Is Service Learning a Worthwhile Activity for College Students
Is service learning a worthwhile activity for college students? Service learning has changed my life---very cliché I know, but true. To elaborate on the cliché, service learning has expanded my world, put my life into perspective, made me more thankful and appreciative of what I have, and given me new opportunities in life. The service learning project I participated in was the October 3rd trip to Grier Heights After School Program. ... To me, service is a moral obligation we all have to each other. ... A large part of service requires us to put ourselves on the same level as others, but how can we do this when we all come from diverse backgrounds with different experiences? Service learning requires us to overcome personal challenges that may stand in our way. In the article “Service: Learning by Helping” Weston points out that helping others is not always easy; in fact, it can be an upsetting and uneasy experience. ... Facing these doubts and questions proves to be the biggest challenge for me when it comes to service. ... People are not required to make sacrifices of enormous portions of their time, money, and effort, but rather strive to reach a balance in life between service to others and themselves and loved ones. ... But it isn’t easy to overcome this fear, find a balance in life in regards to service to others, or to become vulnerable and put aside doubts and questions.