Blog 5- Post Service

1.  A major theme that has shown throughout my experience with the Burmese family involves Knapp’s Relational Model.    Our interpersonal relationship with the family has progressed through the stages of this model.  We began in the coming together phase.  In this stage, we went from strangers to acquaintances.  At first we were all a bit apprehensive and guarded.  Slowly, however, we grew much more comfortable with the family.  We began bonding as we started seeing each other more and holding conversations.  The children really began to warm up to us and always begged for our attention during our visits. Our relational maintenance was going strong even through our last days with the family.  The children would cry when it was time for us to leave.  It was very touching that they enjoyed our presence so much. We did not grow apart, but we had to come to an abrupt termination as we said our final goodbyes to the family.  The mother’s growing of knowledge was a theme that greatly contributed to our strong interpersonal relationship with the family.    She began understanding and interpreting connotative meanings of English sayings and phrases.  We were able to make jokes and talk about aspects of our cultures.  I am pleased to think that I made an impact on the family and helped them adjust to American Culture. 

2.   Working with a family from Burma influenced my perspective on culture more than any class lecture would possibly be able to.  I’m so glad I had that experience because it really opened my eyes to diversity and intercultural communication.   I am more culturally sensitive now that I have had interpersonal interactions with people of a completely different culture.  This will help me in future interactions in my career and everyday life.  I will have a better understanding of how to communicate with people that speak other languages.  I can be more sympathetic to people that accustom to our culture or norms.  I am so glad that I got the opportunity to learn and help others through this service project experience!