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I Know What I did Last Summer
By Jaini Gudhka
At first, Gemma had seemed like a shy, quiet girl. We soon discovered how bubbly and sociable she really was - always smiling and jumping around with excitement, for example, whilst watching others having fun. There were moments when I remember wishing that the holidaymakers could tell me exactly how they felt, or To experience her patience with could tell us was an inspiration to me. their family and friends how much fun they had on the holiday. And then, I would realise that they could do that even without communicating in the same way I did. I remembered the times that I went abroad and was faced with the struggle of communication due to the language barrier - Is this situation really that different?
In a week it is impossible to learn all the communication techniques. However, the simple expressions of the smile or laugh are usually enough to understand one another and develop a relationship. By the end of the holiday, the communication barriers had definitely lowered, Gemma was teaching me sign language, Ozan was happily dancing whilst indicating he wanted food or drink, Nick would guide me to the sink for water and Lucy would ask me for my help to finish her diary. Before the holiday, I remember questioning myself, "Will I be able to handle 'Intimate Personal Care (e.g. bathing, toileting, etc)?" In reality, you don't think twice and help the best you can. It must be noted, Sense stress that volunteers are not expected to do anything that they find uncomfortable.
The individual relationships I built with Gemma, Nick,
Ozan and Lucy taught me that everyone has their own ways of communicating. For example, Gemma used pictures, a few signs, and a simple communication aid, and often it took us a long time to decipher what she wanted, such as, a simple glass of milk. Yet, to experience her patience with us was an inspiration to me.
On the last day of the holiday, when Gemma's mum came to collect her, Gemma clearly did not want to leave as she would not let go of the leader. Gemma was undoubtedly sad but waved goodbye and, once again, reminded me how to say thank you' in sign language. I was so deeply touched. I realised what we had achieved in a week: the trust, patience, respect, joy, and understanding between the holidaymakers and the volunteers, had created the type of relationship that would usually take months to build.
HAPPY SNAPS o ften you return from holidays and feel miserable Sense was supportive throughout the experience. As a
from the hit back to reality. In contrast, my voluntary organisation, they are appreciative that holiday with Sense provided great memories and a people voluntarily take time out to help provide a sense of growth at having confronted the challenges. I valuable service. Without volunteers, deafblind people had made unique friends with whom exceptional may not have the same opportunities as you. experiences were shared.
I learned a lot about others and myself that week...the There was tremendous teamwork and support during best bit was that it didn't have to end there! This the holiday. The leaders and volunteers were unforgettable experience has motivated me to continue supportive at all times and energised each other. When my involvement in such fulfilling opportunities. someone got tired, the others were there to re- charge them.
If you are interested in going
on a fun filled holiday with a As a responsible volunteer, you
group of friends that you have to be switched on at all times,
haven't yet met, and you are remembering that you have been
full of energy, enthusiasm and entrusted to care for these
open-minded, I highly individuals and ensure that they are
recommend a Sense Holiday. safe and are enjoying their holiday
For further information, please to the fullest. After all, you
visit www.sense.org.uk or wouldn't expect any less from a
contact me via email: holiday rep on any other holiday. At the boating centre with Elie (volunteer) & Gemma
jgudhka @ hotmail.com
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