Girls Inc. Farm Day 4/25

1. What skills did you develop or improve through this service experience?
- I'm not much of a person to work in gardens or in the dirt pulling weeds out, but I definitely got the chance to improve those skills. Not only that but I also was able to talk to new people and step outside of my comfort zone.
2. Did this experience change your perspective on your role within the community or environment?
- I think that this experience taught me that volunteering is not always easy work. It's okay for it to be hard work, as it is more rewarding knowing how much load we might've taken off this organization.
3. Did you work individually or as part of a team, and how did that impact your experience?
- I got the chance to work with 4 other people, which ended up being a great experience. We all had a connection with each other in some way. One of the ladies there was actually the mom of a teacher at the school I work at, and it was nice to have that connection there. It definitely made it even more enjoyable because we all got the chance to talk and connect.
4. How did the organization support or guide you during your service?
- This organization helped guide me through what we needed to get done. It was very easy, but they came by offering water every once in a while and even offered us some hats to protect our heads from the sun. It was definitely a great experience.
5. Did your service align with your personal values and beliefs? If not, how did you handle any conflicts?
- This did align with my personal values, as serving is a part of who I am. I have been serving since freshman year of high school, and it is definitely something great to value. Helping and giving back to others is very important.

I enjoyed volunteering. Friendly staff and they kept us hydrated.

1. How has this experience influenced your future career or educational goals?
This has influenced my future career goals to be more intentional when planning big projects and needing help from those who are not familiar with the projects that I am working on.

2. How did your service influence your understanding of social or environmental issues?
Helping on this project has help me become more aware of the surrounding issues. For example, that groceries are not present in certain parts of Memphis, TN. I did not know that up until now. So, people have decided to grow fruits and vegetables to help provide for the surrounding community.

3. Did you work individually or as part of a team, and how did that impact your experience?
I was part of the team, and this impacted my experience by making it easier for me to complete the task I was assigned. I was responsible for weeding the front section of the flower bed in front of the building. The task was long and involved removing dead leaves and weeds from the area. When someone stepped in to help, the process became much easier and less stressful for me, and it allowed the work to be completed more efficiently.

4. Do you plan to continue volunteering with this organization? Why or why not?
I do plan to volunteer with this organization more because the staff was very nice and was more than happy to answer any questions when I had them.

5. Did your service align with your personal values and beliefs? If not, how did you handle any conflicts?
Yes, my service aligned with my personal values and beliefs. I believe in helping people and supporting those who may not have the resources they need. This experience reflected that value because it allowed me to contribute to improving a shared space that benefits others.