1. By: Michael O’Malley Service Learning

2. Definition of Service Learning Service-Learning is a teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community service with instruction and reflection to enrich the learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and strengthen communities. http://www.servicelearning.org/what-service-learning

3. Benefits of Service Learning Increased access to the range of supports and opportunities they need to grow up healthy, caring, and responsible. Increased sense of self-efficacy, as young people learn that they can impact real social challenges, problems, and needs. Higher academic achievement and interest in furthering their education. Enhanced problem-solving skills, ability to work in teams, and planning abilities. Enhanced civic engagement attitudes, skills and behaviors. http://www.servicelearning.org/instant_info/fact_sheets/c b_facts/benefits_cbosl/

4. Adopt-A-Highway One of the things I did for service learning hours was participate in Adopt-A-Highway. For Adopt-A-Highway, I walked down the street that the FYE department owned and picked up trash. It felt good to know I was helping the community by beautifying the highway. I would no doubt participate in Adopt-A-Highway the next time it is offered.

5. Picture of Service Learning

6. In Action

7. Relay for Life Another example of service learning that I attended was Relay for Life. I showed up at the event for support. Relay for Life is a great event that goes on every year and I was happy to be apart of it. All the positive emotional support for cancer going on throughout the night is very touching and it is great that the school comes together and rallies around beating cancer.

8. Relay for Life (Part II) Another important thing I did for service learning at Relay for Life was buy a raffle ticket. Giving money to Relay for Life is essential in finding cures for cancer. I did my part in helping to destroy cancer by purchasing the raffle ticket for $5. It felt good to know my money was going to be used toward helping people live and get well. It just makes my hurt swell to know that so many people care about this horrible disease. I know for a fact that relay for life is definitely a great thing for the community of Valdosta.

9. Donations One aspect of service learning I was apart of was giving donations. I helped contribute money to several different organizations. A few of the examples of donations that I gave money to include: - Relay for Life - Supplies for Soldier Overseas - Soldier Christmas Card - Operation Christmas Child

10. Yay for Service Learning! Overall Service Learning is a great thing for students. It is great thing for students to get out in the community and get involved. It can give students a sense of pride in their community. Service Learning should continued to be pushed and should no doubt be apart of the FYE program.