This course is part of our Spanish language learning experience, and offers us the opportunity to interact in a personal way with members of the local Latino community, thereby enriching our understanding of Hispanic cultures and the Spanish language. As a community-based learning experience, the course provides students with career-related experience working collaboratively with community agencies to address community concerns / issues.
In the service learning course we learned how to use what we learned in class and applied it in the real world. We learned the value of community service by participating within our own community putting in time and effort working and collaborating with a diverse population (MLO 5). We learned about working as a team, the importance of communication, and cultural awareness. We used our Spanish speaking, reading and writing skills, along with our listening while engaging in activities that usually provided a service to families and their communities. What I loved best about this entire experience was that I also learned from those who I was helping. The people of the community taught me how to be more humble , tolerant, and grateful for all my blessings in life. Another valuable lesson I gained was familiarizing more in depth with the culture in which I dedicated my time. I learned that there are significant differences and similarities in many cultures. Not all culture are the same but we share the same desires. I have developed an appreciation for community members who come together to help people in need. An example of this is illustrated in my community scanner assignment. This assignment taught me the significance of creating available resources for agricultural workers of our country. The benefits resulting from programs such as the sample I provided, has also helped me to become more socially aware and proactive within my community. For my second piece of evidence that I have provided, I was able to reflect upon my own experiences within the community and express my personal opinion and give my perspective on why I value service learning requirements within educational institutions. The only way to make the world better is to get involved and connect with others in a social and emotional level.