Over the course of this semester, I will be investigating
the overarching effects of community service on a person’s psyche. Personally,
I do so much community service that it doesn't even seem like that anymore! I
just really like to help people, and community service has become such a huge
part of my life that the label no longer does it justice. Doing
service and helping others has shed such a positive light on my life, so I want
to know what it does for other people. There are so many different directions
this research can take me, so my plan is to just go with it.
I will be analyzing the scholarly research around the topic,
involving research studies, technical testing and other things like that, but
there will also be a personal/anecdotal piece. In working in the realm of
community service, there are so many people I can converse with to learn what
community service has done for them. If I have the time & resources, I
would also like to investigate the effects of service on the people being
served. This would be people who attend shelters, soup kitchens, etc. In seeing
the other side of community service, we can learn that there is a whole range
of people who utilize these services. I have come across people who are
extremely grateful, but I have also encountered those with a great sense of
pride, not wanting to accept help. I think the dichotomy of the two sides is
important in people’s experiences in doing community service.
Really, I just want to know how community service can shape
a person. I know for me, doing service has made me a better person. It has made
me less judgmental towards those I do not know, and really assume the best of
everyone. Everyone has their own experience. Community service has also allowed
me to know myself in ways I never knew existed. By helping others, I am able to
help myself. So, when others help, are they helping themselves too?
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