This activity has definitely been quite challenging for me because nothing about this service has been running conventionally. We have to persevere when communicating with the residents online because not only are language barriers present, but the residents are unfamiliar with digital platforms, there are technical difficulties and it obstructs us from forming a more personal bond with them. It’s been immensely challenging to work within the COVID restrictions and create a meaningful experience at the same time, therefore it requires a positive and determined mindset in order to keep going. We constantly learn from one another in the way that we should interact with the residents – sometimes I’m not sure what question to ask next and my groupmate fills in, or vice versa. This added collaborative aspect not only helps us learn ways in which we can improve our own communication when there might be barriers, but also helps bring us closer as a group due to this unique shared experience. To truly be successful with this service, we must continue to persevere and commit fully to this activity.
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