Service Learning 2012-2013

westkentucky.kctcs.edu��(270) 534-3069 ��westkentucky.kctcs.edu Kentucky Community & Technical College System

Nurturing A Culture of Sel!essness Through GivingService Learning:

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2012-2013Higher Education Begins Here

WEST KENTUCKY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

westkentucky.kctcs.edu��(270) 534-3069 ��westkentucky.kctcs.edu Page 31


Table of Contents*UHHWLQJVOperating Within the World 3DJH�� Instead of Reading about It Dr. Belinda Dalton-Russell, Vice President of Student Affairs

West Kentucky Community & Technical College

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:KDW�LV�6HUYLFH�/HDUQLQJ"� 3DJH��Building a Culture of GivingBy Dr. Belinda Dalton-Russell

7KH�,PSRUWDQFH�RI�6HUYLFH�/HDUQLQJ Learning to Learn Page 8By Angel Rhodes

Promoting Personal GrowthBy Chevene Duncan-Herring

6HUYLFH�/HDUQLQJ�&ODVV�([SHULHQFHV(2012-2013)

Service Learning: A Life Change� 3DJH��By Jennifer Haines

It’s About Giving Back: Helping Those in Need� 3DJH��By Kardata Lott

A Lesson in Campus and Culture� 3DJH��By Catosha M. Brown

Most Lessons Learned Are Outside Class� 3DJH��By Tracey Shackelford

Generosity is Giving of Whom You Are: � 3DJH��$�)XOÀOOLQJ�'HFLVLRQBy Amanda Boyd

Opportunity to Be Involved� 3DJH��By Tabitha Neal

6LVWHU�$FW��7KH�%RQG�RI�*LYLQJ� 3DJH��Relationship Building is a Crucial Piece of Service LearningBy Barbara Adam

Bring A Smile and Personality to Others 3DJH��in a Positive Way By Jestean Howard

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)DPLOLHV�:KR�9ROXQWHHUTabitha Neal & Family Volunteer Experience� 3DJH��By Tabitha Neal

3DUWQHUVKLSV�LQ�9ROXQWHHULQJ� 3DJH��Volunteers Bring More Families and Community Together By Ashley Wright, Executive DirectorUnited Way of Paducah-McCracken County

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:KDW�LV�0HQWRULQJ� 3DJH�� By Jipaum Askew-Robertsonand Gail BachussCoordinators of WKCTC’s Mentoring Program

“You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with I�ÅVMZ�[XQZQ\�WN�PWXM�IVL�IKPQM^MUMV\��AW]�IZM�PMZM�\W�MVZQKP�\PM�_WZTL��IVL�\W�QUXW^MZQ[P�aW]Z[MTN�QN�aW]�NWZOM\�\PM�MZZIVL�º

- Woodrow Wilson 28th U.S. President

Service Learning: Nurturing A Culture of Sel!essness Through Giving Service Learning: Nurturing A Culture of Sel!essness Through Giving


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westkentucky.kctcs.edu��(270) 534-3069 ��westkentucky.kctcs.edu

From an early age I was taught to put the principles of giving into practice by accepting opportunities to volunteer.

I learned the importance of advocating and supporting programs, organizations, and people who strengthen our

community. Volunteering has enabled me to build a healthy spirit, conscious mind, and a compassionate heart. It has

taught me the importance of understanding and educating myself about the challenges of the community and how we

can learn, grow, and thrive by working together.

I teach the Service Learning (GEN 120) course on the WKCTC campus, and also developed and coordinate the

college’s Student Ambassador Program. The focus of the GEN 120 course and Student Ambassador Program is

to educate students of the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community through structured and

community-based volunteer work. Students selected as ambassadors are required to enroll and successfully complete

GEN 120. The course is open to all students who desire to experience the power of giving and to make sense of the

world around us by taking in new information and negotiating meaning out of those interactions.

Volunteerism, through this course, offers a true understanding of the campus and community culture. The course

assists in preparing students for their journey in life and fostering strong leadership skills. Volunteering builds a sense

of purpose and a chance to help the community and individuals through the development of compassion, increased

VHOI�FRQÀGHQFH�DQG�VHOI�ZRUWK��DOVR�LPSURYLQJ�FRPPXQLFDWLRQ�VNLOOV��:KHWKHU�\RX�FXUUHQWO\�YROXQWHHU�RU�ZRXOG�OLNH�WR�begin volunteering, you can earn three hours of college level credits, which can be used toward free electives.

For more information contact Dr. Belinda A. Dalton-Russell, vice president of student affairs, at (270) 534-3081 or

Tamara K. Hodges, administrative assistant to the vice president of student affairs, at (270) 534-3069. To register for

WKH�6HUYLFH�/HDUQLQJ��*(1��FRXUVH��FRQWDFW�WKH�0DVWHU�$GYLVLQJ�&HQWHU��ÀUVW�ÁRRG��URRP��LQ�WKH�$QGHUVRQ�Technical Building at WKCTC at (270) 534-3408. What are you waiting for?

Respectfully,

Dr. Belinda A. Dalton-Russell

Vice President Student Affairs/Service Learning Instructor

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Page 24

Greetings

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Mentoring is the act of supporting and encouraging individuals to manage their learning to maximize their potential, develop skills, boost con!dence, gain self-awareness, and take responsibility for directing their own lives. Mentors o"en rely on having had similar experiences as the mentee to gain empathy and understanding of the mentees circumstances. WKCTC recently em-barked on the creation of a campus wide mentoring program, Success Connection . If you would like to become a mentor or mentee access the WKCTC web-site, click on Student Life and the Mentoring Program link to complete an application and interest form.

By Jipaum Askew-Robertson and Gail Bachuss

Coordinators of WKCTC’s Mentoring Program

What is Mentoring?

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Reading Pals

Reading PALS (Partners and Literacy Support) serve as

mentors to local elementary school students. Beginning

in September, each PAL will be matched with an

individual student and will be expected to attend weekly

lunches and a reading session. By volunteering just one

hour a week, you can make a difference in a child’s life.

United Way Reading PALS can foster good academic

outcomes, positive behavior, increased literacy skills,

school completion, self-advocacy, and a life without

poverty.

Project United

United Way worldwide is a leadership and support organization for the network of nearly 1,800 community based United

Way’s in 45 countries and territories. United Way envisions a world where all individuals and families achieve their human

potential through education, income stability, and healthy lives! Last year, 275 volunteers completed 40 projects at 14 non-

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Volunteer Paducah

Is an easy-to-use website that matches the right donors, advocates, and volunteers with the right opportunities in our

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Service Learning is a method of teaching that combines formal instruction with a related service in the community.

According to research, learning is greatly enhanced through direct application in appropriate social contexts of principles and practices taught through formal instruction concurrent with guided re#ections of the student’s experiences. As a teaching method Service Learning is a form of experimental education.

Service Learning o$ers students immediate opportunities to apply classroom learning to support or enhance the work of the campus and local agencies that exist to e$ect positive change in the community.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College has made an intentional e$ort to create a culture that values mentoring and service learning. %is is evident through the GEN 120 Service Learning course, Student Ambassador and Mentoring Programs, student organizations, and course Service Learning projects o$ered at WKCTC.

Time is priceless. To volunteer one’s time is not an easy matter. It can also be di&cult to decide whom to give one’s time, how much time to give, and for what purpose. When time is given sel#essly in abundance, it is considered a sacri!ce from the heart.

Why are people committed to giving? To make a di$erence. Giving is a social exchange process. %e right person, asking for the right cause, at the right time.

We hope that Service Learning at West Kentucky Community and Technical college will help strengthen a culture of giving.

Building a Culture of GivingBy Dr. Belinda A. Dalton-Russell, GEN 120 Instructor

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United Way Partners What is Service Learning?

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The United Way is truly about bringing together our entire

community and focusing our efforts and resources around

the issues that are facing our local community. We cannot

accomplish this without volunteers.

2XU�YROXQWHHUV�VHUYH�RQ�RXU�ERDUG��PHQWRU�FKLOGUHQ��VRUW�donations, help raise funds during our annual campaign

DQG�WKH�OLVW�JRHV�RQ��:H�DUH�D�VPDOO�RIÀFH�ZLWK�D�ELJ�responsibility in our community and we need thousands

of additional hands and feet to help meet the growing

needs, and that is why volunteers are the cornerstone in

absolutely every project or initiative that the United Way

undertakes.

2XU�SDUWQHUVKLS�ZLWK�:HVW�.HQWXFN\�&RPPXQLW\�DQG�Technical College (WKCTC) through their Service

Learning program has allowed us to work closely with

many of their students. WKCTC students have been

instrumental in not only many United Way projects, but

also with our Partner Agencies throughout the community.

The United Way has been honored to work with such

motivated WKCTC students with a passion to make a

positive impact on our community.

Volunteers Bring More Families and Community TogetherBy Ashley Wright, Executive Director

United Way of Paducah-McCracken County

$IWHU�P\�ÀUVW�VL[�PRQWKV�RI�EHLQJ�HPSOR\HG�DW�:.&7&�as a student success coach in the area of Academic Affairs,

I enrolled in the GEN 120 Service Learning class, with a

FRXUVH�UHTXLUHPHQW�RI�FRPSOHWLQJ�IRUW\�ÀYH��YROXQWHHU�service learning hours. As a newcomer to Paducah,

Kentucky, the GEN 120 Service Learning class served

as a creative pathway for me to meet others throughout

the college campus as well as the community of Paducah,

while promoting my personal growth and building

professional relationships.

I would recommend the GEN 120 Service Learning Class

to newly hired WKCTC employees, especially newcomers

to Paducah. The class empowered me with numerous

opportunities to volunteer throughout the Paducah

community, and around the world, without expecting

anything in return. The most memorable volunteer

H[SHULHQFH�ZDV�EHLQJ�SDUW�RI�WKH�PHPEHUV�RI�=217$�International of Paducah assembling items for birthing kits

to be used throughout undeveloped countries in Africa.

