NVCC - Service Learning


"I feel I have made an impact on my peers by showing them that service learning is more then just getting credit for class. It's self-rewarding. In my community placement at a women's abuse shelter, I learned why so many women go back to their abusers and how laws can be used to help victims protect themselves and their children. I will no longer shut my eyes to the problem of abuse in my own area, and I am now helping my peers find the courage and resources to escape the cycle of abuse."
After working in a day care center: "[Service Learning] showed me how to be responsible and careful. It helped me see what I'm good at and what I'm not...I thought it was great. If I had never completed this project, I would never have experienced the feelings of being around children...I actually learned how to communicate with them. Now I know; I would not mind doing this experience over again."
"In the end I learned that this job has more to offer than just money. It can improve your skills in many ways such as negotiation, team building, and competing, which are essentials in the business world" (from a student whose service led to a job).
"I really appreciate the parents who came by because the parents are really instilling good morals into their kids. It's important to teach kids how to read at a young age because, otherwise, they won't read as adults" (from a service learner who staffed a "Rock'n Reader Program in Manassas Mall).
"Last year I volunteer (sic) to work as teacher's assistant at Annandale High School. I was assigned to work with Mrs. Mary Campbell every Wednesday from 7 pm to 9 pm. It was very interesting and I like it very much. The students were of all nationalities, South East Asians such as Vietnamese, Combodians, Thai's, Loa'sian and also from European country such as Bosnia, Middle East such as Iranian and Afghanistan some are Spanish, etc. I have to help them to understand basic English and explain to them by showing them pictures on what we are teaching and speaking to them in English in very simple manner for them to understand. I was particularly ask by Mrs. Mary Campbell to help one retarded student in reading and writing. He did try very hard to learn English and try to speak English. I had to be patient with him because he take his own sweet time to do things. I was very proud of myself for be able to do something for disable. I had a very good experience and learn how the teacher's had to go through teaching this international community students to learn English for them to get on in life." Written for NOVA's ENG 991: Speaking and Listening
"In conclusion to my Service Learning Project, I have learned a lot. I have realized that I have more things than most people do. I have insurance; I have a home, and I have a job. I have seen things at this clinic that I have never seen before. Usually I hear how the homeless people have no medical assistance, but I have never experienced seeing it. I have also learned a lot about the laws of Health Departments; I now know the types of regulations that people must abide by in order to be eligible for public medical assistance. Before this project, I thought that all of the money used to pay for these doctors and their supplies came directly from the government and taxes. To my surprise, it mostly came from donations and fundraising. When I first walked into this project, I had the outlook that I would do my twenty hours and leave. But I have decided to continue volunteering at the Health Department because I really enjoy it. Unusual, isn't it? I have really had a fun time doing my learn and serve project, and I hope a representative will be able to attend our reflection showcase." Journal entry for NOVA's PLS 211
"Triangle Elementary School was a good choice for my Service Learning project, for I learned much more than the students I was sent to help. I would recommend a public school project to Service Learning students next semester, for in their service, they will be the ones who learn the most." Part of an essay from a Political Science student at NOVA.
I really enjoyed volunteering for serve. It was interesting to see someone trying to learn my language. I know how hard it must be for them because I am trying to learn their language. By teaching them it also helped to reinforce some of the basics that I was learning....I think it is a great program for students trying to learn Spanish to volunteer for because the same time that you are helping them, they are helping you."
"...plan on doing more volunteer work with elementary students. Having those hopeful little eyes looking up to you, and so eager and willing to learn will melt anyone'sheart."
"Tutoring is fun as well as rewarding...I am encouraged because I see each student with a unique ability to learn and grow with the lesson; I saw the excitement and joy in their eyes." (from a service-learner working at Benedictine Educational Assistance Community Outreach [B.E.A.C.O.N.] for NOVA's Spanish 101)
"This experience not only helped me with points in my Spanish class (which I needed desperately) but it gave me more of a understanding how hard it is to live in a country where you don't speak the language...There was one lady in my class that said that she wanted to learn English because she wanted to be able to read a storybook to her child. I was very touched by this and impressed with how hard she tried." (from a student in Spanish 101)