Service Learning Reflection

 

  1. I served at a thrift store called Good Mojo which is a part of the ForKids organization. The thrift store was open all throughout the day and accepted volunteers throughout the entire time the store was open. I served on a Saturday and Sunday in the afternoon and assisted with whatever was needed at the time. On Saturday, I helped unload the truck with items for the store and organize the garage area where all the donations were being stored. On Sunday I helped sort clothing in the back, hang up clothes, and roll the carts out to the front of the store to be priced. Each time I was volunteering there were others as well, so we usually worked together to get the work done quicker for the store.
  2. The purpose of the Good Mojo Thrift Store is to provide necessary items for those in need at a lower cost that is more affordable for those who are less fortunate. As per the website their purpose is stated as follows, “ForKids’ thrift store, Good Mojo, is an essential tool for distribution of household goods, school supplies, and holiday support to homeless children and families.” Their mission is “to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty for families and children.” This organization has a distinct goal that goes hand in hand with their mission statement which is to break the cycle of homelessness, allow a more safe and stable home for families, and to foster strong families. “We envision a future where no child is homeless.” I think that is a pretty powerful mission statement, and I’m happy I was able to be a part of the process.
  3. The Good Mojo Thrift Store addresses several needs of the community, but the most important one is the safety and stability of the families in the community. They provide clothing, houseware, and several other items at a much lower cost which is more affordable for families in need. These services relate to my intended career field, Dental Hygiene, by having a heart for others and wanting to improve care for other human beings. One of the main reasons why I am interested in pursuing Dental Hygiene is because I will be able to care for and help others. This store is providing resources at a reasonable cost so that others may be able to be of benefit. It is important to have a heart for the community and show compassion to those in need.
  4. After reflecting on this service learning activity, my values and opinions have changed a little bit. I have served at a thrift store before and absolutely loved it, but I didn’t feel the same way after serving at Good Mojo. I felt that the environment was unsafe due to glass on the ground, a moldy smell in the air, no place to walk, and donations scattered everywhere. I did not enjoy volunteering here because it was not a safe environment for me to serve in which was highly disappointing, as well as, realizing that this was the best that some would ever get. Although it was not a positive experience, I still learned a lot from my experience. I have an opportunity to go to a mall and buy brand new clothing. Clothing that isn’t stained, ripped, worn before, or found at a thrift store. My heart was hurting for people that have this as their best option. While some of the clothing is nice, I always love to go and buy new clothing. I realized that this clothing would be new to them, but not actually new. I have always believed in putting my best foot forward and giving to others who are less fortunate. This experience has helped to me value the things I have and to not take anything for granted. I am extremely lucky to be able to attend college, have a roof over my head, a loving family, and a closet full of clothes. I learned to be more thankful for what I have and to not complain over the little things because someone out there is in a much worse situation than I am.
  5. I have had several health-related experiences prior to starting college. First, I attended the Governor’s Heath Science Academy at my high school in which I was accepted into. I had several health classes exploring the health careers, going on field trips to VCU, and learning what it was like to be in the health profession. Also, I got accepted to the Chesterfield Technical Center’s Dental Assisting program where I was able to become a Certified Registered Dental Assistant. Throughout my senior year in high school, I was able to volunteer/shadow at a Dental Office. I gained a lot of experience and knowledge in the Dental Field which assured me that this was the profession for me! Those experiences along with the service learning experience has led me to continue to pursue Dental Hygiene because it is a passion of mine and I have a heart for helping others. I want to be an educator and promoter of good oral health, physically clean teeth, and help others see their smile as beautiful.
  6. In thinking about other degrees, the Good Mojo Thrift Store could relate to a business major in that they are an operating store. I would not want to pursue a career in business because I don’t want to sit at a desk all day and be on the phone. I find that boring an uneventful. I would much rather be in the patient’s mouth, physically helping others, and forming relationships with my patients that will last. Each profession offers something different, but Business just isn’t for me.