Service Learning has been one of the best things I have come across in college. It has brought me so much knowledge and joy. I went out on a limb and decided to volunteer at a school and I found something that I want to pursue for a lifetime. There is so much help needed in the schools and volunteering has really opened my eyes to it. I have a new found appreciation for everyone involved in the schools and for this program.
I chose to volunteer at Model Creek School in Peeples Valley. Model Creek is a kindergarten through 8th grade school. I have done service learning before, but this semester’s experience was tremendously better than my first one. There are so many differences in last semester’s and this semester’s volunteer services. Both were at schools but they were totally different atmospheres. Both were small schools but one was packed with not enough help and the other had great staff and resources. One I had absolutely no interaction with the teacher or other school staff. Although I am in a 1st and 2nd grade class other than a kindergarten the kids are way smarter. They are willing to learn and are showing respect to the teacher. This school is newer and although it is small they have nice computers and books and the kids are learning how to use them. There is a good routine going on between the students and the teachers. I absolutely love the feeling of being in the classroom and observing all of this. This Semester I had interaction with almost everyone in the school every day. One I spent an hour or two each Friday, the other I spent the whole school day. Last semester I felt I had to be at my service because I felt sorry for the children and I knew they desperately needed the help. That is what made me want to be a teacher in the first place. This semester I feel like I need to be here because I personally am getting a lot of experience as well as helping out and having fun. There are so many people that appreciate and encourage me in my teaching career. This semester I felt proud and the need to be involved.
In an essay found on OpPapers.com I came across this statement, “It integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach responsibility, encourage lifelong civic engagement, and strengthen communities for the common good”. (OpPapers.com) The anonymous writer hit this program spot on. Through this program I discovered I want to be a teacher. I want to educate the children of our future. I want to be a positive role model. I want to succeed and be an asset to my community. Because of this, Friday became the day I looked forward to every week. I absolutely loved helping out. I felt that teaching could be the career I would enjoy and be good at. After every visit I could feel my spirits lift. Here at model Creek I have direction and encouragement. And I can try and get a grip on what I am working towards. It is much more than an assignment for a class. Service learning is a great experience that can help to further my education and benefit me in life.
At Model Creek I feel like I am actually training for my future career. I am learning how to put together lesson plans and how to manage my time. I am learning how to deal with kids and their different learning styles. I am learning how to be a friend to the students while also being an authority figure and role model. I really believe I could be good at this. No matter what anyone says about the pay or the difficulties I really know that this is the career path I want to follow. It’s odd to think that less than a year ago I was entering college knowing absolutely nothing about what I wanted to do and now I am positive teaching is it.
Model Creek is a very small school. There are only about sixty students in all. I was able to help out in any classroom because of this. All the teachers appreciated my help and had things for me to do every day. My main classroom was a mixed first and second grade class. I absolutely love kids at that age. They’re so smart and most of them still like school. My daily duties consisted of observing, recess, grading papers, helping out at centers, and sometimes hosting a game for the class. I learned many teaching styles and the teacher even gave me some of the lessons. I observed all subjects and even went to they’re music class. At this age the kids are total show offs. They’re so funny!
According to the Learn and Serve America’s National Service- Learning Clearinghouse website, “The core concept driving this educational strategy is that by combining service objectives and learning objectives, along with the intent to show measurable change in both the recipient and the provider of the service, the result is a radically-effective transformative method of teaching students.” (Learn and Serve ) I agree with this statement one-hundred percent. Service learning has been a wonderful opportunity for me. I have learned what I wanted to do with my life. I have met and connected with many people who are willing to help me progress in my career and I am thankful for the program. I think all students should be involved in this program. I know that it has helped me and I haven’t heard of one person who hasn’t had learning experience from it. Without service learning I would probably still be lost and wondering what I want to do with my life. Overall this program has been a blessing in disguise to me. It has given me a path and also a goal. I would like to thank everyone involved and may even think about doing this in my classroom. I have researched and there are books and activities for elementary education and service learning. It is absolutely wonderful and was one of my favorite things about college.
Works Cited
"What is Service- Learning?" Learn and Serve America's National Service Learning Clearinghouse. Web. 2 May 2010.
"What is Service- Learning?" oppapers.com. 29 Oct 2008 . Web. 2 May 2010.
