Kierstyn Davis

The event was organized to support local artists and their small businesses by showcasing and selling their artwork through an auction. I arrived during the final few minutes of the auction and helped coordinate the artwork with the winning bidders at the tables. We also had to draw a line across the auction cards to ensure that no additional bids were placed after the auction ended. Even after the auction officially closed, several people continued looking at the artwork as if it were still available for purchase. One woman approached the table and asked if she could buy certain pieces. She explained that it was her first time attending the event and that she personally knew some of the artists. Two employees were present at the table, and one explained that multiple verbal announcements had been made to remind attendees how much time remained to place their bids. However, the woman continued to insist that the deadline be extended. The employee calmly explained that she would have another opportunity to purchase some of the artists’ work at their tents or during the following year’s auction. Although the woman was disappointed with the response, she eventually left. This experience taught me how to handle difficult situations professionally, especially when dealing with people who are persistent or unhappy with a decision. It also showed me the importance of remaining calm, communicating clearly, and standing firm on established rules while still offering alternative solutions.

I helped serve brunch at Room in the Inn. After serving the food, I assisted with putting everything away and washing the dishes. While volunteering, I also had the opportunity to talk with some of my fellow volunteers about how volunteering helps us realize how easily we can take the little things in life for granted. One situation that stood out to me was when a woman took all the juices for her sons and left without saying anything. I expected an employee to track her down and ask her to return the extra juices. However, the employee simply said to let them have it because we never know what someone else is going through. She explained that the juices might be part of the only food the woman and her children had received in a while. After reflecting on her words, I realized how important it is to approach situations like this with understanding rather than judgment. This experience reminded me to be more patient and compassionate toward others because I never truly know what someone may be going through or what challenges they may be facing.

During this volunteer event, I helped spread mulch across a designated area and used tools to cut the grass along a fence. The work was physically demanding, especially due to the high temperatures. Although working outdoors presented challenges, I was familiar with this type of labor. Growing up, my parents taught me the importance of hard work, responsibility, and maintaining a strong work ethic, particularly when completing physically demanding tasks. Through this experience, I recognized that individuals have different backgrounds and levels of experience with outdoor work. Some of my peers expressed concerns about the heat and the physical demands of the task. I understood their concerns, as working outdoors in the summer can be challenging, especially in Memphis, Tennessee, during August. This experience taught me the importance of patience, adaptability, and maintaining professionalism when working with others. Rather than allowing differing perspectives to distract me from my responsibilities, I chose to remain focused on completing the task to the best of my ability. I understood that expressing my frustrations would not necessarily improve the situation and could create unnecessary tension within the group. Instead, I prioritized working efficiently and contributing to the team's overall goal. Ultimately, this experience helped me understand the value of remaining composed, respecting different perspectives, and maintaining a strong work ethic when faced with challenging circumstances.

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.

1. What skills did you develop or improve through this service experience?
I developed my social skills and the ability to work with other people.

2. Did this experience change your perspective on your role within the community or environment?
This experienced changed my perspective on my role in the environment by allowing me to see that no matter how small a role may seem it can hold great importance in working environment. Although it seemed as if I was just serving food it allowed me to help run the event more smoothly.

3. Did you work individually or as part of a team, and how did that impact your experience?
I was part of a team of people that was serving food to the community. This experienced has helped me realize that even though I am part of a team. It is crucial that I do my part as an individual to help the team run more smoothly.

4. Do you plan to continue volunteering with this organization? Why or why not?
I do plan to volunteer with the organization again. The staff were very friendly and the way that they operated the even was very efficient.

5. What would you change about your approach to this service opportunity in the future?
If I could do this over again, I would want my facial expression to appear more cheerful. Although I was happy, I noticed that some people seemed hesitant to approach me when they had questions. Looking back, I realize my facial expression may have made me seem less approachable.

1. How did this experience challenge your problem-solving abilities?
I experienced some problem-solving abilities when I had to figure out a way for my teammates and I had to find a position to plant a tree in a way that meet the needs of the company that was in charge of planting trees and allows the tree to get the water that it needs when it was time for the rainfall to come.

2. Did this experience change your perspective on your role within the community or environment?
Yes, this experience did change my perspective on my role within the environment. I was reminded that humans have taken so much from the environment. Instead of remaining dormant, it is important that we do the best that we can to restore it.

3. What new connections or relationships did you form during your service?
I was able to do create a connection with two other people during my service. One of them was a young man who worked for the company that the University of Memphis was partnering with. The other person was an older man who had various degrees in botany and engineering.