My volunteering experiences enhanced the joy I have

for helping others while making a difference in the legal,

political, economic, educational, health and professional

status of others through serving without pay.

The GEN 120 Service Learning class gave me an

RSSRUWXQLW\�WR�UHÁHFW�RQ�WKH�PDQ\�QHHGV�RWKHUV�KDYH��DV�well as the countless volunteer hours needed for charitable

organizations around the world to function successfully.

Learning to LearnBy Angel Rhodes

$V�D�ÀQDQFLDO�DLG�coordinator who works

primarily with students

who are academically

at-risk, I have found

that many students

express concern about

conceptualizing the

material they are learning

in general education

courses.

Service learning provides students at West Kentucky

Community and Technical College (WKCTC) the

opportunity to connect concepts and theories learned in the

classroom with real-life application. It is not enough for a

student to absorb data; they must also learn how to apply

that information. Service learning helps students learn how

to learn!

I advise students, particularly those who are at-risk or may

become at-risk, to participate in service learning courses as a

ZD\�WR�KHOS�EXLOG�WKHLU�FRQÀGHQFH��LQFUHDVH�FLYLF�DZDUHQHVV��and engage in active learning.

As an extension of my graduate studies, my research on

the concepts of service learning has supported the positive

outcomes for students who engage in these experiences.

Students who participate in service learning are more likely

to persist, graduate, or transfer. Students, both traditional

and non-traditional, often express frustration with traditional

classroom delivery methods.

Working in the community not only allows students

an alternative setting, but also it provides them with

real-life experiences with which they may connect

academic concepts, such as public speaking, interpersonal

communication, deductive reasoning, and critical thinking.

Likewise, many students are unaware of community’s needs.

As a community college committed to academic excellence

and economic development, WKCTC has found yet another

way to meet the needs of students, communities, businesses

and industries as it shapes future leaders.

The Importance of Service Learning


Partnerships in Volunteering

A VOLUNTEER is a person who is a light to others, giving witness in a mixed-up age, doing well

and willingly the tasks at hand-namely, being aware of another’s needs and doing something about

it.

A VOLUNTEER is a person who remembers to do the thing to make other people happy,

who takes the loneliness out of the alone by talking to them, who is concerned when others are

unconcerned, who has the courage to be a prophet and to say the things that have to be said for

the good of all.

)�>74=6<--:�Q[�I�XMZ[WV�_PW[M�KPIZQ\a�Q[�ÅLMTQ\a��_PW�Q[�NIQ\PN]T�QV�IV�]VNIQ\PN]T�_WZTL��grateful in an ungrateful world, giving when all about are grasping, listening when others need to

tell about their fears and problems.

-- from “<PM�*MIKWV,” newsletter of Birthrite, South Africa


Tabitha Neal & Family Volunteer ExperienceBy Tabitha Neal

Our family participated in the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) walk to help raise money and awareness about the increasing need for knowledge about mental illness here in Paducah, Kentucky. Being able to experience community service as a family allows us, as parents, to mentor our children during humbling events. We are also able to show them how hardships can easily be brought upon us all and help them to understand that WE, as loving neighbors and citizens, need to support those who need our help. We are responsible for developing our children’s leadership traits as future stewards in our community and within their families.

%e NAMI walk was a great experience and it was wonderful to be able to do this as a family. It provided new learning experiences and skills, and an opportunity to bond together as a family.

Service Learning: A Life ChangeBy Jennifer Haines

As I was sitting at work one day, I received an automated phone call from West Kentucky Community and Technical College. I listened and learned about this great class that would allow me to meet four times, write one paper, do volunteer work, and earn three hours of college credit.

As a single mother with limited time and resources, who is already actively involved in my community, the Service Learning class was a “no brainer”.

When I came into the class, I planned to use my volunteer hours at my church. I didn’t take into account what I might actually get from the class in addition to volunteering.

I thought of it as just another class that would be easy and a way to earn three more hours towards my associate degree. Little did I know the profound e$ect it would have on me!

I found myself involved in diverse cultural events that I would have never been a part of I had not taken the Service Learning class. %e experience awoke my passion for cultural diversity and learning. It has given me a hunger for helping people and paying it forward.

%is has been more than just a class. It has been a memorable life experience. I can truly say the Service Learning class has been a blessing and life changing experience!

The Service Learning class “has been more than just a class. It has been a memorable life

experience.”

Service Learning Class Experiences (2012-2013)Families Who Volunteer


It’s About Giving Back: Helping Those in NeedBy Kardata Lott

My GEN 120 Service Learning class has been an

exhilarating experience. We simply gave back. I learned a

lot about what my college and my community has to offer.

:H�KDG�WR�YROXQWHHU�IRUW\�ÀYH��KRXUV�RYHU�WKH�VHPHVWHU��7KLV�FODVV�KDV�DOVR�JLYHQ�PH�ÀUVW�KDQG�H[SHULHQFH�DQG�ideas on the professions I may want to pursue. I found it

very rewarding to help others, and I enjoyed the time that

I spent helping those in need. Although there were many

great opportunities, there were also many challenges,

especially when it came to getting in my 45 hours.

When I began my classes at West Kentucky Community

and Technical College (WKCTC), I never went to the

library nor knew that the college had a student center. What

surprised me was the Clemens Fine Arts Center. It is truly

DPD]LQJ��:KHQ�,�ÀUVW�VLJQHG�XS�WR�YROXQWHHU�IRU�WKH�VKRZ��“TAP,” I looked at it as a way to knock out hours. When I

walked in to the Clemens Fine Art Center, all I could say

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The Clemens Fine Art Center was where I spent most of

my time volunteering on campus. I never knew that I would

like theater. I am now considering a career in it. Christmas

Around The World was another event that I volunteered

for on campus. I absolutely loved it. Everything was

so diverse. I learned a lot and had so much fun. Not to

mention great food!

When I was in elementary school, once a week Reading

Pals would come and eat lunch with their pal. While I never

had a reading pal, I always wanted to be one. I had no idea

that the United Way continued Reading Pals.

Did you know that for as little as ten dollars a year you can

ÀQG�FKLOG�FDUH��IURP�WKH�WLPH�\RXU�FKLOG�JHWV�RXW�RI�VFKRRO�till six o’clock? Neither did I. My Service Learning class

educated me on my school and also my community.

,�VSHQW�D�ODUJH�DPRXQW�RI�WLPH�DW�WKH�2VFDU�&URVV�%R\V�DQG�Girls Club. I helped with homework, and played with the

FKLOGUHQ�ZKR�FDPH�WKHUH��0\�ÀUVW�GD\�DW�WKH�%R\V�DQG�*LUOV�Club I thought it would be all fun and games. Although

it was fun, I learned that homework is taken seriously by

students and workers. During power hours, kids got out

their homework. It was

my job to work with the

third and fourth graders on

subjects they needed help

with. I loved every minute

of it. After power hour, they

broke up and went to the

gym, art room, game room,

or the computer lab. When

this semester is over, I will

continue to volunteer at the

Boys and Girls Club.

:KHQ�,�ÀUVW�VLJQHG�XS�IRU�WKH�6HUYLFH�/HDUQLQJ�FODVV��WKH�only thing I knew was that you did not need to buy a book.

Later I learned the class required volunteering, I became

worried. I was enrolled in other classes that required a

great deal of time and I was also working thirty-nine (39)

hours a week. I chose to cut my work hours.

The event that I enjoyed volunteering for most was

the listening tour by Dr. Michael McCall, president of

Kentucky Community and Technical College System

(KCTCS). He sincerely wanted to know what students and

employees liked about the college. Not only did he want

to hear the praises but also the complaints. I have much

respect for Dr. McCall because of the time taken from

his very busy schedule to listen and allow us to voice our

opinions.

I would strongly recommend this class to students who

have some free time on their hands. Not only will it

educate you on your campus and community, but teach

you how to manage your time.

,�KDYH�DOZD\V�EHHQ�VK\�DQG�TXLHW��DQG�LQ�RXU�ÀUVW�FODVV�when asked to introduce ourselves I was scared out of my

mind. I can honestly say that this Service Learning class

brought me out of my shell.

Volunteers share their time, talents, and hearts to provided support and bring hope to individuals, families, and organizations that experience diverse needs under unique and frequently adverse circumstances. Volunteers have worked in #ood and !re damaged neighborhoods, removing unsalvageable belongings, cleaning debris, stocking food pantries, fund-raising, collecting donated goods, restoring, repairing, rebuilding, and providing organizational and community support.

Individuals and families who experience great loss can be impacted by emotional devastation. %ey o"en become angry, confused, desperate, hopeless, and feel isolated in their grief. Volunteers reach out beyond the physical labor to provide relief and comfort by showing those in despair that they are not alone and others are willing to share in their burden and recovery process.

Everyone bene!ts from the advantages of volunteering:

People who volunteer for sel#ess reasons, such as helping others, live longer than those who don’t lend a helping hand, a new

Volunteering is at the heart of citizen action and central to their ability to serve their communities.

Service Learning Class Experiences (2012-2013) :KR�%HQHÀWV�IURP�9ROXQWHHUV"

*Journal Reference:Article: “Motives for Volunteering Are Associated With Mortality Risk in Older Adults,” Sara Konrath, PhD, University of


A Lesson in Campus and CultureBy Catosha M. Brown

In Spring 2013, I learned of a GEN 120 Service Learning

course being offered at West Kentucky Community and

Technical College (WKCTC) taught by Dr. Belinda A.

Dalton-Russell.

Although I wasn’t familiar with the term, “Service

Learning” based on an automated telephone message I

received from the college, I knew it involved volunteering

my time to improve the community and the lives of others

in need. I have always received personal joy from helping

others. The class was a great opportunity to earn three

hours of college level credit toward my free electives while

SDUWLFLSDWLQJ�LQ�D�ZRUWK\�DQG�HQJDJLQJ�DFWLYLW\�WKDW�,�ÀQG�rewarding.

