On Oct. 19, Michele Gatts and I drove to Kent State University for the Community Partner Brunch and Volunteer Fair. The brunch had lots of tasty food! We listened to a short lecture about students participating in service, and what a service-learning experience should look like.
According to KSU’s Amanda Paulus, director of the Office of Experiential Education and Civic Engagement, service learning is a “form of experiential education that integrates service to local communities into the academic goals of a course.”
Service-learning includes reflection as a form of learning, and this is often difficult and requires deeper student thinking.
After the lecture, we set up a table in the Student Center to recruit new volunteers who are just as excited as we are about the mission and vision of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown.The volunteer fair was a great opportunity for students to find a place that fits their interest in northeast Ohio.
Michele and I met a lot of students from Kent and surrounding areas who seemed interested in our Alternative Spring Break and coming to Angela’s Villa for brunch. And we met with Jordan Cinderich, associate director of Campus Ministry with KSU's Newman Center. We look forward to collaborating with him and students at the Newman Center.
Many individuals were interested in finding a deeper meaning in their lives, and they thought volunteering with us would help!