Reflections

DON'T FORGET...

Handy Hint: The Descriptions of the Competencies and the 5 Stages of Service Learning will help you focus your writing…  but you do not have to be rigid.. They are there to guide you… 

What a strong reflection could look like for a PROJECT linked to Self Agency and the 5 Stages of Service Learning could look like…  


1. Investigation

I identified a need within the community after learning about the large number of individuals experiencing food insecurity in Geneva. After speaking with local organizations and researching the challenges they faced, I realized that volunteer shortages and limited food donations were affecting their ability to operate. I decided to take action by organizing a soup kitchen to support the community and help alleviate this issue.

2. Preparation

To prepare, I worked on creating a detailed plan for the soup kitchen, which included organizing a team of volunteers and reaching out to local businesses for food donations. I drafted schedules, delegated tasks, and created a backup plan in case of shortages. One challenge I faced was calculating how much food would be needed and ensuring we had enough resources. To address this, I reached out to other similar organizations for advice and connected with local grocery stores to secure additional donations.

3. Action

On the day of the event, unexpected challenges arose when some volunteers didn’t show up. I had to quickly reorganize the team, delegate new roles, and ensure everything ran smoothly. This tested my ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt on the spot. Additionally, halfway through the week, we ran low on food supplies, and I had to approach more businesses to ask for last-minute donations. These challenges pushed me to demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and resilience.

4. Reflection

Looking back, I realize that organizing the soup kitchen allowed me to grow significantly in terms of self-agency and responsibility. I learned to take ownership of both the successes and challenges, remaining accountable for the outcomes. Through leading this project, I developed new skills in communication, leadership, and time management. The experience also made me more aware of the importance of adaptability, especially when things don’t go as planned. I found that stepping out of my comfort zone was essential for growth.

5. Demonstration

To share the impact of this project, I created a report with data on the number of meals served, the amount of food donated, and the feedback from participants. I also collected testimonials from volunteers and community members, which highlighted how the event benefited the local population. Additionally, I plan to present this experience to my peers, emphasizing how service initiatives can help build important life skills, such as leadership and resilience, while positively impacting the community.



Handy Checklist for CAS / SL