I gained knowledge of the support services and resources on

campus through in class presentations and a chance to meet

campus employees and learn of the valuable work they do

to help students succeed.

What I gained from working at Chinese New Year was a

lesson in Chinese culture and tradition. I knew very little

about the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival as it has

EHHQ�FDOOHG�VLQFH�WKH��WK�&HQWXU\��2ULJLQDOO\�WLHG�WR�WKH�lunar-solar Chinese calendar, Chinese New Year remains the

longest and most important social and economic holiday in

China.

Ethnic Chinese all over the world celebrate Chinese New

Year. The holiday is important to everyone in all cultures

because it highlights the importance of knowing the real

meaning of ancient customs and traditions about our

ancestors and brings families together for feasting. This

has made me look closer at my own family practices and

traditions that I might want to create or preserve.

The Service Learning class is a great tool and innovative

resource that encourages learning and personal growth in an

interactive way. Personally, I believe everyone of any age,

VWDWXV��RU�OHYHO�LQ�OLIH�ZRXOG�EHQHÀW�IURP�WDNLQJ�WKH�FODVV�

Service Learning Class Experiences (2012-2013)

“The was a great opportunity to

earn three hours of college level

credit toward my free electives while participating in a

worthy and engaging DFWLYLW\�WKDW�,�ÀQG�

rewarding.

My name is Jestean and after many years of being out of

school, I was blessed with the opportunity to go back and

study for my Associate in Arts degree in Early Childhood.

7KLV�RSSRUWXQLW\�ZDV�H[FLWLQJ�\HW�VFDU\�IRU�D�ÀIW\�\HDU�ROG��

,�VWDUWHG�FODVVHV�LQ�IDOO��7KH�ÀUVW�VHPHVWHU�,�DYHUDJHG�a 3.5 GPA, working two jobs and taking six credit hours

of classes. When planning for spring classes, I learned

of the Service Learning class. The class was scheduled

during my work; therefore, I had to gain permission from

my supervisor as well as my director. They approved

my request to take the class, and afterwards I thought to

myself, “This is going to be nearly impossible.”

I was required to earn 45 volunteer hours for GEN 120

not including twenty hours in my other two classes while

ZRUNLQJ�WZR�MREV��,W�ZDV�GLIÀFXOW�UHDFKLQJ�RUJDQL]DWLRQV�to volunteer; some didn’t return calls. In addition I had a

SUREOHP�ÀQGLQJ�WLPHV�WKDW�ZRUNHG�ZLWK�P\�VFKHGXOH��

My sister and I visited a local nursing home and started

to volunteer for hospice. This was a blessing in disguise.

After going through hours of training, I realized that

volunteering is a serious thing. We were in the Service

/HDUQLQJ�FODVV��\HW�ZH�DUH�OHDUQLQJ�WR�VHUYH��7KH�EHQHÀWV�are gratifying.

Each time we volunteer people express gratitude for our

time and service. I would like to say to them thank you for

giving me the opportunity to serve.

The Service Learning class has opened my eyes to see that

when you give of yourself and your time, God gives you

time, just as he does talents. You should never hide your

talents; share them so others can be blessed and learn the

value of serving.

The class provided the opportunity for me to share this

experience with someone I know and love; my sister

Barbara Adams. From the time of our youth, we have

always done things together. We played together, sang

together, worked together, and now have class together. I

can say I have a special bond with my sister even though

we are two of eight siblings.

Bring a Smile and Personality to Others in a Positive Way By Jestean Howard

We are both legally blind, but we have not allowed

our disability to disable us in our ventures in life. We

complement each other. We both love people and we both

love children. She is talkative where I am more laid back,

but we always bring our smile and personality to others in

a positive way.

The Service Learning class has given us the opportunity

to be a team again. We are able to support and serve

ourselves and others. When residence and staff see us at

the nursing home, they say I am the tall one and Barbara is

the short one, or one lady calls Barbara “doll.”

I just know that when we are volunteering we are making

others happy, and I love it. Thank you, Lord, for giving

me a loving and encouraging sister who has the gift of gab

and won’t let me give up.

Sister Act: The Bond of Giving


My name is Barbara Adams. I am currently employed by

Paducah Public Schools/Paducah Head Start Preschool

where I am a teacher’s assistant. I can truly say that

I thoroughly enjoy what I do. It is because of this

wonderful job that I have been able to re-enroll into

classes at West Kentucky Community and Technical

College (WKCTC). I enjoy being a student again, for I

am an alumna. It has been a long and challenging journey,

GXH�WR�EHLQJ�OHJDOO\�EOLQG�DQG�KDYLQJ�ÀQDQFLDO�VHWEDFNV�during the course of my education.

This Service Learning class is one of the most favorite I

have ever taken in the course of my college career. I get

the opportunity to work within the community I love.

This class has given me so much as I learn new and

different ways to give back. It gave me the opportunity

to be in places I never expected to go. I feel blessed to be

partnering with a local nursing home and hospice. Both

locations are important to my sister, Jestean Howard, and

me. She also takes the class. We go and visit the patients

together, so I am sharing of myself and of the special

relationship with my sister as we cooperate in this project.

At the nursing home, we talk and listen to the residents

and spend quality time with them. Relationship building

Relationship Building is a Crucial Piece of Service LearningBy Barbara Adams

is a crucial piece of the service

we give. The patients are very

glad for our visits; they enjoy

the companionship and always

make my day.

Hospice was responsible for

taking great care of our own

aging parents. I chose both as

a service opportunity so that I

could give back. It is a special

blessing to be able to help families deal with the process

RI�DJLQJ��JULHYLQJ��DQG�JURZLQJ�WKURXJK�WKH�ÀQDO�VWDJHV�RI�life. I am sure the love of our parents is shining down on

us both.

Jestean and I make a great team. We work together within

the Paducah Head Start Preschool program and attend

class together with the blessing and encouragement

of administrators and supervisors. I look up to my

“big” sister who I am so proud of and love. I enjoy this

opportunity to continue to make her proud of me. We will

continue to support each other through our journeys in

life.

Barbara Adams


Page 17

Most Lessons Learned Are Outside ClassBy Tracey Shackelford

My name is Tracey Shackelford and I am a non-traditional

student at West Kentucky Community and Technical

College (WKCTC). I returned to school to enhance the job

opportunities available to me after becoming a high school

dropout at the age of sixteen. The road to higher education

has been hard for me. However, I have grown through my

educational experiences while at WKCTC. My educational

growth along with my desire to serve the needs of the

community, campus, and fellow students made the decision

to serve as a WKCTC student ambassador and to enroll in

the GEN 120 Service Learning course easier.

Serving as a student ambassador has

allowed me to serve an important role

in collaborating with fellow students,

FDPSXV�RIÀFLDOV��DQG�WKH�FRPPXQLW\�WR�implement projects and shared goals.

I helped during Happening Hours

RQ�:HGQHVGD\·V�IURP��D�P��WR��S�P��DQG�:.&7&·V�%DFN�WR�School Bash, where students can

meet faculty and fellow students

in order to get involved in campus

activities.

Volunteering has allowed me to

better understand the importance

of getting involved in campus life.

Also, it showed me the importance

of making connections that will pay

dividends for me after graduation and

beyond.

2QH�HYHQW�WKDW�VWDQGV�RXW�IRU�PH�LV�WKH�.HQWXFN\�Association of Blacks in Higher Education

(KABHE) conference, which promotes the

advancement of African Americans in higher

education in Kentucky. Also, KABHE assists

Kentucky colleges and universities in helping to

recruit and retain African-Americans.



By volunteering with the KABHE, I learned about the

importance of everyone having a chance to receive higher

education. Every year a number of potential students who

seek higher education, are left out due to affordability,

JUDGHV��DQG�FXOWXUDO�EDFNJURXQG��2UJDQL]DWLRQV�VXFK�DV�KABHE, seek solutions to help students who do not have

the chance to receive higher education.

My best experiences were within the community. I

volunteered for the United Way and The Salvation

Army. I was able to see what the Paducah Cooperative

Ministry was all about. This ministry serves the purpose

of meeting needs of individuals and breaking the cycle

of homelessness. As an individual who has needed

assistance throughout life, I know the importance of

having volunteers within the community who are willing

WR�PDNH�VDFULÀFHV�LQ�RUGHU�WR�VHUYH�WKRVH�LQ�QHHG�

My biggest challenge as a student ambassador was when

I volunteered to help give a tour of the WKCTC campus

to members of a visiting team from The Aspen Institute.

The visiting team was on campus to learn more about the

college after it was named one of the top 10 community

colleges in the nation. As a volunteer of the Aspen Tour,

I was forced to step out of my comfort zone since my

FRQÀGHQFH�OHYHO�ZDVQ·W�ZKHUH�LW�QHHGHG�WR�EH��0RVW�RI�my life my nerves have gotten the best of me when it

came to addressing people who held high positions or

titles. My biggest reward was to take part in making a

difference in people’s life.

The volunteering opportunities that I have participated in

while serving as student ambassador would not have been

possible without enrolling in the Service Learning class.

Service Learning is an educational class that allows

each student the opportunity to participate in community

activities and to become familiarized with community

needs. I would recommend this class to all students.

Most lessons in life cannot be learned inside a classroom.

While volunteering, I met people from all walks of life

and heard many different stories. As I sat and listened

to some of these stories, I realized that no matter where

a person may have come from, everyone needs a helping

hand at some point in their lives.

I look forward to continuing to volunteer for different

organizations. Unlike most things in life, time is free and

just a few minutes of assistance or support can make all

the difference in a person life.

Since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to help

people. Although the desire to help others remained

important to me as I matured, I didn’t have any spare

time being a single mother of three children and having to

work to support them. As my children have grown up and

I have returned to school, this is a second chance.

