Center for Service-Learning
Reflections on Service
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Kelly Stewart - Light Bulb Moments
It makes sense that if the community or neighborhood does not participate in improving their own circumstances, then how can we expect them to rise above the problems? Clearly, civic engagement cannot be about charity work; instead, the greater reward of civic engagement is the empowerment of a community to address its own issues. Active civic engagement changes ordinary citizens into community leaders who are empowered to affect their own future and the future generations.
My education in service-learning and civic engagement has prepared me to illuminate societal issues so that others might find their own light bulb moments.
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Jason Metcalf - Living in a Democracy is not Easy
Brainstorming and dialogue are only the beginning of a long journey to a freer and more responsible society. But, it is a journey that requires civic engagement in order to be successful.
Furthermore, it is surprising that this calling is not heeded by more of our citizenry because we live in a society that caters to political development. And, we have a system that has to listen to the majority, but only a minority of progressive thinkers exists and that is what an ideal society will require.
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Diane Chavez - Life Heroes
I am moved by the courage of Linda, a veteran and student of Mesa Community College. She was plagued with a physical handicap after the Gulf War. Daily, she faces the disability that causes her to have periodic paralysis in her legs. Linda is a war hero and proves everyday that she is a life hero as she gets back on her feet.
A survivor of life embraces the wisdom learned from his or her trials and shares them with others. The conquest is always in view, leaving no room to acknowledge defeat. A hero holds on to the promise of faith in this beautiful gift, we call life.
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Shane McNeil - A Few Words on Service
"I need to do something. I need to give something back, because I've taken so much." For several months prior to actually doing my "service," these thoughts kept passing through my mind. To make a long story short, my experience with AmeriCorps and the Center for Service-Learning have not only enriched my life by giving me the feeling that I am making a difference, but have also taught me so much about myself. You see, service is an investment, and there are many forms of payment for this investment.
Helping others enriches your soul, whether you’ve helped them understand a concept that they couldn't grasp before or serving them in a soup kitchen. The true investment with service is in the future. It's in the people, and the return on the investment is shared by everyone.
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Christine Beckman - Sometimes Service-Learning Finds You!
I had never incorporated "service-learning" into my class before, but I kept thinking about the school and the conditions Luis described. Since my students were going to be engaged in problem-solving groups, I decided to "give them" their problem.
Our problem became, how can we help these 30 students understand new English words which will benefit them? As a class we decided that we could teach the English words for healthy foods on the food pyramid. I called Luis with our idea, and he said the children would love it, and my first service- learning project began.
As an instructor I am amazed at the generosity of my students. They willingly gave of themselves, including the biggest gift of all—the gift of time. Incorporating service-learning into my classes was new for me, but I'm now a believer!
By responding to the people in my life, I feel my students were able to make a difference to others. I want to encourage my students to keep their ears and eyes open. If their hearts are open and listening, service-learning may just come to them!
Contact Service-Learning: Email | Phone: 480-461-7393 | Fax: 480-461-7114 | See SD map | See RM map
