In order to inform people about Indian culture, some students volunteered for the student-led event known as “Cultural Capsule.” On this drive, we visited an urban homeless shelter, held children’s activities and games there, and even stopped at an old age home to meet elderly residents who had been left behind by their own families. I volunteered to spend time with senior citizens. I was overwhelmed by how much we take relationships for granted after the entire experience. My realization that our grandparents need us yet we don’t take the time to respect them came through interacting with the elderly. After this encounter, I was extremely appreciative and made a commitment to myself to return often.
The following LO’s were met:
LO1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
My ability to sympathize with others is one of my greatest assets. With my experience in an old age home, this talent was a huge assistance. I was able to feel their suffering and hear their stories. They explained to us that they lack family members who could visit them and that they were really moved by the fact that I took the time to pay attention to their difficulties. They felt wanted and significant because of my ability to empathize with them, which encouraged them to continue living.
LO2: Demonstrate the challenges that have been undertaken, developing new skills in process
Although I was able to interact and converse with the majority of the people there, not everyone was as easy to talk. There were times when it was difficult for them to explain their situation and made them very emotional. Nevertheless, I persisted in trying to convince them that it was a safe environment for them to express how they truly felt and that it was okay to rely on us. It was challenging for me as well to maintain my composure and support them. As time went on, they became accustomed to us all and blessed us all.
LO5: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
Some of us were unable to maintain our composure during this entire trip because of the crowds. The stories of each person were so terrible to hear that some of us even started crying. We all looked out for one another and made sure to help each other out if any of our members felt too overwhelmed or needed assistance with the conservations. We can claim that even when one person felt weak, there were five others who would stand up for them. Without our incredible staff, this event would not have been a success.
LO6:Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
As we took care of these elderly folks and made sure to fulfill their needs, we were able to demonstrate the SDG target of good health and well-being. We looked out for their welfare and gave them the affection and care they deserved. We help to lessen inequities by providing care and assistance to older residents who have limited access to resources and services in their daily lives. We helped create partnerships and contribute towards reaching the goal by cooperating with the staff and other volunteers at the nursing home.
LO7: Recognizing and considering the ethics of choices and action.
We had to work extra hard to ensure that our actions and events did not in any way offend anyone’s sentiments or views because we were aware that the aforementioned subject was extremely sensitive. Being aware that we individually do not know everything about someone’s personal story makes it incredibly upsetting to be offended by these things. We must think about the morality of what we share on social media, what actions can be regarded as, and, finally, whether they might negatively influence someone.
EVIDENCE:
