Running head: INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION

Service-Learning Individual Reflection

Sarah M. Brockman
NUR4144 Professional Role Development: Servant Leadership

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Service-Learning Individual Reflection: FeedMore

Noticing & Interpreting
What expectations did you have of this experience? Were these expectations met or not
met?
As we prepared for the service-learning experience, I expected to volunteer for an
organization that prepared and packaged meals for over 3000 individuals on a daily basis. I
knew our role would be packaging food items, but who the meals would go too was unknown to
me. I looked forward to learning more about the individuals we would be serving as well as the
history of FeedMore.
When we arrived to Feedmore, we were given a quick orientation and tour of the Community
Kitchen. We were taken to the packaging area and assigned tasks. My expectation of our role for
the day was met as we successfully packaged meals for approximately 300 individuals at a senior
residential facility. Unfortunately, we were given only minimal information regarding the
operations and history of FeedMore. Their website provides additional information.
What strengths and problems did you, personally, see in the community? What
assets/solutions to problems did you see?
Strengths of this community agency included organization and task completion. The
employees and other volunteers knew exactly what tasks to complete. We were delegated
different tasks and supported the employees and regular volunteers as needed. Everyone at the
Community Kitchen was friendly and appreciated our support. One volunteer, who had
volunteered regularly for nearly two years, was happy to answer our questions. The entire
process ran smoothly. We encountered one small problem with the sizing of a container, as it
was too small for the dessert item we were packaging. We brainstormed different solutions, and
while the task was messy, we were successful in packaging the item as a team.
Why did you see what you saw-- how did your values and experiences concerning needy
communities shape what you saw and heard?

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Our role for the day was to package meals for a local community agency. Unfortunately we
were not able to deliver the meals to those in need. This experience provided insight to the great
need for food assistance in our local community. We learned that many of FeedMores meals are
sent to local school programs, senior living facilities, and families. The agency provides nearly
51,000 fresh, nutritious, balanced meals on a daily basis. I felt honored to be able to volunteer
for an organization focused on supporting the needs of community.
Responding
What have you learned about the needs of this community?
Through this service-learning activity, I have learned that access to nutritious, well-balanced
meals is a challenge for many people living in our local communities. FeedMore relies on the
support of donations and volunteers to successfully package meals for over 200,000 clients. The
community needs this local agency. The meals FeedMore prepares and packages are sent to
some of the areas most vulnerable populations, children and the elderly, providing them with the
most basic of necessities.
Did you find the service activity to be truly relevant to the community?
I believe my participation in the service-learning activity was relevant for meeting the needs
of the local community. We spent three hours packaging nearly 300 meals for a local senior
residential facility the day we volunteered. FeedMore operates five days a week and relies on
the support of volunteers to prepare, package, and deliver meals in order to serve the community.
While we only volunteered for three hours, the people employed by FeedMore were very
grateful for the time we dedicated to their cause. I hope to volunteer with the organization again
in the future.
What follow-up should take place to support this communitys strengths and/or address the
communitys needs?
As my schedule allows, I would like to continue volunteering with FeedMore. Some of the
women we worked with on our activity day volunteered on a regular basis. I could continue to

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volunteer in the Community Kitchen, help at local food pantries, or even provide Meals on
Wheels. FeedMore relies on support from community volunteers to adequately address the
needs of those served.
Reflecting on Service-Learning
How has this experience influenced your perception of your call to serve and you as a
servant leader?
The perception of my call to serve was not changed by this experience, but my desire to be a
servant leader was strengthened. I truly enjoy serving those in need, providing support and
encouragement. This experience has given me a greater understanding of the needs of those in
our local community. I have gained knowledge and learned of a resource available to those
struggling with food stability.
Reflect on the core tenets of servant leadership and how they apply to this service-learning
experience.
As I reflect on the core tenets of servant leadership, many are applicable to this experience.
Listening is a servant leadership skill needed to be successful in the Community Kitchen.
Employees and volunteers must listen to one another in order to accomplish a common goal;
packaging food in a timely manner. When suggestions were made on how an item could be
packaged differently, the team listened to one another and provided feedback as appropriate. All
those who participated in the meal packaging had empathy for the local community and those in
need. Many of the volunteers have dedicated a great deal of their time to support FeedMores
mission and are committed to the growth of the organization. The employees and leadership
team within the agency were committed to providing meals for those who otherwise would go
hungry. FeedMore is a community organization committed to building and empowering the
community in which it serves.
Describe how you applied the four domains of leadership (heart, head, hands, and habits)
within the service-learning experience.

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I used my heart to complete this experience by questioning my motivation for choosing to

volunteer at FeedMore. I wanted to ensure this activity would allow me to be a servant leader
rather than a self-serving leader. By leading with my heart, I was able to remain respectful to my
team, while providing nonjudgmental support for those in need.
I used my head to plan the service-learning experience and the goals I wanted to achieve. As
a team, we met to develop an outline of the activity and questions we may need to ask. We
gathered information about FeedMore and contacted the volunteer coordinator to establish a day
to participate.
Using my hands during this experience involved my actual participation in meal packaging at
FeedMore. I bagged bread and cookies, and scooped dessert into small food containers. By
using our hands, we were able to package nearly 300 meals in three hours.
Finally, after completing the activity, I used habits to reflect on my experience. I took care of
myself by taking a bathroom and water break, in order to better meet the needs of the
community. After the experience was over, I spent time in solitude to reflect, refocus and
reenergize.
Reflection-on-Action
What surprised you most about your service learning experience?
At first, I was surprised by the about of food we would be packaging during our experience
and wondered how we would possibly get it all done within a three hour period. However, once
we began packaging, I learned the employees have a system in place to complete tasks in a
timely manner.
How do you think the skills you learned will be used as you become a registered nurse?
Learning about the services FeedMore provides will allow me to share the information with
any patients who may be in need. FeedMore is a valuable resource for the local community.
During our experience I was able to apply time management skills in order to complete the tasks
in a timely manner. Time management skills and prioritization of tasks are essential for a
successful registered nurse.

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What impact do you think you had on the community where you completed your servicelearning project?
The employees and volunteers at FeedMore learned of our willingness and passion to serve.
The people at FeedMore were appreciative of the help we gave; asking us to please join them
again in the future. We were able to impact the community by packaging nutritious meals for
those in need.