"The mind has exactly the same power as the hands; not merely to grasp the world, but to change it." Colin Wilson
From girl scout to college student, I have had a strong yearning to help people. However, it was not until recent that I was able to reflect on the work I have been doing in order to understand why this feeling persisted in my mind: I'm human. Sounds kind of ridiculous, right? But it's true. I feel that often we forget that we are human, each and everyone of us. Despite race, hair color, religion, education, you name it! We are all equal. We all deserve the right to basic necessities such as food, clean water, a safe home, etc. But this is not the case in a majority of the world. I am a firm believer in the phrase: "If you have the ability, you have the responsibility." It's my responsibility to be human. Below are a few images and blurbs about the work I have done thus far in relation to service learning/community service!
Alternative Spring Break
"Alternative Spring Break is part of the Collegiate Challenge aspect of Habitat for Humanity. Groups spend one week working with a local affiliate, community, and partner families to help eliminate poverty housing in the area." In March of 2010, myself and a group of students from Philadelphia University went to Franklin, WV to spend a week with Almost Heaven Habitat for Humanity. In March 2011, I participated for a second time and worked in accordance with the university's campus chapter to work with its affiliate, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County. http://www.almostheavenhabitat.org/ http://www.habitatmontco.org/
Pegasus Riding Academy
"Pegasus Riding Academy provides disabled individuals with therapeutic activity and exercise in various forms, while concentrating on ability rather than disability." I volunteered at the center to help riders during their lesson. I have also worked with a barn in North Jersey teaching children ages 4-16 basic riding and grooming techniques through a week long camp program. http://www.pegasusridingacademy.com/
Relay for Life
"The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against the disease. At Relay, teams of people camp out at a local high school, park, or fairground and take turns walking or running around a track or path. Each team is asked to have a representative on the track at all times during the event. Because cancer never sleeps, Relays are overnight events up to 24 hours in length." I have participated in various Relay for Life events in high school and during college. This past year I donated 10 inches of my hair! http://www.relayforlife.org/relay/whatisrelay
Day of Service at Philadelphia University
"Day of Service is a great way to have fun with students, faculty, staff and fellow alumni, and give back to the community. Projects range from city clean up and beautification, to reading to elementary school children, to knitting scarves and sewing pillowcases, among many others." I have participated in our campus-wide DOS for the past 3 years and served as a team leader last year. I have also organized multiple opportunities for students and faculty to participate in through Habitat for Humanity! http://www.philau.edu/dayofservice/index.htm
Plunge
"Every summer before classes begin, incoming students get to experience Philadelphia by helping it through the Community Service PLUNGE! The PLUNGE! is a highlight of the New Student Orientation (NSO) program every August. START Leaders and other student leaders travel with students to sites across the city to take part in various half-day service activities, helping to better their city and making new friends in the process." As a Resident Assistant to first year students I have participated in the PLUNGE as a team leader for the past two years. The first year I worked with a small war museum in Germantown to perform basic janitorial services. Last year I helped at a city bike initiative taking apart old bikes for parts.
Other
Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County - Norristown, PA Habitat for Humanity of Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA City Beautification at East Falls Train Station - Philadelphia, PA Friends of the Wissahickon - Philadelphia, PA Pegasus Riding Academy - Philadelphia, PA City Beautification at Francisville - Philadelphia, PA Bike Works - Philadelphia, PA DASI (Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault Intervention) - Newton, NJ Project Self-Sufficency - Newton, NJ American Heart Association Juvenile Diabetes Foundation American Cancer Society