Today was a new delivery route for me and it was fun! This group was so refreshing they all know one another and the sense of community was so present. If someone didn’t answer for me there was someone outside that offered to call them. She would ask me who was I trying to call? I told her and she said hold on baby I’ll call them and she got them and they either came down or someone went up to get their badge for them! It truly made my heart swell. I met the office manager she said my residents told me to come meet the new girl lol so she stood outside with us and everyone was talking and checking on each other and the residents really love and respect her and I love to see that!
Gave 3.00 hours on 10/08/2024
Today was a great day! The seniors on my route are starting to recognize me and learn my name and I am beginning to learn them. On my first day on this route, I asked Zach how to communicate with them in Spanish and he wrote " tu comida esta aqui" Your meal is here! They know I am trying and I think they like it when I try! Some laugh and will say Thank you in English we say adios and I'm on to my next stop. I think it is important for us to remember that as we get older so are our elders and they are at a time in their lives when a smiling face is a pleasant reprieve from their day to day!
Gave 3.00 hours on 10/03/2024
Oh man this was really emotional and at the same time fulfilling. After my delivery I sat in my car and cried. First and foremost, the opportunity was so paramount in realizing that I am truly blessed and I have so much to be thankful for. I met a veteran and his care taker and he was the funniest little old man you could ever want to meet. He didn’t answer when I called him so I went and rang his doorbell and his aide asked me if I was Rayshunda and I said yes and he goes “oh I thought you were someone calling me about my car warranty” we laughed!!!! Then I got to a stop where there were multiple people there that were hungry but I only had a delivery for one person. They helped me get to her and they were trying so hard to communicate with me but I don’t speak nor understand Spanish so I went across to street to get someone to help us communicate with each other. The guy that helped me translate said they were asking if I had anymore food for them because they were hungry. I did have extra trays in the car from the individuals that were not at home but I didn’t know if I could give the extra trays to them or not that part is what hurt me the most. I wish there was more I could do to help them. I am so thankful for this experience and opportunity to serve!
Gave 3.00 hours on 10/01/2024
Thank you for your reflection, Ray! It's refreshing to read about students' experiences with community-engaged work. :)