What it means to be a Volunteer.
it is true that
working with the Intellectually Disabled
seem to be a more "adventurous" option
than the conventional volunteering.
society has some ideas about the IDs and
also, it really takes
some extra effort to find your own approach to
communicate effectively with them.
Mandy, who's my trainee,
is considered to be the lower functioning
of the group,
but in my opinion,
only because of her problem with
expression and not
the level of her intellect.
over these months,
I have come to understand her
pet peeves, her little tricks,
her thoughts, her vulnerabilities and
insecurities.
yet there is just still so much
about her that
I simply have no idea how to
gain access to.
And still, she has taught me much
and I hold her dear.
i am, in many ways,
really not an excellent volunteer.
i wish i could be around more,
i wish i could feel less ill-equipped,
and i wish i could remove
the strange feeling of being unable
to fit into this community.
some seniors have been a source of
inspiration because of their
unconditional dedication and
genuine love for the trainees.
there is no glamour in being
a volunteer,
it is a commitment that
requires various investments.
it is about learning, giving,
then taking.
i resolve to be a
better volunteer.
10:29 PM