Reflection on Service

Today marked the beginning of our time doing service at Pedro Plains Primary School, about 20 minutes from the property we're staying at. Though the actual tasks we were assigned were rewarding in themselves, and I greatly enjoyed meeting and working alongside the day workers and playing with the children, what was most impactful to me when reflecting upon our accomplishments was considering the part of service that I cannot see: how our work will affect and improve young lives in this community, and how our achievements today will (hopefully!) appreciated for years to come. Last night, our group gathered together and discussed the concept of service, how to contribute effectively in a service project like the one we've embarked on, and how social media and other confounding factors has influenced, for better or worse, how people understand service and its impact as a whole. This discussion got me thinking about my own personal understanding of the work we planned to do: though it's cliche, I realized that I hadn't yet asked myself, "What am I doing here?" I thought about all that had led up to this point, from attending the pre-departure meetings, to my own personal preparation and packing nights before we left, and even our flight out to the island. I had just been going along with the motions, following along meagerly and taking a more passive role with regards to getting to know everyone and being a part of the group. When the group started discussing this topic, I realized that that wasn't what I had come on this trip to do. This trip was meant to be challenging, in more ways than through just manual labor or checking items off of a to-do list. We were here to make an impact: I was here to make an impact. Through this discussion, I learned that service demands much more than passivity. It requires dedication both mentally and physically, and hearing similar thoughts from the others on the trip solidified to me that we were truly going to attempt some amazing and impactful things in the week that we're here.

Once we arrived at the main work site, a large netball (think something close to volleyball) court located out front of the schoolhouse itself, it was immediately apparent that a lot of our work was cut out for us. Half-painted and clearly a work in progress, it showed great promise, and the group decided that we could feasibly finish rendering the walls of the court and painting the court itself by the end of the day. As work began and the group split up and separated into different task forces, I found myself without direction, which is a deeper thought that I should likely entertain through a different outlet, but I digress. I felt as if I was standing around, and not being nearly as productive as my peers. I thought back to the conclusion I had made the night before: that I was here to take initiative, and that it was up to me to make an impact of my own. I began walking around and offering to do what I could, whenever I could. I spent time mixing cement, painting the court, the walkway near the bleachers, and the principal's office inside the school. Aside from a brief break to say hi to some of the kids at recess, I found a way to spend my time effectively, and as we finished our work, I was happy that I could look back and actually see the actions that I had completed, clearly on display throughout the schoolyard. I realized, though, that service isn't really about painting a room, looking at it, and calling it a day, congratulating yourself for a job well done. Moreover, service, at its core, is about doing something that matters and that makes an impact on all involved. In my case, I realized (and I realize now that I've been making a lot of realizations since I've been here) that the actions that our group did, even just in our first day, will have a great positive impact on the kids at Pedro Plains: by having this completed netball court, they'll have a place to play that they can not only use, but be proud of. For us, we'll have the physical results of this project to reference, and we can consider this undertaking a great success for years to come. 

In conclusion, to me, service is not found in the actions: in mixing concrete, painting an athletic court, or even in enjoying time playing with the ever-grateful and excited schoolchildren. Service is about the gratefulness and appreciation by both those being served and those serving, weeks, months and years after the work is completed. Though it's only our first day working here in Jamaica, I think if we keep up the great work and maintain the great work ethic we have established from the get go, we can really do some incredible things this week. Truly, we are here for no other reason than to serve, and I think by taking initiative and doing all that we can as both individuals and a group, we can make both those we serve and ourselves very proud.

 

- Ryan Donatacci