Wp2exc

Authenticity: The True Key to Good Service

Rising homelessness rates in Los Angeles and the United States as a whole should be cause for reflection within society. What are the structural systems that create this housing crisis? Many believe that homelessness can be attributed to mental illness…

A Different Approach to Empathy in Service

When I reflect on my experiences tutoring low-income students in high school in India, ironically, I reminisce about the times spent away..

The Complete Engagement Experience

Community service has always been a confusing topic for me. How, for example, are we meant to help? And what about the savior complex; is there a way to separate ourselves from that mindset? Do these people even want help? And if so, does the work make a dent in the…

De-exoticization: Respecting Individualities And Embracing Common Values

“Be prepared for all those sad stories as they may experience extreme hardships,” the comment from my friend unconsciously passes on the stereotypical labels given to the 826LA students. Such labeling…

What I’ve Learned About Service Learning

In the final lines of his personal statement, Seth declared that he didn’t want to be merely another statistic about minority students dropping out in their first year of college. This simple personal sentiment has major implications in the larger context of…