What is a service trip? Huh, that is an interesting question. Most people might say it’s a trip to a poor place or disadvantaged place where help is needed desperately and that the purpose is to help these people by volunteering time with them. While this tends to be the most common mindset, others may see themselves as someone who will change this person's life. This type of mentality is called “The Savior Mentality” which directly means that you are going to save these people by being in that place for a short period of time. Let me give you one piece of advice: Don’t think that way, you’re not a savior. You are not standing on a pedestal above these people, you are there to understand the situation, not to judge.
The media already downgrades these areas as dangerous, full of crime, disasters, abandoned, or just in a plain negative light. They don’t need any more harm being said about them or the place they live in. Which is why this savior mentality needs to be thrown out the window and we need to think like human beings, not gods. It’s one thing to hear what the media has to say about the location and another thing when you are there talking with the people who live there. No one will tell you what’s really going on besides the people who live in the area 24/7. People are always going to be the ones with the inside scoop, not the so-called "media" that claims to know everything. The media is setup to make you think a certain way because they want you to avoid these places. They don’t want people to know what is actually going on.
I titled this piece “Service Trips Aren’t For Saviors” because you’re not there to look down on people and make them feel inferior or weak because of their situation. You are there to confide with them and to understand what they are going through. Sometimes it may be hard to imagine yourself in their shoes, but one must be patient and a good listener because you’ll be surprised at what these people have to say. During those talks, you may talk about yourself and they may lift your spirits by saying that you’re lucky to be in college because not everyone is given that same opportunity.
Honestly, this may sound kind of selfish but listening to the hardships they’re going through makes me feel like I shouldn’t take what I have for granted and instead feel blessed, as they call it. One thing I noticed while I was in Detroit on a service trip is that the people there are very hopeful and optimistic and this really surprised me; I personally thought they were going to be depressed and negative people. The people that I encountered were always saying “I’m blessed” and other positive phrases. Their positive attitude was unexpected, but I’m glad they still have that to keep them alive and kicking. They know that their state government isn’t going to do much, but they still remain fighting every day. It was really inspiring to see this kind of strength in people.
While in Detroit, we passed by this mural that had such an inspiring message that I want to share you with you all:
“We’ve been considered many things: A city in decay, distress, and without hope.
However, we’ve never given up and never say die. We’re born fighters; we rise from the ashes. We’re a community that believes in our future despite what anyone throws at us. We are Detroit!”
When I read this, it described Detroit perfectly. Outsiders have their perception of the city, while the ones who actually live there are fighting every day for a better future. This message already tells you that the savior mentality is not needed here, that it’s already here engraved in the souls of the Detroit people.
As someone who has gone on a service trip, I want to leave you with a piece of advice. If you’re planning to go on a service trip please leave your I’m-a-savior-mentality at home because it won’t have any purpose on your trip. Instead of trying to save the day, start by paying attention to the reality of the situation. Remember that you’re not a superhero, you’re a human who wishes to share her humanity among others. You might actually learn more about yourself during the trip than about others. Being humble can go a long way.
