Service Learning Essay

Within seconds of receiving the handout for this essay my mind begin to race with ideas of who I would help, how I would help them and why. Unfortunately the thought “when” never seemed to cross my mind. Even though I love helping out others and enjoy volunteering my time I couldn’t find the time or charity to assist, until I attended the service fair at Collin College, which actually made me even more confused than before. Between animal care, big sister programs and helping children with special needs I was at a complete lost. Then I saw the Life Talk table, I was immediately interested in what services they offered especially since I used to volunteer at a free clinic in High School. Once I arrived at the table I was instantly greeted by an enthusiastic blonde woman who was very excited to explain to me what exactly Life Talk was. After hearing her explanation I knew exactly where I wanted to devote my time. Unfortunately it took me so long to figure out where I wanted to volunteer that by the time I discovered Life Talk, I was hired at The Gap which had completely taken over my Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s not to mention the fact that I was in class until 5:15 every day and Life Talk closed at 4. Even though volunteering there began to seem next to impossible, I was still curious about Life Talk, what they did and how they helped people in need, so I decided to go to Life Talk and learn more about the facility and the people.

“Women obtain abortions for a number of reasons, usually having to do with relationship and interpersonal issues but other concerns like health of the mother, health of the fetus, or finances may factor into the decision.” (Life Talk website) When it came to the subject of abortion all I knew was the basics, you get pregnant “accidentally” so you go to a clinic and “poof” no more pregnancy. Unfortunately most people my age, younger and sometimes even older all believe that this is how it works. This is exactly why I picked Life Talk as my charity, I realized that abortion must be way more serious than what I’m thinking if there’s a whole clinic centered on abortion counseling. After doing some online research provided by the Life Talk website and bing.com I learned that abortion is a terrifying thing that haunts women and men long after the procedure is over with. Once I walked through the front door I immediately felt safe and secure which I found ironic since serious and terrifying life changing decisions are made in that office every single day. I introduced myself to the women behind the giant marble partition who also happened to be the women I had spoken with the day before. Reen was so friendly and energetic I felt more at ease then I have ever felt in a medical office before, she took me on a tour of the building which consisted of the waiting room, office, conference room, ultrasound and STD’s testing room, lounge areas to speak with counselors in and another office. Every room in the building was decorated with warm inviting colors which I suddenly realized was done intentionally so that the women coming in could feel the same way I did, relaxed, safe and calm. During the tour I met two other women, Jane and Nina, Jane works with the board of directors, donors, clients and volunteers to make sure everything is runs smoothly and Nina is a volunteer that speaks with the women that come in and goes out to the High Schools and speaks to the students to help prevent at risk behavior. As I sat down to speak with Reen, Jane and Nina I noticed that all three of them were very passionate about their work and wanted to make a difference in the lives of women, men and at risk youths. Even though I was not able to volunteer at Life Talk that day I was asked to come back and take photos of the mothers and their children sometime, something that I would absolutely be willing to do.

“Abortion is an option many women choose as a way to end pregnancy. The idea that abortion can get rid of a “problem” may seem like a good choice. The reality is that abortion brings many more problems with it than giving the baby life would bring.”(Pregnancy pamphlet)  Going to Life Talk was a very eye opening experience. I learned about what women really go through and how traumatizing abortion really is. I also learned more about the dangers that young people put themselves in with at risk behavior and what it can lead to. This made me realize that instead of having adults shy away from the conversation our youth needs to be educated from a very young age.  The women I met were all so inspirational, each one had a different story and different backgrounds that brought them all to the same place to help those in need.  When associating with a complete stranger being kind, helpful and honest are three qualities that most people lack but Reen, Nina and Jane were all of those things and more proving to me that there are still good people in the world that want to make a positive impact on a persons life anyway they can.

For me this project has made me realize that anyone can help make a difference in a person life if their willing to.  This project has also inspired me to make time to help people in need.  Going to Life Talk was an experience I will never forget, choosing this charity educated me about the seriousness of abortions and how truly traumatizing they can be for women and men. Even though I was not able to assist them with anything on my visit, in the future I would absolutely love to anyway that I could. From this experience I have gain additional knowledge about abortion and at risk behavior that can lead to various dangerous results. Overall this experience not only educated me but it also inspired me to help others in need and it showed me that there are some truly incredible people in this world devoting their time to do amazingly unselfish things to insure the well-being of others.