1. Ashleigh K. Mansfield

2.  According to the American Association of Community Colleges, “Service learning combines community service with classroom instruction, focusing on critical, reflective thinking as well as personal and civic responsibility. Service learning programs involve students in activities that address local needs while developing their academic skills and commitment to their community.”

3. According to the University of Minnesota's Service Learning Center, “ Students in service-learning classes can benefit academically, professionally, and personally. These are just a few of the ways: 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  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 “

5.  During the course of the year, FYE did many Adopt-a-Highway, trash pick-up days. Each time we did Adopt-a-Highway, we cleaned up a section of Ashley Street, which is FYE’s assigned Adopt-a-Highway space.

6.  This year FYE did the Cookies for Cancer bake sale for kids with cancer. Students in FYE were asked to bake one item for the bake sale. I chose to bake rice krispies!

7.  This year, FYE was involved in the Haiti Shoe donation. For this community service project, FYE students had to donate at least two pairs a shoes. Those shoes would then be shipped over to Haiti, and distributed to the children who did not have shoes to wear.

8.  The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length.

9.  Doing community service for Freshman Year Experience has helped me become a better person. By participating in community service I have:  Gained more hands on experience  Given back to the Valdosta Community  Learned about different other types of community service  Connected with my fellow peers  Made a difference in someone’s life and the community.

11. MONSTER PONG! De’Miah & I were Monster Pong partners. We donated a dollar to play. Chi Omega & FYE love! I mingled around at different booths and found my friend Jordan.

12. Raffle! Our FYE booth sold raffle tickets! We offered a lot of great stuff! Snow Cones!! Our FYE Booth also sold snow cones! They were yummy!

13. I bought this Luminaria bag for a special person. Her name is Mrs. Farrah and she has been in my life since I was born. She passed away last year, a week before I came to VSU. Although she’s gone, she will never be forgotten.