Life Changing Opportunities and Volunteerism
Note: This story was submitted to the Rally Call Blog through the Center for Civic Engagement by Ivy Tech Nursing Instructor Rebecca Murphy.
I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to assist with disaster relief for flood victims in Kansas and Texas as a volunteer for the American Red Cross. After teaching a five-week summer course in the nursing program while completing a course toward my master’s degree that was also an intensive five-week course, I had a window of opportunity to be sent as a health service worker for a three-week deployment. My experience was absolutely phenomenal as I experienced my first flights, traveled to new areas, and met wonderful new people.
This was a totally new and different kind of experience for me. A lot of time was spent organizing and communicating during the 10-12 hour work days. During the workday we would arrive an hour before the service center would open and remain until all the clients were gone, usually one-two hours after closing time. In Health Services we had lengthy forms to fill out for each case and phone calls to be made to help assist clients in getting needed medical attention or supplies. We had supplies on hand that had to be organized and a constant barrage of new information that needed organizing and relayed to others.
After hours, there was also the need for organizing and communicating with others. Living out of a suitcase for three weeks in itself is stressful and takes organization. Dressing from the limited supply of clothes on hand and going somewhere to launder them also took time. Going out to eat each evening, deciding where to go and organizing the outing with others also took time and communication. Just the stress of being in a new environment and away from your usual support network demands more coping. Touching base with those from home every few days is a must but also takes some organizing, especially when time zones vary. Also taking time was my personal choice to journal daily about the experience. I somehow found the time to record things I learned and spend some time trying to keep the vast amount of information I was attaining each day organized.
During downtime, I found various ways to have fun and deal with stress. I found a quick walk around the premises or an evening swim in the hotel pool a great way to expend energy. I enjoy playing music but the only instrument I had room for was my harmonica which I had not played much for several years. So this was a great opportunity to get reacquainted with an “old friend”. I was pleased to find several who seemed to enjoy my playing and thrilled that my roommate recognized my favorite tune, “Red Wings”. I also journal my feelings and emotions and somehow found some alone time to meditate and pray. This alone time was hard to come by given that I had a roommate all but four days of the entire trip. But my roommates proved to be exceptional individuals and I am honored to have gotten to know them and have remained in contact with each of them.
The social interactions were especially interesting for me. After being married from the age of 17 and now newly single, I found my reactions to the social atmosphere interesting to say the least. The environment seemed to be a safe place to grow a little in my understanding of the world. The other workers seemed honest and overall a group of people you would expect to find in a giving organization like the American Red Cross.
One of my greatest motivations in life is to offer assistance and encouragement to people experiencing crisis. I decided to begin training with the Red Cross last year after experiencing a personal crisis in my own life. I found peace and support in various places and from many wonderful friends, coworkers, and family members. My desire is to somehow reach out to others who are in need. Ivy Tech provided me the extra nudge to put a plan into action by encouraging volunteerism in the community.
Through working in client services and at times in staff health, I was afforded an opportunity to listen to the incredible stories of many Red Cross volunteers who have assisted in other disasters as well as the stories of the current flood victims. As a bit of a sociologist at heart, I am always intrigued by the ability of humans to survive, adapt and even thrive in spite of devastating losses and horrific circumstances.
I am humbled by my awareness that my menial attempts to make a difference pale in comparison to the tremendous amount of what I have brought back from the experience. I believe my life has been impacted by the richness and intimacy that arose from a situation where humans came together to both give and receive freely from each other. All of us seemed to be aware that we could have easily been in the other’s shoes. Judgment of one another and the human tendency to attempt to control were displaced by the emergent need to adapt and survive.
Problem solving was the main theme. Identifying a need and then finding a way to meet it was the goal. Everyone worked together to meet the goal. “Everyone” included Red Cross workers, victims, and other community partners. I saw communities come together in support of the victims. I have a new appreciation and respect for what the Red Cross does as well as the community members and organizations. Churches, like the Salvation Army, and other entities like FEMA are large-scale helpers. I more fully appreciate the need for better preparedness, better communication, and more access to emergency resources. But most especially, I realize how important it is for people to reach out to others. Volunteerism is a wonderful way to build self-esteem in our young people and instill important values. When our children see us freely giving of ourselves, we are sending out a value message that will impact our own future generations as well as all of society.