“Paying It Forward” is a phrase that I’ve always felt

VWURQJ�DERXW��,�ÀQDOO\�KDYH�WKH�RSSRUWXQLW\�DQG�WLPH�WR�“Pay it Forward.” Thanks to the Service Learning class

and Dr. Belinda Dalton-Russell for starting up the Student

Ambassador Program.

0RVW�/HVVRQV�/HDUQHG�$UH�2XWVLGH�&ODVV��FRQWLQXHG�

In May 2013, I graduated with an associate degree in

nursing. I have been attending West Kentucky Community

and Technical College (WKCTC) since 2006 and was

accepted into the nursing program in 2008 and had to

decline. My husband was deploying to Iraq in May 2009,

and our daughter was scheduled to be born in April 2009.

The timing was not working for us. I applied again to

the nursing program and was accepted into the Fall 2011

class. A friend in nursing classes told me about WKCTC’s

Student Ambassador Program, and it sparked an interest

with me. The thought of being able to give back to the

community and the school sounded like a challenge that

I was ready to take. As a result of being selected as a

student ambassador, I was required to take the Service

Learning class, which requires 45 community service

volunteer hours.

,W�ZDV�YHU\�FKDOOHQJLQJ�DQG�WU\LQJ�WR�ÀQG�WKH�WLPH�WR�volunteer, study, take care of a household, husband,

and three kids while maintaining my sanity and grades.

Learning to manage my time and prioritize activities has

been a very valuable experience for me. I think these skills

will help me upon starting my nursing career.

2QH�RI�P\�ÀUVW�YROXQWHHU�RSSRUWXQLWLHV�ZDV�EHLQJ�DQ�usher for the author Beth Baker’s book presentation. This

was an absolute blessing to me! I am glad that I had the

opportunity to meet and talk with Mrs. Baker before the

session. She is truly one of the most inspirational and

strongest women that I have met.

I also helped out with an event that WKCTC Cultural

Diversity Director Jipaum

Askew-Robinson presented.

I met several instructors from

other campuses and worked with

fellow student ambassadors. I

also had the opportunity to work

with Spanish instructor Carolyn

Perry on the Hispanic Heritage

Celebration and participate in the

United Way 5K.

The nursing program requires

community service focused on

education. The group I worked

with chose to set up a booth

at the Heart Walk of Paducah. We focused on providing

information about smoking cessation.

I also helped with a STEM girls’ forum. We were responsible

for directing the groups through the Allied Health Building

to all of their scheduled activities. It was great to see girls at

such a young age already having an interest in the medical

ÀHOG�

I volunteer with the AWANA program at my church. We

follow the school schedule, meeting on Wednesday nights

from six until eight. The kids range in age from three

through high school and are broken down according to their

JUDGH�LQ�VFKRRO��,�JHQHUDOO\�KHOS�ZLWK�WKH�WKLUG�WKURXJK�ÀIWK�grade.

We strive to teach the children sportsmanship and let them

have fun while learning at the same time. Children work on

learning books of the Bible and Bible verses. Recently I’ve

been working with one little boy, who has been struggling to

learn a portion of the New Testament. The look on his little

face was priceless when he got it.

,�ZRXOG�GHÀQLWHO\�UHFRPPHQG�WKH�6HUYLFH�/HDUQLQJ�FODVV�to anyone attending classes on campus. I think this class

provides a wonderful opportunity to give back to the

community and get involved on the campus. This class has

enabled me to grow as a person and encouraged me to be

more outgoing and involved.

Opportunity to Be InvolvedBy Tabitha Neal



My name is Amanda Boyd; I am a mother of two teens,

a wife, and a student. I am working my way through the

Physical Therapy Assistant program at West Kentucky

Community and Technical College (WKCTC) in Paducah,

Kentucky. I had the pleasure of meeting Kristie Morris,

a student ambassador for WKCTC. She mentioned that

I would make a great ambassador as well. I applied and

gratefully received the honor of student ambassador. I was

inclined to enroll in the Service Learning class with Dr.

Belinda Dalton-Russell.

I have expanded my knowledge of area social service

programs and have become more aware of the importance

of such organizations and outreach activities among my

fellow students and community.

,Q�P\�ÀUVW�H[SHULHQFH�RI�VHUYLFH�OHDUQLQJ�,�H[SHFWHG�a traditional class lecture, but instead we listened to

WKCTC staff presentations from food service to the

vice president of student affairs, student ambassadors,

and outside community activity, directors, coordinators,

and United Way. I found this environment engaging

and challenging because all of these people who seemed

superior to me wanted me, a student, to be a part of

something bigger than just being a student.

(DFK�VSHDNHU�UHÁHFWHG�HQWKXVLDVP�DQG�D�KHDUW�WR�VHUYH�ZLWKLQ�WKHLU�UHVSHFWLYH�ÀHOG��LW�ZDV�FRQWDJLRXV��6LWWLQJ�LQ�that classroom listening and learning about the various

service opportunities was inspiring. However, I received

much more from the next phase of my volunteer journey.

I felt like a kid in a candy store after hearing about all the

opportunities to serve. I choose to get started with Reading

Pals, a program through United Way which is designed to

ÀJKW�SRYHUW\��

An hour of reading to a child has turned out to be so much

more. The little girl who I have had the honor to sit with

Generosity is Giving of Whom You AreBy Amanda Boyd

“The ultimate expression of generosity is not in giving of what you have, but in giving of whom

you are,” according to Johnnetta B. Cole, “and only you can give of your abilities.”

Page 15

once a week on Tuesday mornings has stolen my heart.

She has the brightest smile and when we sit down to read

together she works hard to make me proud.

This volunteer experience has been an inclusive learning

circle for me because I was exposed to the purpose and

success of the United Way’s Reading Program during a

lecture in the Service Learning class and was able to be a

part of the purpose and success during my volunteer time

with my reading pal.

Service learning has enriched my college experience

by drawing me into the campus. I had never been in

the Emerging Technology Building until I attended a

Service Learning class held there. I had been missing the

delightful treats and the wonderful environment at the

Cyber Café!

,�ZDV�DOVR�DIIRUGHG�WKH�RSSRUWXQLW\�WR�VKRZFDVH�75L2�RIÀFH�WR�YLVLWRUV�IURP�7KH�$VSHQ�,QVWLWXWH�DQG�DVVLVWHG�with the hosting of an event called True Colors in the

College Bistro, both of which were held in the Anderson

Technical Building.

Because of service learning, I have met delightful

WKCTC staff members like Tammy Pendergrast, Tamara

Hodges, and Jipaum Askew- Robinson who have enriched

*HQHURVLW\�LV�*LYLQJ�RI�:KRP�<RX�$UH��FRQWLQXHG� my life just by being their cheerful and serving selves. I do

not believe that I would have experienced the campus to this

depth had I not enrolled in the Service Learning class.

The most challenging aspect of service learning for me was

choosing where to serve.

I recommend Service Learning to others because of the

opportunity to get to know more students, faculty and staff,

community involvement, and the ability to leave a legacy. A

student can be led on a tour of the campus, read a pamphlet,

or even watch a video. However, the level of appreciation

WKH�VWXGHQW�FDQ�H[SHULHQFH�LV�VXSHUÀFLDO�XQWLO�WKDW�VWXGHQW�jumps into the campus and actively participates within the

college. Active participation fosters relationships within the

student body and faculty. Because of Service Learning I was

able to meet Dr. Michael McCall, the KCTCS President, on

his Listening Tour 2012.

Community is the heart of community college and Service

Learning is the bridge that joins the two, and that is another

reason why I encourage students to enroll in service learning.

My Service Learning Class has come to an end; however,

with me and the spirit of service learning that I have gained

is continuing to grow within me and I look forward to

sharing this heart of community and service during the

rest of my Community College experience and beyond. In

my opinion, Service Learning should be a requirement for

students attending a community college.



My name is Amanda Boyd; I am a mother of two teens,

a wife, and a student. I am working my way through the

Physical Therapy Assistant program at West Kentucky

Community and Technical College (WKCTC) in Paducah,

Kentucky. I had the pleasure of meeting Kristie Morris,

a student ambassador for WKCTC. She mentioned that

I would make a great ambassador as well. I applied and

gratefully received the honor of student ambassador. I was

inclined to enroll in the Service Learning class with Dr.

Belinda Dalton-Russell.

I have expanded my knowledge of area social service

programs and have become more aware of the importance

of such organizations and outreach activities among my

fellow students and community.

,Q�P\�ÀUVW�H[SHULHQFH�RI�VHUYLFH�OHDUQLQJ�,�H[SHFWHG�a traditional class lecture, but instead we listened to

WKCTC staff presentations from food service to the

vice president of student affairs, student ambassadors,

and outside community activity, directors, coordinators,

and United Way. I found this environment engaging

and challenging because all of these people who seemed

superior to me wanted me, a student, to be a part of

something bigger than just being a student.

(DFK�VSHDNHU�UHÁHFWHG�HQWKXVLDVP�DQG�D�KHDUW�WR�VHUYH�ZLWKLQ�WKHLU�UHVSHFWLYH�ÀHOG��LW�ZDV�FRQWDJLRXV��6LWWLQJ�LQ�that classroom listening and learning about the various

service opportunities was inspiring. However, I received

much more from the next phase of my volunteer journey.

I felt like a kid in a candy store after hearing about all the

opportunities to serve. I choose to get started with Reading

Pals, a program through United Way which is designed to

ÀJKW�SRYHUW\��

An hour of reading to a child has turned out to be so much

more. The little girl who I have had the honor to sit with

Generosity is Giving of Whom You AreBy Amanda Boyd

“The ultimate expression of generosity is not in giving of what you have, but in giving of whom

you are,” according to Johnnetta B. Cole, “and only you can give of your abilities.”

