1. Since I had two families for this service project, I noticed many themes through this experience. For the first family, I experienced the social penetration theory. We had to make sure we were all balancing our communication while talking to one another. Since this was the first time we all met, we didn't want to share too much information. For the second family I noticed how the gender roles play a common role in this family's relationship. I also noticed how the family was past the honeymoon stage and into the cultural shock stage. They were still not used to all of these differences after leaving their country.
2. This experience will help my future interpersonal interactions because I will have a better understanding of what other people are going through. Both of these families had a hard time transitioning because their lives changed completely. They both went from having a lot of money and material possessions to having nothing. This experience will also help me in the future because I will be able to understand other people's cultures and how their culture is so different than ours. I believe it is important to be accepting to other cultures and to treat others the way we want to be treated.
Monday, March 31, 2014
Service Blog #4
1. When we went to the family's house today we told them there was a park nearby if they wanted to walk to it. They were thrilled because they haven't been out of the house a lot since they just moved here two weeks ago. Before we went to the park the dad was explaining to us how his wife was crying before we came because she misses her mom. He also described to us how hard it is for his wife to get used to their new lives here.
2. When we went to the park today with the family, I noticed a lot of culture shock. As we were walking to the park, the family was observing what was around them and asking many questions about where they live. They also explained to us how they are not used to the food here. The family said that they have all gained several pounds since they have been here because of all the change. They are not getting their normal exercise or eating the same food. This family has passed the honeymoon stage and is now in cultural shock because of all the changes around them.
3. I learned that it's going to take some time for this family to get used to living in America. They kept using the word "different" today referring to the food, clothes, people, weather, and everything else. This was our last time meeting with the family but I know in the future they will be able to get more accustomed to the United States culture. Their next step is to reach initial adjustment and I think this will be easier for them once the boy attends school and the husband gets a job.
2. When we went to the park today with the family, I noticed a lot of culture shock. As we were walking to the park, the family was observing what was around them and asking many questions about where they live. They also explained to us how they are not used to the food here. The family said that they have all gained several pounds since they have been here because of all the change. They are not getting their normal exercise or eating the same food. This family has passed the honeymoon stage and is now in cultural shock because of all the changes around them.
3. I learned that it's going to take some time for this family to get used to living in America. They kept using the word "different" today referring to the food, clothes, people, weather, and everything else. This was our last time meeting with the family but I know in the future they will be able to get more accustomed to the United States culture. Their next step is to reach initial adjustment and I think this will be easier for them once the boy attends school and the husband gets a job.
Service Blog #3
1. After several weeks of spending time with our family, we received news that the family is moving out of the state. We were then assigned to a new family and met with them last week. We talked to them about their feelings of living in the United States and leaving behind their home. This family portrayed many gender roles while talking to us about their old lives in Iraq.
2. After talking to this family, it seems that their culture values different gender roles. The dad explained to us how in his country he had a great job and was bringing in all of the wealth for his family. His wife didn't work and he gave her most of the money he earned. The gender role here is that the men work while the women stay home at the house and take care of their children. This can also be seen as a stereotype that most people associate families with.
3. I learned how important it is for the dad to get a job. In the future we could possibly help the dad with finding a job or talk to him about it. When we were there last week he was telling us how his wife is sad because he is no longer buying her anything since he doesn't have a job now. It is crazy to think about how this family went from having everything to having nothing now.
2. After talking to this family, it seems that their culture values different gender roles. The dad explained to us how in his country he had a great job and was bringing in all of the wealth for his family. His wife didn't work and he gave her most of the money he earned. The gender role here is that the men work while the women stay home at the house and take care of their children. This can also be seen as a stereotype that most people associate families with.
3. I learned how important it is for the dad to get a job. In the future we could possibly help the dad with finding a job or talk to him about it. When we were there last week he was telling us how his wife is sad because he is no longer buying her anything since he doesn't have a job now. It is crazy to think about how this family went from having everything to having nothing now.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Service Blog #2
1. When we first got to the house, we were greeted by the dad, mom, and boy. We introduced ourselves and sat down to talk with them. At first they asked us questions about what we are majoring in and where we are from. Then we got to talk to them about where they came from and how long they have been living in the U.S. We also learned that the dad is looking for a job and the mom is going to school to learn english. The boy is in first grade and he showed us the toys he enjoys playing with. A relevant concept we used from this experience was social penetration theory. This is a matter of balance between two people talking.
2. Social penetration theory is how we move through communication. This was the first time we met the family so we all had to keep a balance with our communication. The family shared basic information with us such as where they are from, how they feel about America, and what they plan to do in the future. We shared with the family how we are doing in college, where we are from, and what our careers our in the future. We each shared the same amount of information so this created balance in our conversation.
3. I learned, in the future we can help the mom with her english skills. She is given homework each night and she might have questions for us. We can also help the dad find a job. I realized how he is trying very hard to find work and it is not easy. Throughout our service we will be able to teach the younger boy different games and help him grow through play. We will also be able to share U.S traditions with the family and teach them new information about where they are living.
2. Social penetration theory is how we move through communication. This was the first time we met the family so we all had to keep a balance with our communication. The family shared basic information with us such as where they are from, how they feel about America, and what they plan to do in the future. We shared with the family how we are doing in college, where we are from, and what our careers our in the future. We each shared the same amount of information so this created balance in our conversation.
3. I learned, in the future we can help the mom with her english skills. She is given homework each night and she might have questions for us. We can also help the dad find a job. I realized how he is trying very hard to find work and it is not easy. Throughout our service we will be able to teach the younger boy different games and help him grow through play. We will also be able to share U.S traditions with the family and teach them new information about where they are living.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Blog #2 Pre-service
1. For the service-learning project, I hope to learn about the challenges this family faces and what their hopes are for the future. I also hope to be more appreciative in life and to see how this family overcomes their struggles while being refugees.
2. My assumptions for the service-learning site is a family who lives in an apartment with not many material possessions. They might not be used to their living accommodations and neighborhood.
3. I assume that this family was fearful when coming to the U.S and starting a new chapter in their lives. I feel that they are hopeful about starting new lives and going to school to get a good job.
4. I can share my interests by teaching this family because I am going into education and teaching is my passion. I will enjoy showing them new ways of living in the U.S and how they can strive for success.
2. My assumptions for the service-learning site is a family who lives in an apartment with not many material possessions. They might not be used to their living accommodations and neighborhood.
3. I assume that this family was fearful when coming to the U.S and starting a new chapter in their lives. I feel that they are hopeful about starting new lives and going to school to get a good job.
4. I can share my interests by teaching this family because I am going into education and teaching is my passion. I will enjoy showing them new ways of living in the U.S and how they can strive for success.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
How does Service relate to Learning?
Service relates to learning in many ways. By doing service we are able to understand more about the problems people face in our world. We get the chance to put ourselves in their position and see how they live their lives. We learn more about others and get to experience real life situations that we often don't think about if we were in those positions. Service is really a learning opportunity because it teaches us gratefulness. When we spend time with the less fortunate, we realize how lucky we are. Service is a great opportunity to bring us closer to our faith. After doing service people feel better about themselves because they were able to give back to the community.
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