4. How did the organization support or guide you during your service?
The organization that the University of Memphis partnered with was very helpful. They gave specific instructions on how to plant the trees. When my partners and I did not do something right, they staff was very nice in giving us critical feedback.

5. What unexpected challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
One unexpected challenge arose while working with an older man on the team. He became somewhat defensive when a staff member corrected us about a mistake we had made. He explained that he knew the tree had been planted correctly because he had been planting trees since he was six years old. Because of his experience, he strongly insisted that the tree did not need to be replanted. To handle the situation, I chose to step back and give him a few minutes to himself rather than escalating the disagreement. I also focused on continuing the work by planting three additional trees correctly and making gentle suggestions to help prevent the same mistake from happening again. This approach helped maintain a productive work environment while avoiding further conflict.

1. What skills did you develop or improve through this service experience?

This experience helped me develop stronger communication skills and improve my ability to present myself in a friendly and approachable manner when interacting with others.

2. What did you learn about the community or environment you served?

While distributing feminine hygiene products, I noticed that many older women declined to take them so they could be left for someone else who might need them more. In some cases, individuals even offered to donate to the cause because they understood how expensive these products can be for many people. This experience showed me how generous and thoughtful members of the Memphis community are, and it highlighted the strong sense of care people have for one another.

3. What new connections or relationships did you form during your service?

During my service experience, I formed a connection with another volunteer who is an African American student currently attending White Station High School, the school I graduated from last year. Throughout the event, I was able to share advice about preparing for college and discuss things I wish I had known before starting my own college journey. It was meaningful to offer guidance and support to someone who is about to go through a similar transition.

4. Do you plan to continue volunteering with this organization? Why or why not?

Yes, I plan to continue volunteering with this organization because the experience was very meaningful and calming. It reminded me that volunteering can benefit the volunteer just as much as it benefits the community. It also gave me the opportunity to step outside of my dorm, experience a different environment, and contribute in a positive way by helping others.

5. Did your service align with your personal values and beliefs? If not, how did you handle any conflicts?

Yes, this service aligned with my personal values and beliefs. I believe that feminine hygiene products should be accessible to everyone, especially to those who need them the most. Participating in this service allowed me to help address this need within the community and contribute to supporting individuals who may not otherwise have access to these essential products.

1. What skills did you develop or improve through this service experience? This experience helped me develop stronger communication skills and improve my ability to present myself in a friendly and approachable manner when interacting with others.

2. What did you learn about the community or environment you served? While distributing feminine hygiene products, I noticed that many older women declined to take them so they could be left for someone else who might need them more. In some cases, individuals even offered to donate to the cause because they understood how expensive these products can be for many people. This experience showed me how generous and thoughtful members of the Memphis community are, and it highlighted the strong sense of care people have for one another.

3. What new connections or relationships did you form during your service? During my service experience, I formed a connection with another volunteer who is an African American student currently attending White Station High School, the school I graduated from last year. Throughout the event, I was able to share advice about preparing for college and discuss things I wish I had known before starting my own college journey. It was meaningful to offer guidance and support to someone who is about to go through a similar transition.

4. Do you plan to continue volunteering with this organization? Why or why not? Yes, I plan to continue volunteering with this organization because the experience was very meaningful and calming. It reminded me that volunteering can benefit the volunteer just as much as it benefits the community. It also gave me the opportunity to step outside of my dorm, experience a different environment, and contribute in a positive way by helping others.

5. Did your service align with your personal values and beliefs? If not, how did you handle any conflicts? Yes, this service aligned with my personal values and beliefs. I believe that feminine hygiene products should be accessible to everyone, especially to those who need them the most. Participating in this service allowed me to help address this need within the community and contribute to supporting individuals who may not otherwise have access to these essential products.

a. This experience helped me become more self-aware of my surroundings, both physically and culturally.
b. It also increased my awareness of environmental and animal welfare issues. Before visiting the cat-and-dog shelter, I had not fully considered the reality that some animals experience abuse or spend long periods in cages while waiting to be adopted. This broadened my perspective and reminded me that hardship is not limited to people.
c. I worked independently during this service experience, which significantly shaped my involvement. Because I do not own pets, I felt nervous when walking a dog, as I was unfamiliar with interpreting its cues or body language. This required me to be especially attentive and cautious.
d. I do not plan to continue volunteering with this organization due to the strong odor in the shelter. Although I initially hoped the experience would help me become more comfortable around animals, I realized it may not be beneficial for me or for them.
e. An unexpected challenge I encountered was managing my facial expressions and body language. After observing others, I noticed that dogs often respond to the walker’s demeanor. A negative or tense expression could easily influence their behavior, making it important to remain calm and intentional.