Community Engaged Learning

INTR 1100 Connections to Community I - Final Reflection

INTR 1110 Final Reflection 

INTR 2100 Final Reflection 

During this semester, I learned about Direct Service and Philanthropy. My goal of becoming an ally with the Deaf community is enhanced by learning about Philanthropy and different kinds of direct service.

Philanthropy: is defined as striving to help someone discover how to help themselves and to improve human welfare. Often philanthropy involves charitable giving on a large scale, and you may never know or see the people that your donation helps. For example, I participated in helping with an Eagle Scout Project by sanding and staining 100 cars to be shipped to Africa for kids to play with. We joined with other groups participating in this large-scale project, but we didn’t get to see the kids playing with the cars or the impact it had on the African nation and the relief it provided to families.

This semester I volunteered at the Robert G. Sanderson Community Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Their mission is “to elevate, unify, and empower the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind Utahns by building an inclusive community with full communication access.” I recently joined the Senior Citizen Program and show up to support the weekly game day by playing games, eating ice cream, and interacting with Deaf seniors. This is a philanthropic approach because I am not directly serving them, but socializing, offering support, and friendship. DSDHH offers assistance and resources to Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals with opportunities they need to be successful and independent. I am an ally to the Deaf community as I seek to understand philanthropy by taking an active role to support local Deaf senior citizens and empower them to be independent and do things for themselves. Through this opportunity I can be a positive influence on the lives of people in our local community and I am making great friends along the way!

Direct service: happens when service is provided that directly impacts people, animals, or places and are often seen as a direct way to address social problems.

This year, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer interpret church services for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brigham City, Utah. My role in this service directly impacts David Broadwater and his ability to continue attending his local ward with access to communication. This kind of service has helped me improve my interpreting skills, make new friends, and provide a better church experience for David. I plan to continue this direct service as long as I can.

While attending church services in Brigham City, I’ve had several experiences that have left strong impressions on me.

1.        Once a month church members can share their testimony of Jesus Christ. One time David’s wife decided to share her testimony and I was excited for the opportunity to interpret this part of the meeting. I could tell David was really focused on what his wife was saying, and I tried to do my very best interpreting. Kristen, David’s wife expressed her gratitude and love to me for being there. Every week, I feel more connected to the Broadwater family through this service.

2.        Another experience happened when David was asked to give a talk in sacrament meeting. David asked me to be the voice for him. In David’s talk he thanked me for being his interpreter and driving up each week. His gratitude really meant a lot to me, and I felt honored to support David this way. This community engaged service has allowed me to connect with the bishop and several other ward members. I hope as people see me each week, they come to know David and recognize that Deaf people can do anything hearing people can do except hear because Deaf people are really can do anything they set their mind to do!

INTR 2200 - Final Reflection