1. You'll go faaaaaar...
Okay, maybe not Jake-Sully-goes-to-Pandora far, but you may find yourself in Tanzania for an African Politics class, then using what you learned to help domestic organizations that help refugees of war and violence settle in the states. Or, you could do health communications fieldwork in Spanish-speaking communities for a foreign language class for nurses, and see the human side of health sciences. When you step outside the classroom to do fieldwork in a service learning course, you'll imagine new ways to use your degree, and new ways to live according to your values.
2. ...Maybe discover your purpose in the process...
It's a classic story: One experience, One class, One chance meeting changes your life forever. Sure, Tony Stark kinda had to get trapped in a cave to realize he wanted to save people, but your moment can be a lot less risky. For example, you could work with a literacy program for those course credits, step into a local elementary school classroom, and discover how much you love teaching kids. And who knows? You might even discover a passion for research, or be inspired to found your own non-profit someday. The point is, sometimes you've got to live something to understand how much you love it.
3. ...And develop that instinct for social responsibility along the way.
What's my responsibility to the world? My role in it? You may have the answers hidden inside you, and not know it, or, like Wonder Woman, have had an innate need to serve others from day one. Either way, service learning strengthens that connection between heart and head, and helps you figure out how and why you should be good to the world around you. After all, "when the heart is touched by direct experience, the mind may be challenged to change.” (Gotta love that Jesuit wisdom ).
Want to have a college adventure that makes you a force for good in the world, all while you get that college credit? Consider the service learning opportunities at Fairfield University. The nationally-ranked programs from our Office of Service Learning will send you abroad, make you a hero here at home, and prepare you for an amazing life lived in service to others.
Last Modified: 05-05-2021 02:06 PM
