By: Sara Igglehart

SERVICE LEARNING

(sur-vis lur-ning) noun ;

“A teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful community

service with instruction and reflection to enrich the

learning experience, teach civic responsibility, and

strengthen communities”

http://www.servicelearning.org/what-service-learning

• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills

• Develop or enhance your skills, especially in the areas of communication, collaboration, and leadership

• 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

 http://www.servicelearning.umn.edu/info/

benefits.html

What is Service-Learning?

Benefi ts of Service Learning:

SERVICE LEARNING

Giving back to so many organizations was such a great feeling. Ignoring that I had this sense of accomplishment, it felt amazing to know that people were directly benefitting

from my small volunteering. Because not only was I helping others, but I was helping myself as well. I learned that even

small gestures can make big impacts.

After all we all win when we volunteer.

WHAT I GOT FROM MY SERVICE LEARNING:

On February 28th, IHOPs everywhere celebrated

International Pancake Day. Anyone who came in was given a

free order of pancakes. A Children’s Miracle Network collection jar was placed for

donations.

I mean, they were giving away plates of free food. As a broke

college kid who loves food, how could I not go to this?

I was poss ib l y a l i t t l e too exc i ted about ge t t ing f r ee food . What is was:

INTERNATIONAL PANCAKE DAY

Each year, Relay for Life is held to raise money for research and awareness of life threatening diseases. Interest meetings are held so groups can decide on

themes, activities, and fundraising ideas.

RELAY FOR LIFE

Relay has always been a huge part of my life. I had a best friend pass away from leukemia, so raising money and coming together with others who are like myself

really means a lot. I’m always amazed by just how any lives have been affected

by cancer. My f r i ends Jo rdan and Br i t t any

and I in f ront o f the FYE Tent a t Re lay.

Why I Relay:

RELAY FOR LIFE

Millions of animals are living in shelters. At the Lowndes County Animal Shelter, volunteers can help in the socialization of animals, clean up the cages, clean the

dogs, and help promote programs. All of this helps the cause to have more animals adopted and taken to loving homes.

ANIMAL SHELTER

I love animals, I always have. Spending even a few minutes with the ones at the animal

shelter was so much fun. It’s upsetting at the number of

animals that are there though. Seeing as most shelters are

under-staffed, not every animal gets love and affection.

Hopefully myself and the other volunteers showed them the love

they deserve.

What Volunteering Meant:

I a d o r e d t h i s c a t n a m e d R o b i n . S h e w o u l d j u s t l i e t h e r e a n d l e t m e r u b h e r f o r

h o u r s . I w a n t e d t o a d o p t h e r a n d t a k e h e r h o m e s o b a d l y.

ANIMAL SHELTER

To help raise awareness in the dorms, my friends and I designed and decorated a bulletin board. On it, the basic information was displayed. We

also hung up flyers on our doors, adverting we were taking donations.

DECORATIONS

Our tennis team held a fundraiser by selling “Blazer Life” tee shirts. Shirts were $12 and all the money when

to the tennis team.

After pract ice , Sebast ian was sweet enough to pose in a few

pictures with me.

What is was:

TENNIS FUNDRAISER

On March 24th, The American Red Cross hosted Superstar Valdosta was held at Mathis Auditorium. We helped serve guests while they waited for the show to

start.

SUPERSTAR VALDOSTA

HAVEN SHELTER

My friend, Brooke, and I at the football game.

In order to raise money for the Haven here in Valdosta, our FYE

class sold tennis balls. Buyers would try to shoot their ball into

a target and win prizes.

I was unaware that Valdosta had a program like Haven, so learning that was enough for

me. I was happy to be apart of this to help raise money to keep

this great program going.

T E N N I S B A L L T O S S

THE END