Journal Excerpts

When I was with the kids I realized how patient I was. I always thought I was kind of short tempered. I noticed this when a kid named Omar wouldn't eat. I sat at the table with him for at least fifteen minutes. I never rushed him or said anything to him, just sat and waited until he was ready.Em

At first I was doing community service because I had to, but towards the end of the week it became something I wanted to do. I want to help out. When I saw how appreciative everybody was for us just being there, I knew it was a feeling I could never get rid of. Maybe it's addictive. Maybe I'm addicted to community service.Lauren

Being around the homeless and helping people out made me so happy I would occasionally find myself skipping. I don't think there was a time in the dining hall when I wasn't smiling. I know everyone might say this, but talking to the homeless made me realize how fortunate I am.Kristen

While working at The Redwoods I realized that I am very thoughtful. On the third day I brought gifts to two of the elders. Richard, who could barely talk, said, "This is the nicest thing anyone has done for me.Bo

While at the Free Clinic, I learned that, inside, I can be emotional and I can diagnose other people's emotions with ease. I learned that while watching a blood draw I felt dizzy and faint when concentrating on the person's emotions, yet while concentrating on the draw itself I felt fine.Carson

The most significant thing I learned at Tule Elk is that I can make more progress without a friend by my side. Being put in a room with unfamiliar teachers and kids made me really push myself to get to know everyone. If I had had someone I knew working with me, I wouldn't have been introduced to this side of me. Seeing the accomplishments I made with the kids really made me think about how much I misjudged my abilities. Now I know that I am capable of being more independent if I try.Elizabeth

Working at The Redwoods made me realize and appreciate the freedom I have. I had always taken for granted the fact that I could go outside whenever I wanted, I could go to bed by myself and I could hold a paint brush.Elizabeth

During the past week I learned that I am a little prejudiced. Everyone at first swears that they're not because they know it's wrong. Now the "cool" thing to do is admit that you are prejudiced. People think they're being truthful. I have nothing against people being truthful, but when it's all for show, it bugs me. I'm not like this. I realized that when I see a scary looking guy on the street my first impulse is not to strike up a conversation. At St. Anthony's I learned how to do this without second thoughts.Nick

If I really get involved with the kids and what they are doing, I will find the experience much more enjoyable. Jumping in on the fun rather than just observing made my whole experience much more meaningful. Jason

I can communicate without talking. A lot of people at the Goldman Institute were Russian immigrants who didn't know English. Although I never exchanged words with most of them, I know I helped by playing cards and serving them food and drinks. Emily

I realize but am not proud of the fact that even I possess stereotypes about the homeless. When Sara and I were looking at all the "normal looking" people, I realized I thought of the homeless in a certain way, and I had been closed minded.Danielle

This week I learned not to judge people, but I also learned that not everyone in the world is going to treat me like I want to be treated. I just have to deal with whatever comes my way.Sara