by Jenna Johnson
Elks Scholar Fellow
The Chicago Summer Service Trip has come to a close. As I
work on sending out post-trip surveys, sorting through supplies and uploading
pictures, I can’t believe how fast it went. Since starting my position as Elks
Scholar Fellow at the beginning of April, my mind has been focused on all
things Chicago, service and scholars.
During my first few weeks, I excitedly labeled a large binder
with a bright yellow sticky note titled Chicago Summer Service Trip, unsure of
what I should put inside, but certain I wanted to be prepared. Over the course
of the next few months, I had the opportunity to take ideas, suggestions and
research and turn them into spreadsheets, emails and agendas. Due to eager
service sites, the supportive ENF staff, a welcoming Elks Lodge and scholars
committed to serving others, the concept of a trip in the City of Chicago
became a reality.
Although the planning was exciting and rewarding, the most
gratifying part of the lead-up to the trip was meeting the scholars in person
on day one. They went from being names on a roster to individuals with unique
perspectives and personalities. Their energy and enthusiasm, their desire to
connect with each other and with community members, and their wise insights
shared in reflection consistently amazed me. I learned a great deal from the
scholars over the course of the week, but in particular, I gained at least one
key lesson every day.
Sunday—There
is such a thing as too many cooks in the kitchen. Half
of our group made breakfast for dinner on the first night, and it was a great
way to kick off our week. However, with eight cooks in the kitchen, we ended up
with too few pancakes and two tons of sliced bananas. We had a great time
though, and in the end, we enjoyed some delicious banana pancakes.
Monday—Never
say never! I eagerly signed us up to partner with a non-profit making
a mosaic on the side of an elementary school for our first day. I was excited
about the idea of revitalizing Chicago neighborhoods by means of artwork;
however, I chose to overlook the fact that none of us had artistic expertise. I
regretted my naïve enthusiasm when we showed up and I saw the magnitude of the
mosaic. Yet, thanks to a great volunteer coordinator and scholars committed to
learning new things, as you can see, it all worked out!
Tuesday—Personal
shopping is not a career, but it should be. We served at the Jesse
Brown VA Medical Center food pantry, and the scholars served as the veterans’
personal shoppers. They walked alongside them with a cart, and at the request
of each veteran, they picked up food off of the tables and bagged it. At the
end of the day, one of the scholars said, “I wish that was a career! Shopping
has never been so fun.”
Wednesday—Hoodies
are never a mistake. As I passed out the scholars’ welcome kits
upon arrival, I joked that they wouldn’t need to touch the hoodie we provide
for each trip, being that it was June. However, on our evening boat tour on
Lake Michigan, a good portion of them were proudly representing the Elks in
sweatshirts. As an Arizona girl, I’m learning that Chicago summers are another
story.
Thursday—Set-up
offers perspective. We helped set-up for the Chicago Standdown, an
event that brings together dozens of organizations to provide practical services
to homeless veterans, such as medical exams and housing assistance. Although
set-up consisted of more indirect service, such as mopping floors, unloading
pallets, sorting clothes and matching socks, it was an integral part of the
process. It put into perspective all of the work that goes into making direct
service possible, and it made the interactions with the veterans the next day
all the more meaningful.
Friday-Elks
family is for everyone! The Brookfield, Ill., Lodge No. 1510
graciously hosted us for dinner on our last night. Within minutes of walking
through the door, Elks members engaged scholars in conversation all around the
room. From hearing stories of inspirational Elks members to getting a grand
tour of the Lodge, our Elks family welcomed us with smiles. It was quite a
challenge to corral everyone back onto the bus at the end of the night, which
is not a bad problem to have.
All in all, it’s difficult to find language to summarize the
week because service trips are so unique. In the scheme of regular routines, having
the opportunity to dedicate an entire week to service is atypical. The fact
that Elks scholars traveled from all over the U.S. to unite in a common effort
of giving back to others is refreshing. These service trips don’t happen every
day, but with the Elks family, they do happen three times a year and
communities and scholars are mutually benefitted through the experience. So as
I place the Chicago binder on the shelf, I am extremely grateful that this was
trip one of six in my term as the Fellow. I look forward to the trips ahead,
and to learning more valuable lessons while serving alongside such
inspirational scholars.
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