Operation Doge : a reflective journal.

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The community service module has equipped me with many skills. For one, I now know what it takes to plan a successful community service initiative while facing a world-wide pandemic.

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Granted that a pandemic does not seem like the best circumstance, but I can safely say, now that the project is done and dusted, it actually proved to be a valuable learning experience. While it imposed various challenges, it has molded us to be more adaptable, flexible, and think on our feet.  However,

I believed that the real impact of the community service module lies not in the academical skills it has fostered, but more so in instilling a sense of social responsibility and values.

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In the midst of a global pandemic that has set a one-meter barrier between each other, community service has given as a chance to not only forged bonds, but to value them as well. In fact, the module allowed us to take a break from our grueling studio work and instead focus on something that I believe architecture is all about, but is often forgotten in the chaos of never-ending submissions and unfinished work, and that is to simply to be human and to be humane.  The overall project gave us a chance to create meaningful connections. First, through the process of planning and collaboration with the NGO we were helping, letting them know they are not alone in their fight for the improvement of animal welfare, then with the creation, ideation and execution with our committee members, allowing us to bond through rewarding work, and also with ourselves throughout the span of the project, because I believe being empathetic with others allows us to be empathetic with ourselves.

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In conclusion, the community service initiative has taught me that while we can sit in the comfort of our own homes nit-picking at all the horrors and fiascos encircling our society, the world we live in will never become better unless we find it in ourselves to hold ourselves responsible and reach out to help make it better. Although acknowledging the flaws and faults within the community is the first step to change, we should take it on ourselves to do more, and embrace that responsibility to become the change we wish to see. Thus, we hold that obligation as conscious, civil human-beings to make an impact on those around us, and to seek betterment not just within ourselves, but towards the community we form as well. Without this sense of responsibility that ties us to one another, we would just be lost particles drifting aimlessly, because it’s the people who chose to enrich our community that leave their vibrant colourful imprints as their mark on the world, and without them, then the society we live in would only be singular, monotonous and dull.

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(468 words)

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