Benton Yick (36) SL reflection

For the service learning project, our class decided on the idea of going to the All Saints Home to perform for the elderly. Overall it was a success as we managed to cheer the elderly up relatively well and bond as a class. There was adequate preparation done before hand and hence the performances put up were spectacular and displayed the talents in our class. For instance, Wei Xuan blew the minds of the elderly with a melodious tune played by him. His fingers running across the flute deftly proved his expertise and dedication put in. At the end, our class sang two songs for the elderly and it showed our class spirit. Hopefully we would be able to maintain such a strong bond all the way till next year when we sit for o levels together. If we had a chance to do the service learning project again, I think we should include other performances such as simple skits so that more people can be involved and more people can understand the joy of making others happy. I also hope that there would be more interaction time with the elderly personally as I would like to get to know more about them and how do they find life in the home. I think it is very interesting to find out how they feel as we never know one day we may end up in a home too. I like to observe life and they way people react to things. Anyway, the feedback or response gathered was that the elderly were mostly happy and satisfied with the performances as well as the gifts we gave out. The heart felt thanks I received when giving out the gift pack touched me emotionally. I could tell the old woman was not English speaking but she thanked me in English. Her frail, weak hands stretched out to receive the gift pack. I wished I could give her some life through some strange osmosis at that very instant. I have learnt several valuable lessons through this trip, though I have already made trips to old folks homes in primary school. Apart from helping others and caring for the needy in the society, I have came to realize that happiness can be shared and spread to others. It may be a smile, a gift, or a performance, but whether the old folks truly understand what we sing, or appreciate what we perform, as long as they feel happy, we have truly done our part in service learning. I hope people see doing charity as something meaningful and not so much of a burden. All in all, this service learning project is a success and I look forward to doing more with the class in the future.