BSMCON.NUR1100 Rev.7.30.

14
Reflective Writing Rubric: Service Learning

Jessie Holt

4/13/15

NUR1100

Reflecting on Service Learning in the Community (100 points)

Noticing: (25 points)

Describe your initial thoughts when you learned about this course requirement?
o My initial thoughts were that it was a great idea for a homework assignment
because we had a chance to give back to our community. Just taking so much as
two hours of your time can make all of the difference for others, especially
underserved populations who rely on the generosity of others to make it day by
day.
What did you notice about the place you volunteered upon arrival?
o I noticed that it was a beautiful church and place of worship and each and every
staff member was devoted to being open, friendly, and kind to all whom they
encountered. Second Presbyterian Church really made a positive impression on
me. They were also adamant about complying with health regulations, which
was great, and second nature to me as a nursing student and current CNA.

Points earned this section: ________________

Interpreting: (25 points)

Describe the environment that you were in (people, setting, smells, noise, etc.)
o I began my time volunteering in the kitchen and jumped right in. They had formed
an assembly line in order to effectively and quickly prepare and serve the food those
who came to the church. The setting was that everyone was moving quickly trying to
prepare food on time and it smelled delicious. There were about ten people total
making lunch for what turned out to be over 150 people.
How did you know what to do once you were there?
o After parking in the specified parking deck, I followed signs to the kitchen where I
knew I could probably find my advisor and contact person, Elva Mapp. She was busy
running around but I was able to track her down and then she introduced me to her
Monday lunch team. I further knew what to do once I was there because they helped
direct me.
How were you helpful to the organization and/or population that you served?
o They were all immediately happy to see such a youngster volunteering with their
soup kitchen. They began to tell me that every other Monday patrons of the church
volunteer in the kitchen. It was my job to run trays back and forth and to put fresh
sandwiches on each of the trays before we served the soup. Several of the other
members commented on how fast I was moving and how helpful I was being. I was
also helpful to the population that I served by providing an extra hand to prepare
their food and to make sure it was still hot when they had a chance to sit down.
Points earned this section: ________________
 BSMCON.NUR1100 Rev.7.30.14
Responding: (25 points)

Did you interact with any Servant Leaders during your experience? What makes them a
servant leader? Describe their actions.
o I interacted with several Servant Leaders during my experience. I saw Elva Mapp
serve and lead by overseeing the soup kitchen and its 10 associated volunteers. I
saw Associate Pastor Kathryn Lester-Bacon serve through contributing to a
toiletries donation drive for another church members youth group. Furthermore, I
saw Parrish Associate Sam Adams working in his office planning out his week
serving others and Christ. Overall, their leadership roles were shown by their
actions and service to their Church and the community around them.
Was there anything or anyone in particular that caught your attention during this
experience? If so, describe. If not, describe what you did during your time with the
organization.
o The other volunteers as a whole caught my attention through this experience. They
all acted with extreme compassion with very open natures in regards to the
population they were serving. One particular patron who comes regularly on
Mondays, also plays piano for the event and is transsexual. I was the youngest
volunteer by about 50 years and they were all still accepting of her choices openly.
They made a point to tell me who she was, but they were still very accepting.

Points earned this section: ________________

Reflection: (25 points)

Describe your feelings when the experience was over. Relief? Sadness? Energized?
Would you be interested in doing this again? Is there something else you would like to
try? Are you more comfortable staying home?
o I was actually sad to end my experience! I definitely felt energized while I was
there and it was great to feel so needed. Being young and agile as they said
themselves, I could do a lot of the tasks faster than they were used to. I would
definitely be interested in serving again. I gave my advisor Elva my telephone
number and told her she was welcome to call and e-mail me any further
opportunities to volunteer, and I could even pass them along to my nursing
school.
Describe any changes in your values or feelings as a result of this experience.
o My values and feelings have just been heightened by this experience. I truly do enjoy
giving back and appreciate the opportunity to incorporate service learning into a
graded assignment. It was also reassuring and truly lovely to see all of the
volunteers so dedicated to their task. Serving over 150 people from a soup kitchen is
not an easy one!

Points earned this section: ________________

TOTAL EARNED: _________