Volunteering at the Room In The Inn Memphis was a fantastic experience. I had the opportunity to help serve dinner to the individuals and families that benefited from this organization. Mrs. Paula was outstanding in directing all the volunteers to complete different tasks around the kitchen. This community service event was unique to help serve and make a long-lasting impact on these individuals' lives.
Gave 1.58 hours on 11/22/2024 with College of Dentistry, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Volunteer Odyssey
How has this experience influenced your future career or educational goals?
I wouldn't necessarily say that this experience influence my future career goals, but it did make me question where my nursing career would end up. This time through, I interacted more with the people staying at Room in the Inn, rather than working in the kitchen. Being able to feed the children really opened my perspective on what it means to help others. I have always thought about doing pediatrics but seeing those kids really put that idea in my head.
Did this experience change your perspective on your role within the community or
environment?
The shocker in these situations would be the fact that there were so many children in poverty there. I understand that it is a cruel but true reality, but it is really hard to witness it first hand. These kids deserve every opportunity growing up that I had. Seeing these things is hard, but it is important.
What new connections or relationships did you form during your service?
In all of my experiences, I have met U of M students during service, but what is really surprising is the amount of University of Tennessee medical students I see. I have been able to network with many people that come from different backgrounds attending different colleges. It feels nice to see familiar faces at Memphis and hopefully Tennessee in the future.
How did the organization support or guide you during your service?
I feel like I am taking on a level of leadership in this organization. I haven't done anything extreme yet, but when a task needs to be done, I would be the first one asked to do it. I also show people around and guide people to places they don't know yet. I am always the first one to talk to people and keep good energy throughout. Serve with a Smile has been really good to me, and I don't want to take it for granted.
Personal reflection: None of the questions really felt right to me, so I am going to do a overall reflection. I had little experience with volunteering before college. Going into volunteering as an adult was scary, but Serve with a Smile has been a wonderful group to work with. I want to change up my volunteering, and I will, but with their everyday schedule with convenient times... It is hard to pass up. I have grown as a person since my start with volunteering and I hope to continue to learn and change.
Gave 2.00 hours on 11/21/2024 with University of Memphis, Volunteer Odyssey, Emerging Leaders Program
I always love volunteering here! I always come back. I got to see Ms. C, Ms. Pamala, and Ms. Laura today. I am so glad I got to serve them dinner. I love talking to them and I alway try to bring a smile on their face. I also met some other wonder people. I believe her name was Ms. Litta, she was with her lovely grandchildren. She was so heartwarming. Today I plated some dinner plates (baked chicken, potatoes, greenbeans, and cornbread). I also swept the floors, and of course served those plates. I love having those small meaningful talks with the people who are staying there or just there for the meal. It's quite refreshing and it constantly reminds me to be grateful. Volunteering here continues to inspire me. I am reminded of the very thing I love to do: help people. volunteering here makes you realize that a simple smile or kind gesture can really mean a lot to someone. It can really make a difference. Why would I ever want to stop
Gave 2.00 hours on 11/21/2024 with University of Memphis, Volunteer Odyssey, Emerging Leaders Program
Server with some lovely people!
Gave 2.00 hours on 11/20/2024 with Volunteer Odyssey
Within my career, I hope to work for an organization that recognizes the value that the Room In The Inn brings to its own community, or at the very least an organization of similar merit. I hope that they would also either donate or hold volunteering opportunities, to showcase that engaging within our community matters. I learned that the community I was serving was very appreciative to many of the things I take for granted, such as meals, bedding, and heat. It has re-shifted my gaze to being appreciative of the necessities within life. I made a new relationship with a lady who worked for Amazon that informed me that in her free time she volunteers at local kitchens because Amazon will match her community service with a dollar amount that Amazon will give to charity. It was rather inspiring and has led me to research further employers within my industry that hold the same practice. My service contributed to the mission of the organization by being hospitable, kind, and feeding good people who just needed a little help. What I would change about my approach was I was rather timid that day. I could have done a better job socializing with the guests, but I will do better next time.
Gave 2.00 hours on 11/20/2024 with University of Memphis, Volunteer Odyssey, Emerging Leaders Program
