In The Service of What? -Extended Comments

This weeks reading "In the Service of What?" by Joseph Kahne and Joel Westheimer looked at service learning, and the benefits and learning that students can take out of helping the community by serving those in need.  In her blog post, Karissa says that she would rather go out and learn by seeing and doing rather than reading about what it is that she could do.  I agree with her.  It is so important and rewarding to go out and meet people and create bonds and feel connected with them and help them because you genuinely care.  It is so important for students to see those in need and to help them.  

Like Karissa, I also belong to a very involved church community.  While I was in school, starting in fourth grade, and going until I graduated from high school, we had to complete hours of community service.  I spent many hours at soup kitchens, including St. Vincent de Paul in Norwich, CT.  There I met a lot of people who not only needed something to eat but also a friendly face.  When I read Kozol’s article, this is where my mind went, although Norwich is not nearly as bad as Mott Haven, but still not a very nice area.  And has sloth of people in need of help. I wish I had the experience that Karissa had, to go on a mission trip and help children in another country.  Helping people locally is just as important though.  There are people everywhere that need help, and we can help them.  

Starting up my service learning project this week is very exciting.  I was so nervous before I got there, but as soon as I was in the classroom I felt much better, and very comfortable.  I cannot wait to go back next week and continue helping these kids in my Providence elementary school.