Service Learning Project Reflection

For my service-learning project, I worked in a third grade classroom in Braden River Elementary located in Sarasota County. I preformed various activities as an assistant to my instructor, and had to remain adaptable in an ever-changing environment. Such tasks include; tutoring, grading, crafting, teaching, reading to students, teaching lessons, accompanying students when traveling around campus creating lesson plans and acting as a friend/role model to the students. My project has extended vastly beyond the five hours required. I have remained in contact with a few students via email whom I truly bonded with. Many of the students come from low-income families, and some are currently in the foster care system. Due to personal experience with my adopted brother, I know that sometimes, all a child needs is consistency – something or someone to hold onto when their life is constantly subject to change. I was proud to act as that consistent person in their life, and will continue to do so.
However, due to many personal reasons, I have decided to change majors. I entered college with the mindset that I was made to change the world and I thought I knew that I wanted to help children specifically. Although my future career will no longer fill that mindset, through this service-learning project, I have come to the realization that I can help children in a major way – even if it is not through the avenue of a career. I have been taught through Jewish heritage that it is everyone’s responsibility to leave the world better than when you entered it. A core belief of mine is that everyone has the civic (and human) duty to help others. This may be through a political path, personal or career wise. Thus, this particular service opportunity hasn’t particularly changed my spiritual, civic or political values – but rather, simply strengthened my