My Community Service

With Upward Bound, one of my favorite things is that we have two hours three days a week for community service. I like this because not only is it something to put on college applications, but it's giving back to the community and it makes you feel good.

Of course, there is a catch. For me, at least.

I was assigned, with one other person from the program, to a place that is an elderly day care.

I'm not really an entertaining, or loud, person, so this is not exactly a very good match, for me.

Not only is the walk quite a ways (it seems to get slightly shorter with every time we go, but still) but it is definitely quite a trek, especially in the rain, heat, or wind.

I have 16 hours already, and I feel good about that. At the end of these six weeks, I will have 32 hours.

Except.. I don't really enjoy what I have to do. It is rather boring. I mean, sometimes it's fun, when we have conversations. But, like I mentioned, I'm not usually a very loud person, and some of the elderly folks are rather hard of hearing-- not a good mix, eh?

Some of the people there are nice, and I believe that some actually look forward to seeing us each day. But, some are.. kinda rude. Which, if you think about it, I suppose is understandable. I mean, they go for the place for the day. For some, I don't think it's their choice. I think their kids, or whoever looks after them, just drops them off. Which is really sad. The place is supposed to be fun for them, I believe. And some let it entertain them, while some do not.

One day, one woman was tired, and wanted a nap. As she settled into her chair, she didn't seem to allow herself to sleep. She said, "I don't think my family is coming. I don't think my family is going to come and get me." It was so sad. Of course, her family did come when it was time, but still..

The first couple of times Carolina and I, (the other person I go with) went, we saw these pictures around. Drawings, paintings. They were really good. Each had a signature, plainly written, in the bottom right-hand corner. 'Tony,' each said, most with a date. We both wondered who Tony was. One day, we saw a little old man hunched over the table, drawing. Carolina asked if the drawings were his, and he said yes. She complimented him, and he was very sweet. He's one of the nice ones there. He gave her one of his finished drawings. Then, he gave me one, too. He was so nice about it, and every time I see him there, I smile and wave at him.

Most of the time, when we get there, we're told what the folks are doing, and then we're asked if we want to do this or that. Usually we either play games with them, ask them trivia questions (which gets rather awkward..) or just hang around and do whatever their doing that day. One day they were all playing Bingo in the dining area, once they were having an obstacle course (....), once they were playing make-shift bowling.

I truly hope that some of them have fun most of the time there.

And, even though I get bored sometimes, or something, I still am glad that I have the opportunity to go and help out there.