Question

Individually interact with a person that you would NEVER normally associate with, and describe what the experience was like. Include your perceptions of that person or group, how you thought you were perceived by them, what you talked about, what verbal and nonverbal behaviors you observed, and how your own self-concept, beliefs, attitudes, and values may have influenced or affected the interaction.

Suggestions: volunteer at a homeless shelter, hang out at a gay/straight/transgender bay, visit a home for the elderly, attend a religious/cult/activist meeting, chat with an eccentric, intriguing, or peculiar person.

Answer 1

I would like to share my experience of a visit to an old age home where I met an elderly inmate whom I found to be warm and welcoming. It was the first time ever I visited a place where someone was so kind to me. He had a smile on his face all through out the conversation.

I started the talk with asking about his whereabouts and daily routines at the home for elderly.I observed that he was unconditional and had trust on me as if I was another inmate. I was able to maintain rapport soon because my client was receptive towards me. He shared about his personal life and the hardships he faced when he used to work for a bank as a manager. He told me that whenever life lets you struggle more, you should expect a great turning point in life in whicH the end result would be good enough to reach a point of self actualization. Many a times, I had to rephrase and clarify his thoughts to avoid any misinterpretations.

The time I spent with him made me to change my views about my life.It was a wonderful and life changing moment for me. I felt that he perceved me to be his someone whom he cared for.My belief system was changed tremendously after that talk, as I started to believe that life is all about positivity and open mindedness. He told me that hurdles are a part of life and must be overcome to taste the fruit of success. In the talk, I found him to be outspoken and charismatic. I became more optimistic and my value of social life changed with lot of accountability towards the community.

Overall, it was a great time spent in the old age home especially, with the elderly man whom I thanked and wished a happy and peaceful life ahead. This visit made me to think that people should be in connection with their fellowbeings and be positive enough to be the helping hands to each other when time arrives.