I decided to conduct my meeting at the library in the Patrick Henry HOP because I thought that talking with someone strangers at the cafeteria will be too hard for me. It is better not to disturb people while they are eating because practice shows that no one likes it. So I went to the library. I noticed interesting thing that people react more nervously when they see me than, for example, if some European of American man is near them. I confuse them. I chose one girl to seat with her because I noticed that she had book called The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon and I heard a lot of positive feedback from my friends about it. It was hard to start conversation because I was afraid to disturb her or alert but she first noticed me looking at that book and at her so I started conversation. At first she was nervous and not so eager to talk with me but I explained that I wanted to read this book and that I was not trying to disturb her. She was closed but then opened up a little bit but still she was a bit alerted. Her name is Casey Murray, she is American, a sophomore and she is majored in Hospitality and Tourism Management and that book was for her friend. We started talking about this book and I found out that her friend`s major is Phycology and she needed that book for her research paper about Asperger`s syndrome. Then we talked about studying issues like deadlines, exams and so on. I noticed that she was not so eager to continue conversation because her answers on my questions were like “yes, no, maybe”. I understood that my usual questions like “What music do you like?” or “Do you like to travel?” would be inappropriate because it was obvious that she could not relate to me and relax while I was near her. So I thanked her for telling me about that book and apologized for disturbing her. This relaxed her and she wished me good luck.
All things considered it was interesting and hard experience because I once more was convinced that people feel anxiety and alertness near me. They do not want to talk to me unless it is forced or necessary. I can feel barrier between me and them and I am the only one who wants to break it. I am not sure if I am ready to do this once more not like an assignment because while talking several times I wanted to say that it was for assignment. It was very hard for me because of language barrier and my ethnicity probably. People do not want to talk to me that easily so it complicates my communication with them.
My Random Act of Kindness
For my “Random Act of Kindness” I chose to give a carepack to a homeless man. In my neighborhood there is one old man who always hangs out near shop. He seems to be adequate and not an alcoholic so I decided to help him with my carepack. I bought some toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, snacks, gloves and warm socks. Also, I decided to give him food that I cooked by myself.
At first as I approached him he gave me angry and nervous look and after I greeted him he became more nervous than before. I was ready for this reaction. Then I introduced myself and explained that I wanted to help him by giving him this carepack and food. He was very skeptical and critical at first and could not believe that someone like me can give him some toiletries and food just like that. But then I explained to him that I understand how hard it is to have nothing and that all people should help each other no matter what. He accepted everything I gave him and thanked me a lot because he truly needed it. Then he said that no one cares about him so he lost his faith in humanity. We talked a little bit and I understood that he was closed but not nervous or anything like that. He did not want to talk about himself so I explained what food I gave him because I cooked my traditional food. We chatted about it and I felt happy because he treated me more warmly than others. He accepted me even though I have different origin.
While my “Random Act of Kindness” and my experience with this homeless man I felt positive emotions and I realized that there can be situations even harder than I can ever imagine. I understood that I can improve someone’s life a little bit. I defiantly will do RAOK again because it is great that such small gestures can help someone. Also, feeling of happiness and realization that you can change world for someone is great even if it is some carepack and food.
