Lesson 2: Bridging the Gap by Doing Philanthropy
Handout 5

Reflection Essay

Directions:
This essay must be a minimum of 500 words and five paragraphs in length. It should be written in the first person.

Paragraph One:
This is your introduction. This paragraph should be a summary of the your experience. It should include what you did and who you helped. The final sentence of this paragraph should be a transitional sentence which tells the reader what to expect in the rest of the essay.

Paragraph Two:
Begin with a transitional sentence. This paragraph should give three things you learned from this experience and it should explain three ways this experience changed you. It should also include what you liked best about this experience and what you liked the least.

Paragraph Three:
Begin with a transitional sentence. This paragraph should focus on the resident or worker you observed or interviewed and three ways this experience affected him or her. You could include a quote in this paragraph.

Paragraph Four:
Begin with a transitional sentence. This paragraph should tell whether or not you think you will continue to find ways to help others and, if you do, who you might serve. It should also include advice to others about whether or not it is a good idea to get involved in serving others in the community and why. Give three reasons to support your answer. You should support your ideas with at least two Bible passages.

Paragraph Five:
This is your conclusion. You should summarize your ideas and leave the reader with a final message. This paragraph should be a minimum of three sentences in length.