NicoleBartley

Nicole Bartley

March 7th 2009

Reflection

The First Day: Review and Reflection

I’d like to first start off this reflection by stating that I’m not entirly sure HOW we are suppose to write this, or WHAT we are suppose to reflect about. Do we write about how the day went? What we did? Who we met? Or do we write about our thoughts throughout the day, and how we felt? I don’t fully understand the assignment, but I think I can ‘reflect’ on my thoughts of the day.

I was in the group that went to “The Campus for Human Development.” When talking with my peers, I found out their first reaction when we got there was fear. I find this is far from my general thoughts and feelings which were of anger. When I got out of the car, I looked around and saw over 40+ men, walking around. These were the men they called “participants.” The men who are homeless, jobless and had no money. This wasn’t what angered me though. What upset me is what they were doing: smoking.

Throughout the day I primed and painted 4 bathrooms. From 0930 hours (9:30 am) until 1600 hours (4 pm), I was crammed into small rooms with another person, breathing in paint fumes and barely taking any breaks. Now don’t get me wrong, I am in no way complaining about the work. I enjoy hard work. What I can’t seem to grasp is how so many capable persons were sitting around, and none willing to help. This was basically their home, so why weren’t they doing such work to help it? Yes, I understand some are on hard times. I also know some are ‘sick,’ but not all of them are. Yes, there were some gentlemen that were willing to help. But I’m just curious as to why most men didn’t offer assistance. Or if they ever offer assistance.

Today left me mad and frustrated. Frustrated, because I have so many questions. So many questions I know would be left unanswered. Or any answer I get would just be excuses, and I don’t want excuses, maybe I don’t have the patience for it, I’m not sure. I’m also mad because I can’t understand these people. I’m not trying to come off mean, that is not my intention at all. Though it just gets me so angry. Why am I helping these people? People, who have no drive to help themselves? And again, I wonder about the cigarettes. How is it they can’t buy food and such, but they can afford to smoke? Where are their priorities? Also, where are they getting the money?