by
Pamela Sroka
Co-Editor-in-Chief
Hurricane
Floyd destroyed much of New Jersey recently, leaving many people
homeless, scared, and desperate for items like telephones, blankets,
appliances, and drinking water.
Some
of the victims are so much in need that they just want somebody
to talk to or to help them in their fight to repair some of the
damages that the flood caused.
Luckily,
Raritan Valley has a program that helps anyone who is unfortunate
or in need of assistance. This program is called Service Learning,
and it is one of the greatest services that the College has to offer.
It is also one of the programs at the College that has won the most
awards.
This
program is designed to meet the needs of others, while students
have the opportunity to learn something new and receive credit toward
a particular course. At the same time, students feel like they are
giving something back to their community and gain a sense of responsibility
and commitment.
They
also have the opportunity to reflect on their experiences through
journals, essays, and group discussions. It is a requirement in
many courses as well as an optional component in others.
In
the past, students have done things like teach basic English to
foreign immigrants, organize food at regional food banks and soup
kitchens, lead exercise sessions at the YMCA, and assist the mentally
disabled in nursing homes. Students have also done simple activities
like reading to toddlers or helping out at a children's hospital.
Whatever
a student's preference, Service Learning has a project for anyone.
This semester, 200 different placements are being offered near home
or work.
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Many
professors even offer Service Learning in place of a research paper
or test. It is something unique that students can write under "experience"
on their resumes and at the same time feel satisfied because they
are helping out in their community. "The individuals I worked
with had never touched my life before in any way," wrote
one student in a Service Learning journal. "Now they are part
of it."
"Service
Learning allows students the opportunity to enhance their classroom
skills while gaining valuable work experience at the same time,"
wrote another. "Through Service Learning, I realized that
I could make a difference in my community," wrote another
student.
Most
students even work longer than the Service Learning contract time
stipulates because they become so attached to every thing Service
Learning has to offer. Some even discover the careers that are right
for them and even find job placements through their organization.
Not
only does Service Learning apply classroom knowledge to the real
world, but students are able to meet people from different ethnic
backgrounds and get a feel for what it's like to help those who
are in need.
Gov.
Christine Whitman said it best at the 29th Commencement at RVCC
in 1998: "Working with 200 community organizations,
students have volunteered more than 17,000 hours, giving back to
their communities and making a real difference. The exciting part
is that two out of three continue to volunteer after they complete
their coursework at RVCC. Seeing the spirit of Service Learning,
I have great hope for the future of New Jersey."
For
more information on the program or for placement opportunities,
call Coordinator of Academic Outreach Programs Lori Moog at 908-526-1200
ext. 8284.
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