Pictures from the 8.9 Japan earthquake on March 11th

As you can see from pictures above, Japan suffered from a 8.9 earthquake and tsunami on March 11,2011. Public safety as well as food safety is a major concern. In order to get experience with crisis problem-solving, we were assigned new impromptu groups. Sadly, I had to miss class on the assignment of groups day for an eye exam. Quickly formed into groups, our group was to take on the role of the Japan airlines. The groups were given time on Friday to think of ideas. I however, did not get in contact with any of the group members until Sunday. Sunday we met and put a powerpoint together, in which we broke up parts to talk about on our presentation day. Problem-solving in such a short amount of time proved to be difficult for me. I tend to need time to gather my thoughts before making a decision. In this case, all ideas had to be thrown out quickly, due to the time constraint. All in all, it was a great example of a crisis situation. When a crisis happens like this, usually planning and then actions need to be into place very quickly, within a few days.

I did not realize how coordinated and close-knit my Service Learning Project group is until working with the Crisis Problem-Solving group. The impromptu group was very task-oriented, due to the time commitment. It took a while for some of our BlogHog group members to feel comfortable to talk openly, but over time the comfort level increase, which also increase communication. In the short amount of time that our Japan Airlines group was together, there was not much talking and open communication. That just shows that group dynamics takes time to develop. As it goes to show, we are creatures of habit. It is very temping to just "go through the motions" Live every day with the same routine. This message has stood out to me lately, especially with internship decisions in the horizon.



Although this video depicts how I must make a conscience effort to give my all in shining my Christian light, it also relates to being creatures of habit. With changing groups, it was hard to not be in the mindset of habit. It was important to make a distinct observation that each person is different, effecting in a different group. Each group needs to be treated differently, and as a result, we can not be creatures of habit. I also think it is important for me to remember to take nothing for granted. Every time you are given a new group, you must realize to start at ground zero.
Do not expect that open communication, decision making, and task delegation will be a given right away. All of this, group dynamics, takes time. In addition, another application can be made. It is important for me to realize that every day is a gift from God and not a given when thinking about natural disasters.

Remember