Page 14

once a week on Tuesday mornings has stolen my heart.

She has the brightest smile and when we sit down to read

together she works hard to make me proud.

This volunteer experience has been an inclusive learning

circle for me because I was exposed to the purpose and

success of the United Way’s Reading Program during a

lecture in the Service Learning class and was able to be a

part of the purpose and success during my volunteer time

with my reading pal.

Service learning has enriched my college experience

by drawing me into the campus. I had never been in

the Emerging Technology Building until I attended a

Service Learning class held there. I had been missing the

delightful treats and the wonderful environment at the

Cyber Café!

,�ZDV�DOVR�DIIRUGHG�WKH�RSSRUWXQLW\�WR�VKRZFDVH�75L2�RIÀFH�WR�YLVLWRUV�IURP�7KH�$VSHQ�,QVWLWXWH�DQG�DVVLVWHG�with the hosting of an event called True Colors in the

College Bistro, both of which were held in the Anderson

Technical Building.

Because of service learning, I have met delightful

WKCTC staff members like Tammy Pendergrast, Tamara

Hodges, and Jipaum Askew- Robinson who have enriched

*HQHURVLW\�LV�*LYLQJ�RI�:KRP�<RX�$UH��FRQWLQXHG� my life just by being their cheerful and serving selves. I do

not believe that I would have experienced the campus to this

depth had I not enrolled in the Service Learning class.

The most challenging aspect of service learning for me was

choosing where to serve.

I recommend Service Learning to others because of the

opportunity to get to know more students, faculty and staff,

community involvement, and the ability to leave a legacy. A

student can be led on a tour of the campus, read a pamphlet,

or even watch a video. However, the level of appreciation

WKH�VWXGHQW�FDQ�H[SHULHQFH�LV�VXSHUÀFLDO�XQWLO�WKDW�VWXGHQW�jumps into the campus and actively participates within the

college. Active participation fosters relationships within the

student body and faculty. Because of Service Learning I was

able to meet Dr. Michael McCall, the KCTCS President, on

his Listening Tour 2012.

Community is the heart of community college and Service

Learning is the bridge that joins the two, and that is another

reason why I encourage students to enroll in service learning.

My Service Learning Class has come to an end; however,

with me and the spirit of service learning that I have gained

is continuing to grow within me and I look forward to

sharing this heart of community and service during the

rest of my Community College experience and beyond. In

my opinion, Service Learning should be a requirement for

students attending a community college.



By volunteering with the KABHE, I learned about the

importance of everyone having a chance to receive higher

education. Every year a number of potential students who

seek higher education, are left out due to affordability,

JUDGHV��DQG�FXOWXUDO�EDFNJURXQG��2UJDQL]DWLRQV�VXFK�DV�KABHE, seek solutions to help students who do not have

the chance to receive higher education.

My best experiences were within the community. I

volunteered for the United Way and The Salvation

Army. I was able to see what the Paducah Cooperative

Ministry was all about. This ministry serves the purpose

of meeting needs of individuals and breaking the cycle

of homelessness. As an individual who has needed

assistance throughout life, I know the importance of

having volunteers within the community who are willing

WR�PDNH�VDFULÀFHV�LQ�RUGHU�WR�VHUYH�WKRVH�LQ�QHHG�

My biggest challenge as a student ambassador was when

I volunteered to help give a tour of the WKCTC campus

to members of a visiting team from The Aspen Institute.

The visiting team was on campus to learn more about the

college after it was named one of the top 10 community

colleges in the nation. As a volunteer of the Aspen Tour,

I was forced to step out of my comfort zone since my

FRQÀGHQFH�OHYHO�ZDVQ·W�ZKHUH�LW�QHHGHG�WR�EH��0RVW�RI�my life my nerves have gotten the best of me when it

came to addressing people who held high positions or

titles. My biggest reward was to take part in making a

difference in people’s life.

The volunteering opportunities that I have participated in

while serving as student ambassador would not have been

possible without enrolling in the Service Learning class.

Service Learning is an educational class that allows

each student the opportunity to participate in community

activities and to become familiarized with community

needs. I would recommend this class to all students.

Most lessons in life cannot be learned inside a classroom.

While volunteering, I met people from all walks of life

and heard many different stories. As I sat and listened

to some of these stories, I realized that no matter where

a person may have come from, everyone needs a helping

hand at some point in their lives.

I look forward to continuing to volunteer for different

organizations. Unlike most things in life, time is free and

just a few minutes of assistance or support can make all

the difference in a person life.

Since I was a little girl, I’ve always wanted to help

people. Although the desire to help others remained

important to me as I matured, I didn’t have any spare

time being a single mother of three children and having to

work to support them. As my children have grown up and

I have returned to school, this is a second chance.

“Paying It Forward” is a phrase that I’ve always felt

VWURQJ�DERXW��,�ÀQDOO\�KDYH�WKH�RSSRUWXQLW\�DQG�WLPH�WR�“Pay it Forward.” Thanks to the Service Learning class

and Dr. Belinda Dalton-Russell for starting up the Student

Ambassador Program.

0RVW�/HVVRQV�/HDUQHG�$UH�2XWVLGH�&ODVV��FRQWLQXHG�

In May 2013, I graduated with an associate degree in

nursing. I have been attending West Kentucky Community

and Technical College (WKCTC) since 2006 and was

accepted into the nursing program in 2008 and had to

decline. My husband was deploying to Iraq in May 2009,

and our daughter was scheduled to be born in April 2009.

The timing was not working for us. I applied again to

the nursing program and was accepted into the Fall 2011

class. A friend in nursing classes told me about WKCTC’s

Student Ambassador Program, and it sparked an interest

with me. The thought of being able to give back to the

community and the school sounded like a challenge that

I was ready to take. As a result of being selected as a

student ambassador, I was required to take the Service

Learning class, which requires 45 community service

volunteer hours.

,W�ZDV�YHU\�FKDOOHQJLQJ�DQG�WU\LQJ�WR�ÀQG�WKH�WLPH�WR�volunteer, study, take care of a household, husband,

and three kids while maintaining my sanity and grades.

Learning to manage my time and prioritize activities has

been a very valuable experience for me. I think these skills

will help me upon starting my nursing career.

2QH�RI�P\�ÀUVW�YROXQWHHU�RSSRUWXQLWLHV�ZDV�EHLQJ�DQ�usher for the author Beth Baker’s book presentation. This

was an absolute blessing to me! I am glad that I had the

opportunity to meet and talk with Mrs. Baker before the

session. She is truly one of the most inspirational and

strongest women that I have met.

I also helped out with an event that WKCTC Cultural

Diversity Director Jipaum

Askew-Robinson presented.

I met several instructors from

other campuses and worked with

fellow student ambassadors. I

also had the opportunity to work

with Spanish instructor Carolyn

Perry on the Hispanic Heritage

Celebration and participate in the

United Way 5K.

The nursing program requires

community service focused on

education. The group I worked

with chose to set up a booth

at the Heart Walk of Paducah. We focused on providing

information about smoking cessation.

I also helped with a STEM girls’ forum. We were responsible

for directing the groups through the Allied Health Building

to all of their scheduled activities. It was great to see girls at

such a young age already having an interest in the medical

ÀHOG�

I volunteer with the AWANA program at my church. We

follow the school schedule, meeting on Wednesday nights

from six until eight. The kids range in age from three

through high school and are broken down according to their

JUDGH�LQ�VFKRRO��,�JHQHUDOO\�KHOS�ZLWK�WKH�WKLUG�WKURXJK�ÀIWK�grade.

We strive to teach the children sportsmanship and let them

have fun while learning at the same time. Children work on

learning books of the Bible and Bible verses. Recently I’ve

been working with one little boy, who has been struggling to

learn a portion of the New Testament. The look on his little

face was priceless when he got it.

,�ZRXOG�GHÀQLWHO\�UHFRPPHQG�WKH�6HUYLFH�/HDUQLQJ�FODVV�to anyone attending classes on campus. I think this class

provides a wonderful opportunity to give back to the

community and get involved on the campus. This class has

enabled me to grow as a person and encouraged me to be

more outgoing and involved.

Opportunity to Be InvolvedBy Tabitha Neal



My name is Barbara Adams. I am currently employed by

Paducah Public Schools/Paducah Head Start Preschool

where I am a teacher’s assistant. I can truly say that

I thoroughly enjoy what I do. It is because of this

wonderful job that I have been able to re-enroll into

classes at West Kentucky Community and Technical

College (WKCTC). I enjoy being a student again, for I

am an alumna. It has been a long and challenging journey,

GXH�WR�EHLQJ�OHJDOO\�EOLQG�DQG�KDYLQJ�ÀQDQFLDO�VHWEDFNV�during the course of my education.

This Service Learning class is one of the most favorite I

have ever taken in the course of my college career. I get

the opportunity to work within the community I love.

This class has given me so much as I learn new and

different ways to give back. It gave me the opportunity

to be in places I never expected to go. I feel blessed to be

partnering with a local nursing home and hospice. Both

locations are important to my sister, Jestean Howard, and

me. She also takes the class. We go and visit the patients

together, so I am sharing of myself and of the special

relationship with my sister as we cooperate in this project.

At the nursing home, we talk and listen to the residents

and spend quality time with them. Relationship building

Relationship Building is a Crucial Piece of Service LearningBy Barbara Adams

is a crucial piece of the service

we give. The patients are very

glad for our visits; they enjoy

the companionship and always

make my day.

Hospice was responsible for

taking great care of our own

aging parents. I chose both as

a service opportunity so that I

could give back. It is a special

blessing to be able to help families deal with the process

RI�DJLQJ��JULHYLQJ��DQG�JURZLQJ�WKURXJK�WKH�ÀQDO�VWDJHV�RI�life. I am sure the love of our parents is shining down on

us both.

