2.  Service Learning - “Service learning [is] any carefully monitored service experience in which a student has intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what he or she is learning throughout the experience. Service learning programs emphasize the accomplishment of tasks that address community issues and include features which foster participant’s learning about larger social issues and an understanding of the reciprocal learning and service which can occur between students and community members.” (http://www.eckerd.edu/cala/glossary/index.p hp).

3.  Community-based organizations that engage young people in service and service-learning point to the following kinds of benefits: The opportunity to expand their mission and reach without substantially increasing costs by engaging a cadre of competent, motivated young people.  New energy, ideas, and enthusiasm as well as specialized skills that young people can bring to the organization.  Increased public support and visibility in the community as young people become ambassadors for the agency in their schools, homes, and other networks.  New partnerships and resources.  A new generation of volunteers for their own organization or cause.  http://www.servicelearning.org/instant_info/fact_sheets/c b_facts/benefits_cbosl/

4.  Here are some service learning opportunities that I have been involved in this past year: › Normal Life Fall Ball › FYE Car Wash › Operation Christmas Child › Ronald McDonald House Fundraiser › VSU tennis Blazer Raiser › Relay for Life

5.  During fall 2009, the Freshman Year Experience program hosted a dance for Normal Life for the first time. I helped set up for the Fall Ball, and I also stayed and danced during the time we were there. I had a lot of fun, and I hope that FYE continues to annually host this event. Having fun and watching the members of Normal Life have fun as well was very rewarding.

6.  Since I was a child, my family and I have put together boxes for Operation Christmas Child. OCC is a project that happens every year at Christmas, and people around the country put together boxes full of Christmas presents such as coloring books, crayons, and stuffed animals for children in impoverished countries.  Twice in my life I have had the great opportunity of going with my church to one of the distribution centers in Atlanta. Here, I was able to pack the boxes for their delivery to the children. This was a very rewarding experience, and I plan to continue doing this yearly.

7. The distribution center in Atlanta Packing boxes for final delivery

8.  The Ronald McDonald House is my sorority’s philanthropy, and every year we raise money for RMH. This year, I was able to attend a fundraiser in Macon for the house. There were games, an airplane pull, and refreshments to raise money. I worked at a face painting booth. I love kids, so being able to have fun with them and paint their faces was very fun and rewarding for me.

9. One of my sisters and me with Ronald McDonald! Painting a butterfly

10.  The Blazer Raiser is a fundraiser that took place this past winter. It is a fundraiser where members of the Valdosta community bid on the VSU tennis players to be their doubles partners for a tennis tournament. I helped record the bids and partners, and I enjoyed the fun that we had.

11. My classmates and me with VSU tennis players

12.  Every year, I have volunteered with Relay for Life. This year, my sorority partnered up with Sigma Alpha Epsilon to be on the Relay team. My part in Relay was to help set up our tent and serve soft drinks. Relay for Life logo

13.  Through the Freshman Year Experience program, I have participated in community service opportunities that have enriched me as a person and as a student. Community service has made me aware of the needs of my environment. Many people do not like service learning, but I have come to love it and have experienced a lot of fun by doing it. I have learned how to better serve my community, and I believe that what I have learned will help me grow as a citizen.