We Are The World - Coming Together

"We are the World" is a collaboration of artists from various genres. Every single artist featured in this song came together to add their own twist and their own personal style and sound to raise gain support for a disaster. The earthquake that hit Haiti was devastating and the place was left in ruins. Buildings and homes were crushed and many lives were taken. This, at the time, was the most recent tragedy. Humans are resiliant and strong, but in times like then, people need help from others, to rebuild and make things better once more. It's difficult to raise a city up after it's been totalled, especially when a nation does not have the funds for such a task.

This video and song connect with my service because it's all about coming together to assist those in need or who are less fortunate then ourselves. The effort in Haiti was obviously on a much larger scale, but the lives I was able to touch during my service time, hopefully I left an impact in the best way I could. Sometimes just the smallest things can make the world of difference to a person, whether you realize it or not. Humans depend on each other and it's up to us all to lend a hand where it is needed and do our part in the community and the world.

Important as a Life Experience

Volunteering at TRRC was a very important life experience and good for my dignity.  I think that the whole idea of making juniors do manditory service hours is enlightening and it really is quite beneficial.  Not only was it humbling, but it also makes me feel grateful for everything I have and good health.  I saw some kids with severe disabilities, but despite their holdbacks, they always have a smile on their faces and give their all and do the best they possibly can during their lessons.  The therapists' encouragement pushes them to perform to the best they are capable of doing.  It truely is amazing how much a little love, care, and support can do for someone.

In the long run, an experience like this makes you more appreciative and more willing to get out there and help others and provide your time and services for the good of others.  When people in need see that people care about them, it gives them a good feeling about themselves - they feel like they're worth something and people understand what they are going through and want to make their lives better.  Just a smile can go a long way.  People who can't or don't know how to interact in public have difficulty socializing normally, but if someone shows some compassion for them and patience can, they can attempt to improve those skills while giving them company at the same time.  Knowing that you can help others and effect their lives in a positive way gives you a great feeling.

Common Good

This service experience is quite helpful for the people involed and the outside community for so many reasons.  It is great for the common good of soceity.  TRRC is a very secure, welcoming, and comfortable place to be.  It is such a vital and important center for those who attend especially, but also everybody who knows about.  People can see the wonderful work they carry out here.  There is no other place that offers and provides the services TRRC does every day.  It is a place patients look forward to coming to every week and the relationships they form there can do wonders to their esteem and confidence.  They have a certain comfort zone at TRRC which some can't have out in public anywhere else.

The director of TRRC, Dr. Helen Teul, makes the greatest sacrifice.  The time she and her husband have put into this program since its foundation is unbelievable.  Their dedication to the purpose is superb and it has become a very beneficial place for countless individuals.  You have to uphold what TRRC is all about and that is to be as encouraging and assisting as you can.  Lessons from this experience that can be applied to my interaction with peers is to always maintain a positive and influential attitude and to be encouraging to them and be there for support.

Human Dignity in Our Society

Human dignity can be described as the quality of being worthy of respect and esteem.  TRRC was a very welcoming and comfortable environment for both volunteers and patients to come to.  The staff was very friendly and helpful with directions, information, guidance, and most of all support for the patient riders.  Pretty much everyone that receives therapy treatment at TRRC has some kind of disability, whether it be learning, social, or anything else.  There was always a positive vibe around the place and everyones attitude was positive, despite how frustrating it could be sometimes to get a patient to follow a command or instruction.

The overall goal of TRRC is to be a pleasant, comfortable, and helpful for all of its patients.  Some patients conditions are more extreme than others.  It's really nice to see how delighted they are to be there receiving their treatment.  They always have a smile on their faces and enjoy the company from the therapists and other riders.  There is a high level of respect as well and everybody is treated the same.  Self confidence is a major part of the whole TRRC experience.