Social Justice Reflection Paper

Even though I was just a small child, I can vividly recall the pain in his wrinkled eyes as he held the paper cup towards my mother, silently pleading for some spare change. As my mother forcefully grabbed my arm and pulled me to the other side of the sidewalk, my tears started flowing. My mother assumed the man scared me and she began a long rant on the dangers of strange men wanting to hurt little girls. As she went on, I barely heard her warnings because I was consumed with concern for the man. I wanted to know where he would sleep that cold night, whether his belly was hurting from hunger, and why were people just walking past him instead of showing compassion and kindness. From this and other similar experiences in my life, I have learned
During my life I have come to realize that America has the resources to combat social injustice, but it lacks that willingness of community. I believe that as stewards of this world we are commissioned to take action to alleviate pain and suffering. Even though utopia is unlikely, through understanding, awareness, and action we can decrease the impact of social injustice. For me, this involves understanding of the injustices around me through education and community involvement. Secondly, this involves a reflection into my own attitudes and prejudices and how I can change these misconceptions. Lastly, my words and actions are the defining influence on the world. This may be as simple as refusing to participate in a conversation with racial undertones, or as large as lobbying for anti-discrimination laws. Even though my commitment will continue by living a life as an example by engaging in activities that celebrate difference and diversity, I plan to use my professional license to join others to fight poverty, eliminate discrimination, and improve access to
Several of my friends have graduated from the program and their commitment to addressing the needs of the local community is admirable. The UNCW program will allow me the tools to live in a manner which coincides with my core beliefs and values. Although I am not certain of where I will be in five years, my interests at this time involve homelessness, the elderly, the mentally ill, and addiction. Wilmington is my home, and it breaks my heart to see these underserved populations not receiving proper services. I can imagine myself using my training at UNCW to serve the local population as a servant to the