Reflection on Service Learning

Quote shared related to service learning in course syllabus was, "Students, in the course of their formation, must let the gritty reality of this world into their lives, so they can learn to feel it, think about it critically, respond to its suffering and engage it constructively.  They should learn to perceive, think, judge, choose, and act for the rights of others, especially the disadvantaged and oppressed".

I see the doctoral level service learning experience supports the above quote.  It could be very easy for me to become consumed in my daily nursing career within looking beyond the walls of the organization or state or nation.  Service learning allows me see beyond myself and my surroundings to areas that one my own would possibly never experience.

I have always been drawn to missions which to me is very much a service learning commitment.  I love to share, grow, learn, and live with a different personal culture for a time and see how God has placed each one of us in a different place for a purpose.  Reading or viewing a culture other than my own in a book or movie is not the same as experiencing a culture different than my own.  It allows me to walk in their shoes for awhile and experience the culture physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.  It can be risky to let yourself go into this space but the rewards are huge upon your return to own culture.  I know from personal experience in the past and with the planned journey to Zambia that I am not the same person coming back home as I was when I left.  What a blessing it is to see and experience another culture.  I find it amazing how a population of disadvantage and oppressed people can be some joyful and thankful.  It puts me to shame at times and makes me realize the waste in my life that I could be sharing with others.

I believe that all people should experience the opportunity of service learning which could be done in your own community or a far away land.  It involves stepping outside your own comfort zone and get in with the world of a different way of living.  I feel that I am a better person for being given the opportunities of service learning and my life and family life has received the rewards from such experiences.