By: Joshua Daniel Gervacio

 Service learning is the incorporation of community service within an educational system.  It is a method of teaching, learning and reflecting that combines academic classroom curriculum with meaningful service. More specifically, it integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach responsibility, and strengthen communities for the common good.  Reference: dictionary.com

 My definition of service learning is to work with the intent to make a positive impact for others. Service learning is focusing on not yourself, but others and having the heart and work ethic to bring success to an individual or activity. Service learning will reveal and show appreciation for your community as well as the people in the community.

 First off, it is our duty as the next generation to set the example for others to see the importance or participating in service learning.  If we do not participate in the service learning then who will?....It is our duty to give back to the community that gave back so much to us.  Participating in service learning brings joy to self as well as others, and it will be recognized as something honorable by our community.

Fall Semester  Habitat for Humanity  Collected Tabs Spring Semester  Church Teacher  Relay for Life

During the fall semester I was involved with collecting tabs and habitat for humanity. The can top tabs were used to raise money for a lady that needed help with surgery for cancer. In Habitat for Humanity, I worked for at least six hours. I helped in moving sides of the houses, hammering nails, removing nails, and holding and lifting up the heavy tops of the roof.

In this spring semester, I decided to get involved with my local church Open Bible Baptist Church and help in teaching with the children from first grade through sixth grade. My job in teaching, involved in helping with story time by giving out Bible stories. One other responsibility I was in control over was “game time.” To these children, game time was the highlight of Wednesday night Patch the Pirate Club.

Patch the Pirate Club During game time we had a relay race that involved running full speed all the way down to the end of the gym, and then running back down to the other end with their foot inside the orange cone. The top picture is the my youth pastor’s daughter Lauren Alverez, and of the girls I teach, she might be the most athletic and energetic girl in the class. The bottom picture is Mr. Kyle Ellidge. This young man struggled in this game, but he laughed and laughed on his way back to the end line. Kyle may be quiet and the complete opposite of Lauren, but this kid always laughs and has a good time.

Some of the Kid’s At this time the children just finished the race. I do not remember which team won, but I remember it was a close race. In this picture, we had some good timing and as the game ended, the parents also just finished Wednesday night service. Wild bunch of children? Oh yes, these children are a lot of fun and they LOVE “game time.”

 This spring semester I was involved in Relay for Life. In Relay for Life, I helped raise money to help fight cancer.  Relay for Life is a special event that VSU holds to honor and support cancer survivors. Those cancer survivors were also very involved and some walked the track in memory of those lost by caner.  This was VSU second annual event and was success with having more people involved this year to fight and support others against cancer.

What did we do there? At this event, there was so much to do here. There we tents set up along with food and games to raise money against cancer. Games such as mechanical bull reverse beauty pageant, where the guys will dress up like girls blow-up slides Of the tents set up ours won first place, and I think we raised about $3500 dollars. “Tired of Cancer” was this years theme

LETS FIGHT CANCER!!ALL THUMBS UP!! We hid our face to try something new

 Looking back on all of the Community Service I participated in I just would like to thank the F.Y.E. program for opening up these situations for me to be in.  I believe everyone needs help and a helping hand is always wanted.  This year I felt more involved in my community and I feel honored to have help someone who was in need.

 There is no question that I will continue to give back to the community that has given back so much to me.  I believe it is my duty to continue in serving my community in any way possible, and also help set the right standards for others to follow.  As long as I am still able to work, I should always and will serve my community and just lend out a helping hand.

 I have learned that the absolute and most important thing to service learning is putting self last.  Through this experience I have dealt with hard work, challenges with younger children, and seeing the effects of cancer.  If anything, I am blessed to not struggle with cancer and I have a home. With this said it is a privilege to help others and putting myself last to better their life.  For with a community you have people, and with people you will have struggles and problems, and it is up to my generation to help our community in any way possible.  I have learned that it is better to give than to receive.

By: Joshua Gervacio