Post-Project Homeless Connect Class Reflection

Last Tuesday, we reflected as a class on our experiences at Project Homeless Connect. Here I've collected the ideas that capture your responses:

First, here are the key words that you all generated to describe your experience: connection, generous, worthwhile, optimistic, different perspective fascinating, positive, rewarding, limiting, relatable, upsetting, empowered, and thought provoking.

Second, here are the lessons that you reported learning and what experience anchored that lesson:

Lesson #1: You can’t do it all, especially within time limits. This lesson was learned when my client had to catch his 10:30 bus and had no time to access dental services.

Lesson #2: People are people, regardless of their socio-economic status, or we all share common experiences. This lesson was learned when I walked outside Ritchie Center with my client, and and she told me the story of when she met her husband.

Lesson #3: To be open and motivated, both volunteers and clients. This lesson was learned when I first met with my client, and she said, “I’m feeling positive.”

Lesson #4: The homeless don’t fit one mold; there is diversity within the homeless population. This lesson was learned when I first met my client. She didn't fit the stereotypical image of poor or homeless person.

Lesson #5: We all have a responsibility to each other. This lesson was learned through my client's sense of humor and his banter. He lectured me about valuing my experience at DU and giving back to the community.

What do you think?