The two of us managed to pull together the draft of the report with no problem because we were willing to put aside our self-interest in favor of the interests of the group. Thus our project became a true example of teamwork. Teamwork brings to light individual talents and abilities. Some of us are better at writing, some better at verbal interviews, and others at organization and planning. Also, we come from unique backgrounds and have different personal experiences. Gender changes our perspective on life too. I noticed that my teammates would ask totally different questions than I did because they were female and because their family background differed from mine. I am sure the reverse is true, too. Because my background is different from theirs, I raised different questions and issues than my teammates. Working together proved to be a pleasurable experience that taught us more than tolerance: it taught us to be more open-minded and less rigid.

Our project also offered each of us a chance to apply our lifelong emotional and intellectual interests to the group project but also...

For instance, I brought to the group a level-headed clarity, a strong sense of ethical truth. I have always been concerned that our society encourages apathy. Too much self-reliance has created a culture in which helping others is considered a sign of weakness.
Without getting into political debates, my teammates and I openly discussed the prevailing paradigms that inform our criminal justice system, our system of social services, and our social norms. The brainstorming sessions we engaged in provided a foundation for our project. We translated our passions and interests into real work and now I feel more prepared to become a professional service worker. Whatever area of specialization we undertake as professionals, we will be able to reflect on "From Darkness to Light" for inspiration and confidence. One person can never make a difference single-handedly. Teamwork is the essence of social service. Collaborative projects will continue to be the primary means by which I and others like me will accomplish our goal of making the world a better place, one person at a time.