Jestean and I make a great team. We work together within

the Paducah Head Start Preschool program and attend

class together with the blessing and encouragement

of administrators and supervisors. I look up to my

“big” sister who I am so proud of and love. I enjoy this

opportunity to continue to make her proud of me. We will

continue to support each other through our journeys in

life.

Barbara Adams


Page 12

Most Lessons Learned Are Outside ClassBy Tracey Shackelford

My name is Tracey Shackelford and I am a non-traditional

student at West Kentucky Community and Technical

College (WKCTC). I returned to school to enhance the job

opportunities available to me after becoming a high school

dropout at the age of sixteen. The road to higher education

has been hard for me. However, I have grown through my

educational experiences while at WKCTC. My educational

growth along with my desire to serve the needs of the

community, campus, and fellow students made the decision

to serve as a WKCTC student ambassador and to enroll in

the GEN 120 Service Learning course easier.

Serving as a student ambassador has

allowed me to serve an important role

in collaborating with fellow students,

FDPSXV�RIÀFLDOV��DQG�WKH�FRPPXQLW\�WR�implement projects and shared goals.

I helped during Happening Hours

RQ�:HGQHVGD\·V�IURP��D�P��WR��S�P��DQG�:.&7&·V�%DFN�WR�School Bash, where students can

meet faculty and fellow students

in order to get involved in campus

activities.

Volunteering has allowed me to

better understand the importance

of getting involved in campus life.

Also, it showed me the importance

of making connections that will pay

dividends for me after graduation and

beyond.

2QH�HYHQW�WKDW�VWDQGV�RXW�IRU�PH�LV�WKH�.HQWXFN\�Association of Blacks in Higher Education

(KABHE) conference, which promotes the

advancement of African Americans in higher

education in Kentucky. Also, KABHE assists

Kentucky colleges and universities in helping to

recruit and retain African-Americans.



A Lesson in Campus and CultureBy Catosha M. Brown

In Spring 2013, I learned of a GEN 120 Service Learning

course being offered at West Kentucky Community and

Technical College (WKCTC) taught by Dr. Belinda A.

Dalton-Russell.

Although I wasn’t familiar with the term, “Service

Learning” based on an automated telephone message I

received from the college, I knew it involved volunteering

my time to improve the community and the lives of others

in need. I have always received personal joy from helping

others. The class was a great opportunity to earn three

hours of college level credit toward my free electives while

SDUWLFLSDWLQJ�LQ�D�ZRUWK\�DQG�HQJDJLQJ�DFWLYLW\�WKDW�,�ÀQG�rewarding.

I gained knowledge of the support services and resources on

campus through in class presentations and a chance to meet

campus employees and learn of the valuable work they do

to help students succeed.

What I gained from working at Chinese New Year was a

lesson in Chinese culture and tradition. I knew very little

about the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival as it has

EHHQ�FDOOHG�VLQFH�WKH��WK�&HQWXU\��2ULJLQDOO\�WLHG�WR�WKH�lunar-solar Chinese calendar, Chinese New Year remains the

longest and most important social and economic holiday in

China.

Ethnic Chinese all over the world celebrate Chinese New

Year. The holiday is important to everyone in all cultures

because it highlights the importance of knowing the real

meaning of ancient customs and traditions about our

ancestors and brings families together for feasting. This

has made me look closer at my own family practices and

traditions that I might want to create or preserve.

The Service Learning class is a great tool and innovative

resource that encourages learning and personal growth in an

interactive way. Personally, I believe everyone of any age,

VWDWXV��RU�OHYHO�LQ�OLIH�ZRXOG�EHQHÀW�IURP�WDNLQJ�WKH�FODVV�


“The was a great opportunity to

earn three hours of college level

credit toward my free electives while participating in a

worthy and engaging DFWLYLW\�WKDW�,�ÀQG�

rewarding.

My name is Jestean and after many years of being out of

school, I was blessed with the opportunity to go back and

study for my Associate in Arts degree in Early Childhood.

7KLV�RSSRUWXQLW\�ZDV�H[FLWLQJ�\HW�VFDU\�IRU�D�ÀIW\�\HDU�ROG��

,�VWDUWHG�FODVVHV�LQ�IDOO��7KH�ÀUVW�VHPHVWHU�,�DYHUDJHG�a 3.5 GPA, working two jobs and taking six credit hours

of classes. When planning for spring classes, I learned

of the Service Learning class. The class was scheduled

during my work; therefore, I had to gain permission from

my supervisor as well as my director. They approved

my request to take the class, and afterwards I thought to

myself, “This is going to be nearly impossible.”

I was required to earn 45 volunteer hours for GEN 120

not including twenty hours in my other two classes while

ZRUNLQJ�WZR�MREV��,W�ZDV�GLIÀFXOW�UHDFKLQJ�RUJDQL]DWLRQV�to volunteer; some didn’t return calls. In addition I had a

SUREOHP�ÀQGLQJ�WLPHV�WKDW�ZRUNHG�ZLWK�P\�VFKHGXOH��

My sister and I visited a local nursing home and started

to volunteer for hospice. This was a blessing in disguise.

After going through hours of training, I realized that

volunteering is a serious thing. We were in the Service

/HDUQLQJ�FODVV��\HW�ZH�DUH�OHDUQLQJ�WR�VHUYH��7KH�EHQHÀWV�are gratifying.

Each time we volunteer people express gratitude for our

time and service. I would like to say to them thank you for

giving me the opportunity to serve.

The Service Learning class has opened my eyes to see that

when you give of yourself and your time, God gives you

time, just as he does talents. You should never hide your

talents; share them so others can be blessed and learn the

value of serving.

The class provided the opportunity for me to share this

experience with someone I know and love; my sister

Barbara Adams. From the time of our youth, we have

always done things together. We played together, sang

together, worked together, and now have class together. I

can say I have a special bond with my sister even though

we are two of eight siblings.

Bring a Smile and Personality to Others in a Positive Way By Jestean Howard

We are both legally blind, but we have not allowed

our disability to disable us in our ventures in life. We

complement each other. We both love people and we both

love children. She is talkative where I am more laid back,

but we always bring our smile and personality to others in

a positive way.

The Service Learning class has given us the opportunity

to be a team again. We are able to support and serve

ourselves and others. When residence and staff see us at

the nursing home, they say I am the tall one and Barbara is

the short one, or one lady calls Barbara “doll.”

I just know that when we are volunteering we are making

others happy, and I love it. Thank you, Lord, for giving

me a loving and encouraging sister who has the gift of gab

and won’t let me give up.



It’s About Giving Back: Helping Those in NeedBy Kardata Lott

My GEN 120 Service Learning class has been an

exhilarating experience. We simply gave back. I learned a

lot about what my college and my community has to offer.

:H�KDG�WR�YROXQWHHU�IRUW\�ÀYH��KRXUV�RYHU�WKH�VHPHVWHU��7KLV�FODVV�KDV�DOVR�JLYHQ�PH�ÀUVW�KDQG�H[SHULHQFH�DQG�ideas on the professions I may want to pursue. I found it

very rewarding to help others, and I enjoyed the time that

I spent helping those in need. Although there were many

great opportunities, there were also many challenges,

especially when it came to getting in my 45 hours.

When I began my classes at West Kentucky Community

and Technical College (WKCTC), I never went to the

library nor knew that the college had a student center. What

surprised me was the Clemens Fine Arts Center. It is truly

DPD]LQJ��:KHQ�,�ÀUVW�VLJQHG�XS�WR�YROXQWHHU�IRU�WKH�VKRZ��“TAP,” I looked at it as a way to knock out hours. When I

walked in to the Clemens Fine Art Center, all I could say

ZDV�´:2:�µ��

The Clemens Fine Art Center was where I spent most of

my time volunteering on campus. I never knew that I would

like theater. I am now considering a career in it. Christmas

Around The World was another event that I volunteered

for on campus. I absolutely loved it. Everything was

so diverse. I learned a lot and had so much fun. Not to

mention great food!

When I was in elementary school, once a week Reading

Pals would come and eat lunch with their pal. While I never

had a reading pal, I always wanted to be one. I had no idea

that the United Way continued Reading Pals.

Did you know that for as little as ten dollars a year you can

ÀQG�FKLOG�FDUH��IURP�WKH�WLPH�\RXU�FKLOG�JHWV�RXW�RI�VFKRRO�till six o’clock? Neither did I. My Service Learning class

educated me on my school and also my community.

,�VSHQW�D�ODUJH�DPRXQW�RI�WLPH�DW�WKH�2VFDU�&URVV�%R\V�DQG�Girls Club. I helped with homework, and played with the

FKLOGUHQ�ZKR�FDPH�WKHUH��0\�ÀUVW�GD\�DW�WKH�%R\V�DQG�*LUOV�Club I thought it would be all fun and games. Although

it was fun, I learned that homework is taken seriously by

students and workers. During power hours, kids got out

their homework. It was

my job to work with the

third and fourth graders on

subjects they needed help

with. I loved every minute

of it. After power hour, they

broke up and went to the

gym, art room, game room,

or the computer lab. When

this semester is over, I will

continue to volunteer at the

Boys and Girls Club.

:KHQ�,�ÀUVW�VLJQHG�XS�IRU�WKH�6HUYLFH�/HDUQLQJ�FODVV��WKH�only thing I knew was that you did not need to buy a book.

Later I learned the class required volunteering, I became

worried. I was enrolled in other classes that required a

great deal of time and I was also working thirty-nine (39)

hours a week. I chose to cut my work hours.

The event that I enjoyed volunteering for most was

the listening tour by Dr. Michael McCall, president of

Kentucky Community and Technical College System

(KCTCS). He sincerely wanted to know what students and

employees liked about the college. Not only did he want

to hear the praises but also the complaints. I have much

respect for Dr. McCall because of the time taken from

his very busy schedule to listen and allow us to voice our

opinions.

