have a very good life. Also, if I had never experienced service learning, I would never have known what it is like to help people who are in worst situations than I am. This is why service learning is important for our human dignity. We could say how much we care for others, but without actually going out into the world and actually caring for others, it does not mean anything. This is why everyone should experience service learning.

The Common Good

After I completed thirty hours of service, I felt very good. I believe that after people do good deeds, something comes over you that helps you realize that what you did was the right thing. Doing the right thing is also known as performing "The Common Good". So, going through the service experience is important for "The Common Good". Without performing some sort of service, you cannot know the feeling you get after helping those in need.

But, performing service is not always easy. It can be a very difficult task. You are working with people whom you are not used to working with and might have to do things that you have never done before. For example, I have never worked with elderly people, as well as working with people who do not know how to take care of themselves. So, it was, at times, challenging to make them do the proper things. After performing service learning, you can learn just how great your life is. Also, you can use this experience to create better relationships with the people around you. By learning how to make relationships with the others, it can make your life easier.