I wanted to start off my blog with this inspirational song.
Love is just forgiveness when you know you've been done wrong
And taking every heart break and turn it into song
Love is just believing when you can not see the light
In every situation, shine as the brightest star
And when your back's against the wall
Don't you even think of falling
And if you feel you strength is gone
Don't give up the sun will shine in...
At the beginning of this semester our Social Justice class I felt very pressured and lost. I did not know what to do, what to expect, and naturally I wanted to get a good grade so I decided to do everything the syllabus directed. I was completely lost with the whole LR and Wiki business and the Blog was just a pain in the you know what!
I decided to just go with the flow and to always ask questions to Prof. G when I felt like I truly would never find the answers on my own, and I was able to move forward.
Oh! the readings! The readings really upset me when I first decided to tackle them; I felt like it was too much. I think the reason was because I was overwhelmed with the lack of knowledge from working the Wiki, the Blog and the class structure (which was so free and conversation-fueled). I was also struggling with finding order for my morning Human Behavior class and my later class Communities and Organizations for Mondays and Wednesdays.
So when I got the hang of the blog, and the readings from the Zinn and the Adams book, I was really engaged, I mean really engaged. I liked how the Zinn book spoke like a novel and how the Adams chapters had information and also personal essays that totally helped me see the big picture. I was also became very engaged with the blog because I was able to not just put ideas that related to the readings but also my experience with the new world I was beginning to discover as well.
The project. Wow. This part of the course was the best. I can say that I truly do feel like an advocate. One of the best parts about the project was the interviews we had with the actual homeless individuals. My mind changed once I began to talk with my interviewee. I had biased stigma in my mind that I could be in danger for speaking with these individuals just because of the negative connotations that being homeless signifies sometimes. However, after I began to speak with my interviewee, Larry, I felt very good; Like if I was talking to a friend, I guess a true humanistic connection.
I really want to thank Prof. G. for including this project in our course work and for letting us structure it the way we did. I loved making the videos and showing them to the class with such pride. I also appreciated the other social justice projects and I will love to keep a memory of them for the rest of my life.
Wow. I never want to finish this entry but I know I have to. (tear, tear...)
I can say that I will have an impact in this world. Even if it is in small portions. I take great pride for what I learned in this class this semester. I want to appreciate everyday like if it was the last day and help others see it that way too. I know difficulties will come and go and it is up to me to choose the path that will lead me to the best outcome. I want to advocate and empower the individuals and communities I work with to change their's and other people's lives for the better and learn that everyone deserves to be happy.
This class taught me that I have a voice, even if it is in writing instead of vocal chords. I want to end by saying that I wish everyone a successful and life-changing experience in Social Work everyday. I also wish that inspiration and self-compassion for yourself never ends as well because we are our own selves best friends. Love, Live and Move forward.
With Love,
Veronica
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