Service Learning

As of yet, the only hours I have been able to complete for my service learning requirement are the hours for two of the orientation classes. One was the service learning class orientation, the other was the SEC garden orientation, where we learned about on campus gardens and what we could do for them. Although I have not been able to engage in any service work, I am very excited to begin. For my entire life, I have been involved with volunteer work of all different kinds, from working in a hospital to logging records at my local museum; but, I have never participated in service learning. Service learning is a different category all together, it implies working with a community of people to better the area as a whole, as opposed to working for people like volunteering. When you volunteer and work for people, it enables oppressive mindsets to continue, and it also does not help the people you are working for learn how to help themselves rather than depend on others. With service learning and working with people, you build community and progress the entire area. Also, after your service is over, those you have been working with are better equipped to help themselves.

I already have a few things set up in the coming weeks to get my service hours, such as the farm to table dinner this week on campus, the Green Fest service day, and I plan to work in my assigned SEC garden. The dinner and service day were fairly easy things to set up and plan for, all I had to do was either sign up on a form or buy a ticket. For my shift at the SEC garden, I have had a little more trouble. When I first got my assignment of the ROOTS Garden, I had no idea where it was, since it was off campus. I have tried to go to it a few times with no luck whatsoever. Just the other day, I finally found it and am very excited to begin working there.

I know a lot of people consider service learning classes a chore and an extra work load, and I admit that I think that too sometimes, but I honestly love working for other people and I am happy that I took this class, even if it was an accident.