Reflecting on Service: The Common Denominator

Abstract

Despite good intentions, some service projects do not have the same results as intended. The key difference maker that explains the results of the success is community collaboration. I was fortunate enough to make this realization through formal service education which propelled the proper way to complete and structure future projects, even if those decisions were not always conscious. Although I have this understanding now, the process of my reflection through each service experience is explored throughout the paper. This reflection resulted in the foundation of my own nonprofit, Offering of Hope which has grown to encompass 7 branches in 5 states resulting in community engagement between communities and pre-health undergraduate and professional students across the country.