I would strongly recommend this class to students who

have some free time on their hands. Not only will it

educate you on your campus and community, but teach

you how to manage your time.

,�KDYH�DOZD\V�EHHQ�VK\�DQG�TXLHW��DQG�LQ�RXU�ÀUVW�FODVV�when asked to introduce ourselves I was scared out of my

mind. I can honestly say that this Service Learning class

brought me out of my shell.

Volunteers share their time, talents, and hearts to provided support and bring hope to individuals, families, and organizations that experience diverse needs under unique and frequently adverse circumstances. Volunteers have worked in #ood and !re damaged neighborhoods, removing unsalvageable belongings, cleaning debris, stocking food pantries, fund-raising, collecting donated goods, restoring, repairing, rebuilding, and providing organizational and community support.

Individuals and families who experience great loss can be impacted by emotional devastation. %ey o"en become angry, confused, desperate, hopeless, and feel isolated in their grief. Volunteers reach out beyond the physical labor to provide relief and comfort by showing those in despair that they are not alone and others are willing to share in their burden and recovery process.

Everyone bene!ts from the advantages of volunteering:

People who volunteer for sel#ess reasons, such as helping others, live longer than those who don’t lend a helping hand, a new

Volunteering is at the heart of citizen action and central to their ability to serve their communities.

Service Learning Class Experiences (2012-2013) :KR�%HQHÀWV�IURP�9ROXQWHHUV"

*Journal Reference:Article: “Motives for Volunteering Are Associated With Mortality Risk in Older Adults,” Sara Konrath, PhD, University of


Tabitha Neal & Family Volunteer ExperienceBy Tabitha Neal

Our family participated in the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) walk to help raise money and awareness about the increasing need for knowledge about mental illness here in Paducah, Kentucky. Being able to experience community service as a family allows us, as parents, to mentor our children during humbling events. We are also able to show them how hardships can easily be brought upon us all and help them to understand that WE, as loving neighbors and citizens, need to support those who need our help. We are responsible for developing our children’s leadership traits as future stewards in our community and within their families.

%e NAMI walk was a great experience and it was wonderful to be able to do this as a family. It provided new learning experiences and skills, and an opportunity to bond together as a family.

Service Learning: A Life ChangeBy Jennifer Haines

As I was sitting at work one day, I received an automated phone call from West Kentucky Community and Technical College. I listened and learned about this great class that would allow me to meet four times, write one paper, do volunteer work, and earn three hours of college credit.

As a single mother with limited time and resources, who is already actively involved in my community, the Service Learning class was a “no brainer”.

When I came into the class, I planned to use my volunteer hours at my church. I didn’t take into account what I might actually get from the class in addition to volunteering.

I thought of it as just another class that would be easy and a way to earn three more hours towards my associate degree. Little did I know the profound e$ect it would have on me!

I found myself involved in diverse cultural events that I would have never been a part of I had not taken the Service Learning class. %e experience awoke my passion for cultural diversity and learning. It has given me a hunger for helping people and paying it forward.

%is has been more than just a class. It has been a memorable life experience. I can truly say the Service Learning class has been a blessing and life changing experience!

The Service Learning class “has been more than just a class. It has been a memorable life

experience.”

Service Learning Class Experiences (2012-2013)Families Who Volunteer


The United Way is truly about bringing together our entire

community and focusing our efforts and resources around

the issues that are facing our local community. We cannot

accomplish this without volunteers.

2XU�YROXQWHHUV�VHUYH�RQ�RXU�ERDUG��PHQWRU�FKLOGUHQ��VRUW�donations, help raise funds during our annual campaign

DQG�WKH�OLVW�JRHV�RQ��:H�DUH�D�VPDOO�RIÀFH�ZLWK�D�ELJ�responsibility in our community and we need thousands

of additional hands and feet to help meet the growing

needs, and that is why volunteers are the cornerstone in

absolutely every project or initiative that the United Way

undertakes.

2XU�SDUWQHUVKLS�ZLWK�:HVW�.HQWXFN\�&RPPXQLW\�DQG�Technical College (WKCTC) through their Service

Learning program has allowed us to work closely with

many of their students. WKCTC students have been

instrumental in not only many United Way projects, but

also with our Partner Agencies throughout the community.

The United Way has been honored to work with such

motivated WKCTC students with a passion to make a

positive impact on our community.

Volunteers Bring More Families and Community TogetherBy Ashley Wright, Executive Director

United Way of Paducah-McCracken County

Page 8

$IWHU�P\�ÀUVW�VL[�PRQWKV�RI�EHLQJ�HPSOR\HG�DW�:.&7&�as a student success coach in the area of Academic Affairs,

I enrolled in the GEN 120 Service Learning class, with a

FRXUVH�UHTXLUHPHQW�RI�FRPSOHWLQJ�IRUW\�ÀYH��YROXQWHHU�service learning hours. As a newcomer to Paducah,

Kentucky, the GEN 120 Service Learning class served

as a creative pathway for me to meet others throughout

the college campus as well as the community of Paducah,

while promoting my personal growth and building

professional relationships.

I would recommend the GEN 120 Service Learning Class

to newly hired WKCTC employees, especially newcomers

to Paducah. The class empowered me with numerous

opportunities to volunteer throughout the Paducah

community, and around the world, without expecting

anything in return. The most memorable volunteer

H[SHULHQFH�ZDV�EHLQJ�SDUW�RI�WKH�PHPEHUV�RI�=217$�International of Paducah assembling items for birthing kits

to be used throughout undeveloped countries in Africa.

My volunteering experiences enhanced the joy I have

for helping others while making a difference in the legal,

political, economic, educational, health and professional

status of others through serving without pay.

The GEN 120 Service Learning class gave me an

RSSRUWXQLW\�WR�UHÁHFW�RQ�WKH�PDQ\�QHHGV�RWKHUV�KDYH��DV�well as the countless volunteer hours needed for charitable

organizations around the world to function successfully.

Learning to LearnBy Angel Rhodes

$V�D�ÀQDQFLDO�DLG�coordinator who works

primarily with students

who are academically

at-risk, I have found

that many students

express concern about

conceptualizing the

material they are learning

in general education

courses.

Service learning provides students at West Kentucky

Community and Technical College (WKCTC) the

opportunity to connect concepts and theories learned in the

classroom with real-life application. It is not enough for a

student to absorb data; they must also learn how to apply

that information. Service learning helps students learn how

to learn!

I advise students, particularly those who are at-risk or may

become at-risk, to participate in service learning courses as a

ZD\�WR�KHOS�EXLOG�WKHLU�FRQÀGHQFH��LQFUHDVH�FLYLF�DZDUHQHVV��and engage in active learning.

As an extension of my graduate studies, my research on

the concepts of service learning has supported the positive

outcomes for students who engage in these experiences.

Students who participate in service learning are more likely

to persist, graduate, or transfer. Students, both traditional

and non-traditional, often express frustration with traditional

classroom delivery methods.

Working in the community not only allows students

an alternative setting, but also it provides them with

real-life experiences with which they may connect

academic concepts, such as public speaking, interpersonal

communication, deductive reasoning, and critical thinking.

Likewise, many students are unaware of community’s needs.

As a community college committed to academic excellence

and economic development, WKCTC has found yet another

way to meet the needs of students, communities, businesses

and industries as it shapes future leaders.

The Importance of Service Learning


Partnerships in Volunteering

A VOLUNTEER is a person who is a light to others, giving witness in a mixed-up age, doing well

and willingly the tasks at hand-namely, being aware of another’s needs and doing something about

it.

A VOLUNTEER is a person who remembers to do the thing to make other people happy,

who takes the loneliness out of the alone by talking to them, who is concerned when others are

unconcerned, who has the courage to be a prophet and to say the things that have to be said for

the good of all.

)�>74=6<--:�Q[�I�XMZ[WV�_PW[M�KPIZQ\a�Q[�ÅLMTQ\a��_PW�Q[�NIQ\PN]T�QV�IV�]VNIQ\PN]T�_WZTL��grateful in an ungrateful world, giving when all about are grasping, listening when others need to

tell about their fears and problems.

-- from “<PM�*MIKWV,” newsletter of Birthrite, South Africa


Reading Pals

Reading PALS (Partners and Literacy Support) serve as

mentors to local elementary school students. Beginning

in September, each PAL will be matched with an

individual student and will be expected to attend weekly

lunches and a reading session. By volunteering just one

hour a week, you can make a difference in a child’s life.

United Way Reading PALS can foster good academic

outcomes, positive behavior, increased literacy skills,

school completion, self-advocacy, and a life without

poverty.

Project United

United Way worldwide is a leadership and support organization for the network of nearly 1,800 community based United

Way’s in 45 countries and territories. United Way envisions a world where all individuals and families achieve their human

potential through education, income stability, and healthy lives! Last year, 275 volunteers completed 40 projects at 14 non-

SURÀW�DJHQFLHV�DFURVV�0F&UDFNHQ�&RXQW\�LQ�RQH�GD\�

Volunteer Paducah

Is an easy-to-use website that matches the right donors, advocates, and volunteers with the right opportunities in our

FRPPXQLW\��<RX�FDQ�ÀQG�ZD\V�WR�

� �� *LYH�\RXU�XQXVHG�PDWHULDOV�DQG�KRXVHKROG�LWHPV�WR�DJHQFLHV�LQ�QHHG�RI�GRQDWLRQV� �� $GYRFDWH�IRU�FDXVHV�WKDW�UHTXLUH�\RXU�SDVVLRQDWH�YRLFH� �� 9ROXQWHHU�\RXU�WLPH�LQ�ZD\V�WKDW�PDNH�D�UHDO�GLIIHUHQFH

Go to volunteerpaducah.org �WR�ÀQG�WKH�ULJKW�RSSRUWXQLW\�IRU�\RX�

8QLWHG�:D\�3DUWQHU�$JHQFLHV

Service Learning is a method of teaching that combines formal instruction with a related service in the community.

