1. Service Learning By: Emily Dempsey

2. Definition: • Service-learning is a credit-bearing, educational experience in which students: 1) participate in an organized service activity that meets identified on- and off-campus community needs and 2) reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility . http://www.byui.edu/ServiceLearning/subpages/fgdefinition.htm

3. Benefits for Students: • Increase your understanding of the class topic • Gain hands-on experience (possibly leading to an internship or job later) • Explore or cement your values and beliefs • Have opportunities to act on your values and beliefs • Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills • Grow your understanding of diverse cultures and communities • Learn more about social issues and their root causes • Improve your ability to handle ambiguity and be open to change; become more flexible • Develop or enhance your skills, especially in the areas of communication, collaboration, and leadership • Test out your skills, interests, and values in a potential career path, or learn more about a field that interests you http://www.servicelearning.umn.edu/info/benefits.html

4. Benefits for Teachers: • Encourage interactive teaching methods and reciprocal learning between students and faculty • Add new insights and dimensions to class discussions • Lead to new avenues for research and publication • Promote students' active learning; engage students with different learning styles • Help students achieve the U of M's undergraduate learning and development outcomes • Develop students' civic and leadership skills • Boost course enrollment by attracting highly motivated and engaged students • Provide networking opportunities with engaged faculty in other disciplines • Foster relationships between faculty and Twin Cities community organizations, which can open other opportunities for collaborative work • Provide firsthand knowledge of community issues; provide opportunities to be more involved in community issues http://www.servicelearning.umn.edu/info/benefits.html

5. What Service Learning means to me: • Service Learning is a great way to reach the community while benefiting me in the class room. • It gives me opportunity to learn about new things. • It allows me to participate in events that I might not have gotten to participate in otherwise. • Service Learning allowed me to meet other students my age. • It is a great opportunity to work with other student athletes, while helping someone out at the same time. • I feel that Service Learning builds character.

6. My Experience: • VSU Blazer Build- Habitat for Humanity. • Cheersport • Pep- Rally for VSU Greek Life • Cheer and Dance Exposition for High School cheerleading competition. • Drexel Park game day fun.

7. VSU Blazer build Some of my Red Hots posing for the camera while I take pictures.

8. cheersport Some of the Red Hots and Cheerleaders on break at Cheersport.

9. VSU Greek life pep-rally Red Hots and cheerleaders dancing and cheering for Greek Life event.

10. Cheer and dance Exposition Me with some of my team mates waiting to perform for the high school.

11. What I got out of the experience: • I made new friends. • Sometimes it reminded me of how lucky I am. • I learned awareness about different things such as how much blood the American Red Cross needs each year. • I was able to work with younger children, which is something that I enjoy doing. • I was able to help out while doing something I loved. • It allowed me opportunities to help my community even though I do not have much free time because of practice and school. • It taught me better team skills and that working together is beneficial. • It took me out of my element and I learned life lessons.

12. The End