BrianCaulkins

Brian Caulkins
Psychology 250

3-08-09

Reflection for Alternative Spring Break

Day # 1

I’m not going to lie, I didn’t really know what to expect when going on this trip for spring break. I’ve seen movies and clips of what you’re supposed to suspect, so I thought I knew what I was doing. It pretty much hit me when we drove through the narrow alley and pulled up beside the shelter. Inside the 15 passenger van everyone was having a good time and cracking up. When all of us saw the people at the shelter, we were silent, especially me. I was there, right where the action was happening. I was scared when we got out of the van. There were homeless people and just me. It was a huge eye-opener. I realized how much I take for granted and how I judge people too quickly. My first instinct to think of homeless people was very negative. After working with these, I began to find the truth. They were so happy; I really can’t see how a homeless person could be so happy. That’s when I realized my stereotyping personality. The most positive thinking today for me was realizing that I was wrong about homeless people. Homeless people are some for the strongest people out there. The reason why is because all they have is themselves and they have to rely on that day in and day out. They were so friendly to me, as well as respectful. Every time I would pass them by they would always be social in a positive way. Today pretty much changed my outlook on life.

One thing that was positive for me today was the interaction with the participants. Where I live there are not many homeless people. To be truly honest, I believe most homeless people are the nicest people out there. It was very rewarding to interact with the participants in the program and I think they enjoyed it as well.

One thing today that really frustrated me was not being able to do everything we needed to do. There were so many projects that needed to be completed. Unfortunately we were not able to accomplish this because we ran out of time. It frustrates me because not matter how hard I try I will not be to stop the issue of homeless people. It upsets me and makes me sad to see so many human beings without shelter. It is almost a depressing type of work because in reality you realize you can’t put everybody in a home.

I did enjoy today a lot. I’m excited to work these next few days and to help homeless people. Homeless people are human beings too and deserve every legal right that we have. This project has opened my eyes and will continue to do so throughout the remainder of the week.