According to research, learning is greatly enhanced through direct application in appropriate social contexts of principles and practices taught through formal instruction concurrent with guided re#ections of the student’s experiences. As a teaching method Service Learning is a form of experimental education.

Service Learning o$ers students immediate opportunities to apply classroom learning to support or enhance the work of the campus and local agencies that exist to e$ect positive change in the community.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College has made an intentional e$ort to create a culture that values mentoring and service learning. %is is evident through the GEN 120 Service Learning course, Student Ambassador and Mentoring Programs, student organizations, and course Service Learning projects o$ered at WKCTC.

Time is priceless. To volunteer one’s time is not an easy matter. It can also be di&cult to decide whom to give one’s time, how much time to give, and for what purpose. When time is given sel#essly in abundance, it is considered a sacri!ce from the heart.

Why are people committed to giving? To make a di$erence. Giving is a social exchange process. %e right person, asking for the right cause, at the right time.

We hope that Service Learning at West Kentucky Community and Technical college will help strengthen a culture of giving.

Building a Culture of GivingBy Dr. Belinda A. Dalton-Russell, GEN 120 Instructor

>WT]V\MMZ[�IZM�\PM�WVTa�P]UIV�JMQVO[�WV�\PM�NIKM�WN�\PM�MIZ\P�_PW�ZMÆMK\�\PQ[�VI\QWV¼[�KWUXI[[QWV��]V[MTÅ[P�KIZQVO��XI\QMVKM��IVL�R][\�XTIQV�TW^M�NWZ�WVM�IVW\PMZ�

��-ZUI�*ZWUJMKS)V�)UMZQKIV�0]UWZQ[\

United Way Partners What is Service Learning?

� �� 3DGXFDK�&RRSHUDWLYH�0LQLVWU\� �� 3DGXFDK�'D\�1XUVHU\� �� 3DGXFDK�0F&UDFNHQ�&R��6HQLRU�&LWL]HQV�&HQWHU� �� 3XUFKDVHV�$UHD�6H[XDO�$VVDXOW�� Child Advocacy Center

� �� 6DOYDWLRQ�$UP\� �� 6W��1LFKRODV�)DPLO\�)UHH�&OLQLF

�� $PHULFDQ�5HG�&URVV�� )DPLO\�6HUYLFH�6RFLHW\�� )RXU�5LYHUV�%HKDYLRUDO�+HDOWK�� *LUO�6FRXWV�� +HDUWODQG�&$5(6��,QF�� /DGLHV�/LYLQJ�)UHH�� 0HUU\PDQ�+RXVH�'RPHVWLF�&ULVLV�&HQWHU�� 2VFDU�&URVV�%R\V��*LUOV�&OXE


?PI\�,W�;\]LMV\[�:MKMQ^M�NZWU�;MZ^QKM�4MIZVQVO'

��(DUQ�WKUHH��DFDGHPLF�FROOHJH�OHYHO�FUHGLWV��'HYHORS�WLPH�PDQDJHPHQW�DQG�FRPPXQLFDWLRQ�VNLOOV��'HYHORS�DQG�EXLOG�WKH�IRXQGDWLRQ�IRU�SHUVRQDO�VXFFHVV��([SHULHQFH�QHZ�FXOWXUHV�DQG�EXLOG�OLIHORQJ�IULHQGVKLSV��*HW�D�EDFNVWDJH�SDVV�WR�FRPPXQLW\�DQG�FDPSXV�OHDGHUV��&KDQJH�\RXU�FRPPXQLW\�DQG�\RXU�ZRUOG�IRUHYHU��%XLOG�OHDGHUVKLS��FXOWXUDO��DQG�VRFLDO�GHYHORSPHQW�VNLOOV��%XLOG�VHOI�FRQÀGHQFH�DQG�VHOI�ZRUWK��/HDUQ�DERXW�WKH�QHHGV�RI�WKH�FRPPXQLW\�DQG�ZD\V�WR�PDNH�D�GLIIHUHQFH�

Mentoring is the act of supporting and encouraging individuals to manage their learning to maximize their potential, develop skills, boost con!dence, gain self-awareness, and take responsibility for directing their own lives. Mentors o"en rely on having had similar experiences as the mentee to gain empathy and understanding of the mentees circumstances. WKCTC recently em-barked on the creation of a campus wide mentoring program, Success Connection . If you would like to become a mentor or mentee access the WKCTC web-site, click on Student Life and the Mentoring Program link to complete an application and interest form.

By Jipaum Askew-Robertson and Gail Bachuss

Coordinators of WKCTC’s Mentoring Program

What is Mentoring?

$ERYH��SLFWXUHG�DW�ULJKW��*DLO�%DFKXVV��75L2�6WXGHQW�6XSSRUW�6HUYLFHV�&RXQVHORU�WDONV�ZLWK�D�VWXGHQW�

3LFWXUHG�OHIW�WR�ULJKW��-LSDXP�$VNHZ�5RELQVRQ��'LUHFWRU�RI��&XOWXUDO�'LYHUVLW\�ZRUNV�ZLWK�VWXGHQW�0DULEHO�3KHOSV


From an early age I was taught to put the principles of giving into practice by accepting opportunities to volunteer.

I learned the importance of advocating and supporting programs, organizations, and people who strengthen our

community. Volunteering has enabled me to build a healthy spirit, conscious mind, and a compassionate heart. It has

taught me the importance of understanding and educating myself about the challenges of the community and how we

can learn, grow, and thrive by working together.

I teach the Service Learning (GEN 120) course on the WKCTC campus, and also developed and coordinate the

college’s Student Ambassador Program. The focus of the GEN 120 course and Student Ambassador Program is

to educate students of the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community through structured and

community-based volunteer work. Students selected as ambassadors are required to enroll and successfully complete

GEN 120. The course is open to all students who desire to experience the power of giving and to make sense of the

world around us by taking in new information and negotiating meaning out of those interactions.

Volunteerism, through this course, offers a true understanding of the campus and community culture. The course

assists in preparing students for their journey in life and fostering strong leadership skills. Volunteering builds a sense

of purpose and a chance to help the community and individuals through the development of compassion, increased

VHOI�FRQÀGHQFH�DQG�VHOI�ZRUWK��DOVR�LPSURYLQJ�FRPPXQLFDWLRQ�VNLOOV��:KHWKHU�\RX�FXUUHQWO\�YROXQWHHU�RU�ZRXOG�OLNH�WR�begin volunteering, you can earn three hours of college level credits, which can be used toward free electives.

For more information contact Dr. Belinda A. Dalton-Russell, vice president of student affairs, at (270) 534-3081 or

Tamara K. Hodges, administrative assistant to the vice president of student affairs, at (270) 534-3069. To register for

WKH�6HUYLFH�/HDUQLQJ��*(1��FRXUVH��FRQWDFW�WKH�0DVWHU�$GYLVLQJ�&HQWHU��ÀUVW�ÁRRG��URRP��LQ�WKH�$QGHUVRQ�Technical Building at WKCTC at (270) 534-3408. What are you waiting for?

Respectfully,

Dr. Belinda A. Dalton-Russell

Vice President Student Affairs/Service Learning Instructor

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Page 5

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Greetings

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Table of Contents*UHHWLQJVOperating Within the World 3DJH�� Instead of Reading about It Dr. Belinda Dalton-Russell, Vice President of Student Affairs

West Kentucky Community & Technical College

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:KDW�LV�6HUYLFH�/HDUQLQJ"� 3DJH��Building a Culture of GivingBy Dr. Belinda Dalton-Russell

7KH�,PSRUWDQFH�RI�6HUYLFH�/HDUQLQJ Learning to Learn Page 8By Angel Rhodes


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Service Learning: A Life Change� 3DJH��By Jennifer Haines

It’s About Giving Back: Helping Those in Need� 3DJH��By Kardata Lott

A Lesson in Campus and Culture� 3DJH��By Catosha M. Brown

Most Lessons Learned Are Outside Class� 3DJH��By Tracey Shackelford

Generosity is Giving of Whom You Are: � 3DJH��$�)XOÀOOLQJ�'HFLVLRQBy Amanda Boyd

Opportunity to Be Involved� 3DJH��By Tabitha Neal

6LVWHU�$FW��7KH�%RQG�RI�*LYLQJ� 3DJH��Relationship Building is a Crucial Piece of Service LearningBy Barbara Adam

Bring A Smile and Personality to Others 3DJH��in a Positive Way By Jestean Howard

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)DPLOLHV�:KR�9ROXQWHHUTabitha Neal & Family Volunteer Experience� 3DJH��By Tabitha Neal

3DUWQHUVKLSV�LQ�9ROXQWHHULQJ� 3DJH��Volunteers Bring More Families and Community Together By Ashley Wright, Executive DirectorUnited Way of Paducah-McCracken County

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:KDW�LV�0HQWRULQJ� 3DJH�� By Jipaum Askew-Robertsonand Gail BachussCoordinators of WKCTC’s Mentoring Program

“You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with I�ÅVMZ�[XQZQ\�WN�PWXM�IVL�IKPQM^MUMV\��AW]�IZM�PMZM�\W�MVZQKP�\PM�_WZTL��IVL�\W�QUXW^MZQ[P�aW]Z[MTN�QN�aW]�NWZOM\�\PM�MZZIVL�º

- Woodrow Wilson 28th U.S. President

Service Learning: Nurturing A Culture of Sel!essness Through Giving Service Learning: Nurturing A Culture of Sel!essness Through Giving

westkentucky.kctcs.edu��(270) 534-3069 ��westkentucky.kctcs.edu Kentucky Community & Technical College System

Nurturing A Culture of Sel!essness Through GivingService Learning:

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2012-2013Higher Education Begins Here

WEST KENTUCKY COMMUNITY & TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Service Learning 2012-2013

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Transcript of Service Learning 2012-2013