Laylah Hunt
WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT MYSELF:
To complete our M5 year, our advisory was required to volunteer at the church to dish meals into containers for individuals and families who were in need of food. We did this to help the less fortunate who cannot afford to support themselves or their families by providing balanced meals. The meals consisted of a protein/meat like chicken or beef, a starch like rice or mashed potatoes, vegetables like carrots and green beans with an addition of gravy, a piece of bread and a dessert.
Although I believe that I often appreciate the privilege I’ve been granted as a student attending a private school with parents who are able to provide for my needs, this experience helped me to further recognize that there are people who rely on the church's services to eat. It taught me that I enjoy helping others as some are not born as lucky.
WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT THE COMMUNITY:
I learned that Bermuda’s community consists of a large range of people from different socioeconomic classes that not everybody acknowledges. The split between people of different statuses makes it more difficult for one class to recognize the differences and struggles of the other. I learned that our school community focuses on giving to others, gratefulness and unity as our class enthusiastically participated in this service and action experience.
“I learned that Bermuda’s community consists of a large range of people from different socioeconomic classes that not everybody acknowledges.”
WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT FOOD
In terms of the food, I learned the importance of a balanced diet. It was necessary that we added an item from each major food category to ensure that those who relied on those meals are exposed to nutrients for strength and growth.
COVID19 has affected Bermuda’s supply of food that is shipped or brought in from overseas by restricting the amounts of healthy foods we have access to. It has negatively impacted businesses and many jobs by pausing the economy for long periods of time and illegalizing physical contact. The pandemic has made it more challenging for people to have a steady income and access food. Overall, the experience was memorable and enjoyable for myself and my peers. I learned aspects about myself, my school and island community and food.
