AmeriCorps Member Reflection

One of the tenets of the AmeriCorps program is to spend time reflecting on the service experience. As stated on the AmeriCorps website, "Service without reflection is like eating without swallowing." Reflection is the process of fully digesting the lessons, implications, and solutions drawn from member experiences."

An essential part of service is putting experiences in context and learning to find meanings and take action in the face of adversity. Reflection in service offers members a way to look back at complex problems through a new lens. Using reflection, members examine their experiences, evaluate them, and apply new insights to future experiences. Members build skills necessary for analyzing and solving problems and developing creative solutions.

Recently, our AmeriCorps members were provided with several prompts from which to write a short essay. One of the questions was, "from whence do you draw your strength?" Below is one member's response:

"I see people in varying degrees of dire situations on an everyday basis. The people I see might be in their situation for a number of reasons. Sometimes it is their fault because we all make mistakes. Sometimes it is through no fault of their own. After prayer and putting my faith in God, I draw my strength to do the work that I do from my own personal experiences. I have been where some of my clients are. I have walked in their shoes. I see myself and my family in my clients. Sometimes in the literal sense, because I have uncles and cousins that make use of the services we provide.

I remember living in multiple shelters as a child before eventually going to live with my grandmother full-time. I know what shelter life is like as a client. I am not telling my clients empty words when I tell them that, although a shelter is their best and sometimes only option, I understand that shelter life is hard and definitely not ideal. I get that. I have lived in long term shelters and traveling shelters. The client that is going through an eviction has my compassion and sympathy because I know what it’s like to be evicted. I know what it’s like to have your things set on the curb. It is my intention that when I am with a client, they feel my sincerity, empathy and compassion toward their situation.

Pulling from my own personal experiences again, I was in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. I lost everything that I owned. All my material possessions, as well as sentimental and irreplaceable items like pictures and family artifacts. I relied on the kindness of others for shelter and basic everyday items. I stood in Red Cross lines and lines for other public assistance. Situations like that make you feel like less than a human. It is even worse when you have someone “helping” you that is judging you for needing help. I never want to be that judgmental person.

In the blink of an eye, I can easily find myself back in the position of the clients I help. I am all too aware of this. This is what keeps me going. This is where I draw my strength. As long as I am in the position to help, I am going to do so without passing judgment. Sometimes people cannot do better because they do not know better. It’s my job to fill that gap when it arises. It makes me so happy to be able to prevent a utility shutoff or eviction. I am so ecstatic when a client gets a job. You would think that I was about to start getting a paycheck. That is what the work that I do is all about."