1. Service Learning Projects

2. A type of community service that is conducted with classroom instruction, and is focused on critical, reflective thinking as well as personal and civic responsibility. www.aacc.nche.edu/servicelearning Benefits: Increase your understanding of the class topic Gain hands-on experience (possibly leading to an internship or job later) Explore or cement your values and beliefs Have opportunities to act on your values and beliefs Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills Grow your understanding of diverse cultures and communities Learn more about social issues and their root causes

3. Improve your ability to handle ambiguity and be open to change; become more flexible Develop or enhance your skills, especially in the areas of communication, collaboration, and leadership Test out your skills, interests, and values in a potential career path, or learn more about a field that interests you Connect with professionals and community members who you will learn from Grow a professional network of people you might connect with again later for jobs or internships Satisfy your urge toward public service or civic participation http://www.servicelearning.umn.edu/info/benefits.html

4. The Doug Henderson III Memorial Golf Tournament & Auction Event Doug Henderson lost his battle to cancer in 2003. Since then, there have been several fundraisers that have gone to helping Valdosta’s community through funding organizations like LAMP, Boys and Girls Club of Valdosta, Habitat for Humanity, Birthright, Lowndes County Partnership for Cancer Fund, Lowndes County Partnership for Health Fund, The Langdale Hospice House, and 33 scholarships for seniors in high school.

5. Relay for Life is a fundraiser held by the American Cancer Society. It brings the community together for a night of fun and allows it’s participants to remember loved ones lost to cancer, fight the disease and raise hope for future research. This year’s Relay for Life was held at the Valdosta High School track. It was held on April 27, 2012 and was a big success with the whole community coming together. http://www.relayforlife.org/ Celebrate Remember Fight Back

6. Money collection cans that we put around the church Pac Man themed T- shirt design $1 snack donationDisplaying T-shirts

7. Every summer we put on a free vacation bible school for the kids that live in the projects or are a part of the LAMP organization. This is a week of fun, and exposes the kids to a new way of interaction with the stories of the bible through skits and lessons. The kids are also provided with a snack, recreation time, and lunch before the day is over. South Side Vacation Bible School I was dressed up as “Polly the Panda” for one of the weeks skits.

8. This semester my class mates and I went to the Valdosta Country Club to serve its guests and members in order to raise money for the community through a golf tournament. We assisted the golfers through out the day and provided them with everything they needed to make them have the best possible experience so that hopefully they will return next year for the charity event. I also was able to participate in this year’s relay for life. It was great to be a part of a team of people who really wanted to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients. We were able to raise the money through selling BBQ plates and other fun raisers that were held throughout the months of March and April.

9. There is so much that I take from each service learning experience that I have had. I have come to realize how truly fortunate I am to have my health, and a strong foundation of support that comes from my family, friends, and church family. They are so uplifting and encouraging and I know that I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without them. I’ve been so blessed to work with people through these projects that come from all walks of life, and I love hearing the stories that each one of them have to share. I have had the opportunity to meet new people through them, and I have been able to work with a team of people who care about each other. I wouldn’t trade my experiences for any thing. My experiences inspire me to continue to serve the community.