Service-Learning Reflection Journal

Over the past semester, I have been participating in a service-learning designated Lang 120 course in which my overall goal was to complete a research paper and 20 hours of community service.

In order to complete 20 hours of community service, I have been volunteering at 3 different organizations- in which organization has taught me something different.

Beginning with my mentorship at Asheville Middle School: Azalea is an 8th grade student I have become pretty close friends with. When I first started mentoring, I was nervous and anxious most Thursday I road to AMS... Thinking about what we would do for about an hour... But then I realized the true idea of the mentorship with Za. In just a few weeks I became a part of Za's safety net. I became one of the people she could open up to and trust without fearing rejection or judgement, two things that happen quite often in middle school from peers. It is unfortunate that college schedules end earlier due to the lengthiness of middle school schedules. Za and I have enjoyed our Thursday afternoons painting, singing, talking about boys, talking about stupid middle school girl drama, family, the future... Being a mentor has impacted my personal life and my academic growth. As a mentor I feel that my job is to also be a roll model, making good grades and striving for something greater. Thursdays are long days, but my heart is warm, and I always smile leaving AMS, excited and planning for the next week!

North Buncombe High School: NBHS is a drive from UNCA. Probably not as far of a drive for me to say that, but I don't care- when I get up at 6:45am with little sleep, and get ready, and grab Dunkin', and make it there when 1st period starts... It's a good day. My suite mate actually opened this awesome opportunity for me- and both of us are just doing it to do it! There is an ESL class of about 13 students that Ms. Lake is in charge of on a daily basis. Since we have been going to North Buncombe, we have begun helping and leading students into reading comprehension and writing skills. This job is an early Thursday event, followed by a lengthy, boring class back on campus, and then my mentorship.
Thursday are busy.
But Thursdays are so satisfying.

Last, but not least: Asheville High School: Sharing the Shot is an initial plan to capture Senior portrait for individuals who may not be able to afford them otherwise. I have yet to accomplish this project, but in the coming weeks will be volunteering and shooting 3 seniors at AHS.

My service-learning goals for the future are big, and will be accomplished.
If I choose to stay at UNCA for 4 years, I am most definitely planning to graduate with the Service-Learning certification.
My heart's desire in the coming years is to continue my mentorship with Za through high school, continuing tutoring at North Buncombe, and become a more active volunteer in more community oriented activities.

I have learned so much about each community I have invested in- I have shared frustrations and smiles with each organization, and I have spent much time creating happiness from the little things with people I barely know.

I am excited to see my first year of service-learning coming to a close, simply because I cannot imagine who I would be the rest of my college career without being required to participate in service-learning... It is no longer a requirement I dread, or think twice about, but a requirement I am lucky to have, and I greatly accomplish because I enjoy and want to!