On July 7 2008, I came to Serve! to work on helping others and myself for the past six weeks. I really enjoy being here because it showed me how to work on my communication skills and how to interact with others such as seniors, children and also my teammates that I work with.

When I first came here I only talked to some people which wasn’t right because the others might want to talk to me. Then I realize that it’s good to communicate with others by getting to know them. During the program I had learned lot of things like gardening and how to grow a plant which teaches me a lot so if in the future I want to plant a tree or a flowers I would know how to do it.

By working with the kids it teaches me a lot that kids like to share and also like to be stuck on someone and when we are nice to them they wouldn’t want us to leave…well I had lots of fun at the seniors home by playing bingo it was great and I hope to come back next year.

By: Dana-Ann Thomas

Amongst most people, there exists a general tendency to believe that one is “born to lead” and the rest simply follow. However, my experience with the Serve! Making It Work program has altered my perception of the characteristics possessed by a good leader. Instead of defining a leader in accordance to an inherent leader-esque persona, I now believe that leadership qualities must be developed through consistent practice. The role of a leader should not be defined by the authority they wield. Rather, I feel that the actual importance of a leader lies within the positive influence they exert upon the group.

Aside from the stereotype, many shy away from leadership roles as they require some form of visibility and vulnerability. While being able to translate your vision to others is important, recognizing the diversity of the team members and their contributions is key. Respect for new ideas and encouraging active participation (as opposed to oppressive dictation and micromanaging) are necessities in teambuilding. Other traits present within a good leader must include enthusiasm, initiative, assertiveness and the ability to communicate effectively.

Owning up to mistakes as well as realizing that your suggestions are no more authoritative than other members should aid in building a comfortable atmosphere, open to both positive and constructive feedback. Also, the identity and accomplishments of a team is not surmised by the positive qualities of the leader alone. This overspill of identity does not realize the uniqueness provided by each individual. In turn, the distinctiveness of the group as a whole (inclusive of its strengths and faults) is not made clear. 

The evolution of my picture of the ideal leader has led me to believe that perhaps a singular leader is not integral to the entire team. Rather, each person is capable of displaying said characteristics. If so, the focus of the group shifts from the decisiveness of a particulate person to the behaviors exhibited by the whole team. As a result, each person is considered equally integral to the group.

Written by:  Anonymous

My experience at Serve! Making It Work program has been interesting. I’ve learned a lot since I’ve been there. Going to Y.E.S has really helped me make good resume and cover letter and now I can use it to find a job. Having our workshops made me learn a lot about things that I didn’t even know that I should know it was really helpful. I am happy that I got this experience from the Serve! Making It Work program and wouldn’t think of any other way to spend my summer.

By Toddisha

Serve! wow, it has really been a great experience working with such wonderful colleagues and facilitators. My family and friends always encouraged to me to do something that should benefit the society and the community, and I think Serve! just gave me the right platform of projecting my experience and skills out in the community. Making It Work program offered by Serve! really gives the youth a chance where they could offer what they have. It really engages the youth in various different activities where they can feel confident in making a change for themselves as well as for their society.

I really enjoyed my time with the Making it Work summer program. I actively participated in various self-improving workshops. I also facilitated a group activity for 15 youth. I developed a puppet show and learning based activities for the children at the Children’s Book Bank and assisted children with various tasks in Performing Arts at the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. We also did something very noble by socializing with seniors and making beds for the homeless people.

The most adventurous and exciting activity that we did was the Adventureworks!, where I got to eliminate my fear of climbing the trees and walking on a high ropes course. It was simply amazing! Also I got the chance to experience colleagues from diverse cultures, they were really cooperative and I almost had no issues what so ever. Together we created a nice working and socializing environment which led to the success of the program.

I would encourage youth aged from 17- 21 to definitely get involved in this program when it’s being offered. Last but not the least I would like to thank my two facilitators Stepahanie and Rocellie for putting up such wonderful teams and of course the platform ‘ Serve ! ‘

By Syed Usama Ashraf

Serve has played a big role into my life that I do appreciate and will hopefully help me in the future. During my experience at Serve I’ve learnt a lot of stuff, which I don’t think I’ll ever forget. They say a bad beginning makes a good ending, I, realized that during my experience at serve--
at first I didn’t know how to be professional, I came late often, I would listen to my music, but as we went on I began to be more professional. I’m so happy that I’m now punctual, considerate and cooperative.

I learnt to be helpful to the community by going to community center helping. We went for a trip held by Adventureworks! and it was fun, I got to know people and to associate with others through this experience

By Princess Munemo