Service Learning Tara McCoy

What is Service Learning?

•“Service learning is a teaching method that combines service to the community with classroom curriculum. It is more than merely community service. It is a hands-on approach to mastering subject material while fostering civic responsibility.”

▫ http://www.statefarm.com/about/part_spos/community/ed_excel/servlrng.asp

What are Some Benefits of Service Learning?• “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”

▫ http://www.servicelearning.umn.edu/info/benefits.html

What Service Learning Have I Done?

•Throughout my time here at Valdosta State I have gotten a lot more involved with the community. I have done quite a few things for the Children’s Advocacy Center as well with Relay for Life, the animal shelter, cleaning up the highway, and cleaning up the campus.

Animal ShelterWhenever I go to the animal shelter I try to take out as many dogs as I can, as well as try to get the dogs and cats adopted by the people that come in. I love going to the animal shelter, every time I go I feel like a better person. I am a very big animal person so knowing that I am helping an animal there get a good home makes me feel good. Even if I am unable to get a dog adopted I still enjoy my time there because bringing them outside to play makes them so excited.

Shamrock EventThe shamrock Event is a flag football tournament held for abused children. One-hundred percent of the proceeds to go Child Abuse America. I raised money from businesses and went out of the fields to support our players six hours a day. A week before the tournament I went to the Children's Advocacy Center and talked to some of the women that worked there, and they told us stories of the kids that go there. I felt that I got a lot out of being involved in this event. It made me feel like I was making a difference and helping a child in need.

Adopt A Highway• I did Adopt a Highway with my FYE class.

My freshman year experience class adopt a highway and we keep that highway free from litter. When I went we cleaned up the highway for an hour.

Relay for LifeAmerican 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.

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