As high school begins, people are aware that they need to finish up their service learning in prioritized time. Otherwise, students could be giving up extracurricular activities, dances, and parking privileges. Instead of worrying about these consequences, students can take this realization as an opportunity to find out what they like to do and change their life in a positive way.
Annie Warner, a senior at Pleasant Valley High School finished her service learning over the summer at a church organized girls camp. She was a youth camp leader and in charge of 26 girls. Warner was there to make sure that all the girls were in the right place at the right time. She emphasized, “[They] tried to make the girls’ experience the best that it could be!”
During Warner’s camp experience she learned leadership skills, how to prepare and teach a good lesson, and how to keep the group together. Warner described the reason she chose to do this for her service learning, “I was a camper there myself and I always looked up to my counselor, so when I became old enough I wanted to be one.”
Through her experience, Warner’s advice to anyone still working on service learning was, “Try to get service learning done over the summer and before senior year because those are the least busy times of high school.” She also highlighted, students have to do an oral review or a powerpoint for their junior/senior service learning. If a student chooses to do the powerpoint they should make sure they take many pictures because they are required.
After Warner was finished with her service learning, she said, “Although, service learning can seem annoying or time consuming to some, it is a wonderful way to get out of our own busy lives and connect to the community in a great way.”
Clare Bechen, a current sophomore at PV finished her service learning for freshman and sophomore year. She did her hours at a companion animal shelter called Down by the Creek, in Long Grove, IA. At Down by the Creek, the proprietor, Debby Wallace rescues animals that were abused, unwanted, or mistreated.
After Bechen help throughout the school year, she exclaimed, “ It’s an awesome experience. You get to meet people of all ages and from any school there. — Clare Bechen
Not only was it a fun experience for her, but Bechen also realized how it has impacted her life. She explained that providing for the animals eventually led up to creating bonds. She explained, “I’ve become used to taking care of the animals for so long that the fears I had in the beginning are gone. I used to be afraid of taking care of Cheerio the African Ball Python’s cage, but now I am showing new helpers how to properly clean the cage.”
Bechen advised, “If you’re interested in biology or becoming a vet, then getting hands on experience with the animals there and connecting with them can help. I’ve considered becoming a vet just by going there for service learning.” She also mentions that, “If you have a fear of dogs, you can help to take care of the other different animals that Debbie takes care of in her own home!”
