Reflection Paper!!!!

Kaitlynn Jones

Mr. Lord

Senior Project

21 April 2015

Reflection Paper

For my senior project, I chose to distribute hygiene items to the women’s prison in Cottonport. That is not entirely true, I went to Mrs.Julie with a clip from my church bulletin that was asking for hygiene items to be donated so that a group in Marksville could distribute them to all the prisons around the parish. I originally wanted this project to be just for National Honor Society but Mrs.Julie and I made a few adjustments to my proposed idea. The project became my senior project, and we expanded it, so that the sophomore, junior, and senior class could participate.

Mrs.Julie then set up an appointment for me to speak with the warden of the Women’s Correctional Facility in Cottonport. We all sat down and spoke with Warden Bonton, she explained to us some of the needs of the women in her facility. She gave us a list of about ten items that included: two-in-one shampoo and conditioner, Germ-X, soap, washcloths, stationary, deodorant, Roman Noodles, a candy cane, and Christmas card (because my project took place around Christmas). We then took this list back to school to discuss how we would pay for all these items. Mrs.Julie informed me that their was a type of grant we could apply for that would pay for the supplies, and so we did. Unfortunately, we did not receive the grant in time to pay for the items. About a month after we completed my project, we got word that we had been given the grant, so the school was reimbursed for the purchased items, and the money left over was put into an account to continue this project for the next few school years.

Each student packaged a box with one of each of the items, then wrapped the boxes in Christmas paper, and left a nice little Christmas greeting for the prisoners. Then over a two day period, the classes traveled by bus to the facility to distribute their gifts to the prisoners. Once at the facility, the students were escorted to the bunk rooms of the prison to give their gifts and spend a few minutes talking with the prisoners. On one trip the choir members actually sang Christmas Carols to the prisoners, which they enjoyed very much.

Before I began this project and permission slips were sent out for students to attend this trip, I heard so many things in the halls about how crazy this project was. I heard things about how some thought they were going to be killed or raped when they visited the prison But it was to be expected, in today’s society everyone thinks that if someone is in prison then they must be this terrible criminal but that is not always the case. My goal for this project was to change the way my fellow classmates viewed people who were in prison. I achieved my goal! At the end of each trip to the prison, I heard about how much they enjoyed their visits, and how nice the prisoners were. When we returned to school I asked some students to comment on their experience: “My trip to the prison was excellent! The prisoners were so thankful of our givings and were super nice! I would love to do this project again because even though they are in prison they are nice people and most of them just took blame for someone else. It helps teenagers that think everyone in prison belongs there realize they are people too and most of them are nicer than the people around them.", “"This trip influenced me greatly because I loved the thought of helping these people and it really gave me a good feeling inside. I was happy to know that I made someone's Christmas a lot better. My favorite aspect was talking to the inmate. That was when I actually started to feel good for helping. I would love to do this project again." The comments I received showed me, that in the end I did accomplish my goal.

I learned so much for my work with this project. I learned things from places and people I would have never expected to learn from. When we would speak to the prisoners, they only gave us the best wishes for the future and to stay on track. It amazed me that in their situation, they could be so selfless and only think of us and thank us for the very small thing we did for them. Visiting with the prisoners is what truly showed me that it is the small things in life that really matter and make a difference in our lives. I learned that for some people, it is a calling to care for, and show people that someone cares and I pray that I can take everything that I have learned and seen with me as I continue my journey through life.