Ericca McHale

1. Where the student volunteered their time
• I volunteered my time at the food pantry in my hometown of Des Plaines, Illinois.
2. How the service activity reflected concepts learned in the current FCS course (FCS 4840), and/or other FCS courses
• The service that I did at the food pantry incorporated many aspects that I have learned all throughout my FCS classes. Most importantly I have learned that I should not judge people. The people that came into the food pantry were not necessarily poor, or homeless. A lot of the people have fallen on hard times due to the economy. Some people just need extra. I have also learned to be humble and not take what I have for granted. At one point in my life my mother, sister, and I were homeless. I have always had a deep respect for everyone but somewhere in the time of growing up I feel like I have lost that and volunteering at the food pantry helped bring it back to me.
3. How the student networked with other professionals while participating in the activity and what they GAINED from that networking
• While volunteering at the food pantry I had the opportunity to talk to other volunteers as well as the people coming in needing the extra help. It was a wonderful experience.  Volunteering at the food pantry made me realize that I wasn’t alone when I was younger. Everyone falls on hard times and although I havea  very stable home and support system talking with the other volunteers and the people needing the food pantry’s services made me realize that they are not alone either.
4. The potential effect the service activity and/or the service organization can have (or does have) on the community
• The food pantry has a huge impact on our community. I feel like although people may have been embarrassed to come into and ask for help they knew they were not alone. No matter what hardships you are going through and one point you feel like you are the only person going through this. I think the food pantry did a great job of helping people realize that they were not the only ones going through these struggles.
5. A general reflection on the assignment (e.g., reactions, feelings, life lessons)
• I absolutely loved volunteering my time at the food pantry. It brought back a lot of old feeling I had growing up but it made me humble. I know I did not have the best start in life but I am finishing off strong and no matter the hardships these people are going through; they too can finish off strong.