ICE #6

Self-Reflection: Before the Experience

The most important volunteer experience of my life was when I went to
China to teach English; I went for 5 months in 2013 and returned as a Head
Teacher in 2014 for the same amount of time. The work we did there was
very important. From speaking with people in China I learned that in order to
really succeed, they must speak English. Most of the children who come from
semi-wealthy families aspire to leave their country to attend college in the
United States. It is impossible to make it in the US if you only speak Chinese,
especially if youre trying to get a degree. Through International Language
Programs (ILP) I was trained to teach in a very specific method. When I was a
head teacher I was in charge of the training; I trained the teachers twice a
week giving them feedback in the meantime to ensure the best education
possible to our students. From this experience I learned not only how to be a
leader and teacher, but also the importance of volunteer work. Since China, I
have developed a passion for traveling and leaving every place I go better
than I found it through service.
I am very excited to be a part of a service-learning class. My group has
chosen to work with League of Women Voters (LWV) due to our shared
passion for equal human rights, especially in relation to women. LWV is the
nations most effective grassroots organization; they are a voice for all. Our
plan is to either write a one-pager on RIFRA, Federal Lands, or Healthy Utah;

or come up with answers to 5 questions about Utah taxes according to the

LWV stances.
Through this experience, I hope to learn more about Utahs
government and local laws. Our representative from LWV, Jenn Gonnelly, has
even offered to take us on a tour of the capitol building to give us a better
understanding of how our states government operates. I think by educating
ourselves through experience we are more likely to complete our project
efficiently and much better than if we were to do the bare minimum required.
This project is sure to heighten my interest in civic engagement. By
learning more about local social injustices I will be able to discover what I am
most passionate about and am more likely to find a way to get involved. I am
motivated when I am serving others and can see the direct impact of my
service. If we didnt have organizations like LWV advocating for our rights,
then we would be allowing government to become corrupt and controlling.
Most people are ok with letting others advocate for them, but I expect more
from myself and plan to give back to my community and promote my
passions and interests.