Reflections: A Publication from the Davidson College Center for Civic Engagement by Davidson Serves

[ REFLECTIONS ] Davidson College Center for Civic Engagement 2013~2014

Photo: V.H. Hammer

Service and Civic Engagement has the unique ability to connect us to a sense of place, belonging, and shared identity. Furthermore, as we interact with complex social needs and structures through service, the opportunity for deep, engaged learning presents itself. Reflections is an annual publication from the Center for Civic Engagement to showcase this learning; it is a publication which comprises a collection of essays from many Davidson students involved in a wide range of civic engagement activities. These works have been edited for space, but the original structure and meaning has been maintained.

Photo: John Fowler

[ REFLECTIONS ] Table of Contents:

Service and Connection ……………...pg. 5 Service and Growth ………………….pg. 23 Service and Society …………………..pg. 43

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring. All of which have the potential to turn a life around.â&#x20AC;? - Leo Buscaglia photo: Bill Giduz

Service And

CONNECTION

Jessica Ewing ’14—

skewed and missing a major

community needs actually

aspect. In matters of service and

showed me what I need in my

community involvement,

life. As much as I thought I

Uganda, I was interviewing

everything is reciprocal. I came

would affect the people of

Susan, one of 1000 Shillings’

to this conclusion in two ways.

Uganda, they truly affected me.

newest women, and her best

First, community service is not

They took me in, gave me a

friend Jessica on their friendship.

service done for the community;

home, and filled my heart with

While sitting next to Jessica

rather, it is service performed

love and my memories with

without any visible space

with the community. There is no

friendship. These women are not

between them, Susan

giver or receiver, but merely

just people I helped that one

thoughtfully defined

people coming together in

summer in college; they are my

friendship.

commonality to work on a social

family, and they have given me

“Friendship means

cause. No matter which side or

more than I ever imagined.

you encourage one

position a person holds in the

another. You move

situation – the volunteer or the

in unity. You build

participant – everyone is

One hot, sunny day in

Service and connection

each other up and help them to

learning, growing, extending,

be better. That’s why we are

and living. All are affected and

friends, and that’s what we do

changed. I came into the

for each other.” This answer, so

situation thinking I would go to

honest and simple, spoke

Uganda, help twelve women

volumes not only on friendship,

start businesses and provide for

but ultimately on human

their families, make amazing

relationships. It was this

memories, and try different

statement that taught me the true

things. It’s true, I did that. But

definition of community and

the most important occurrence

without any overstatement

of my time in Uganda was when

whatsoever, changed who I am

my perspective on what it meant

and how I think.

to serve the community changed.

When I first came to Davidson, I viewed community service in a “giver-and-receiver” relationship. One person helps another less fortunate person get to a better situation, no matter if that has to do with poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, and so on. In any case, I saw the situation as linear. Through my fellowship and time living in

Uganda, however, I realized my perception was completely

I finally realized that I was not simply helping, but I was also being helped. Being with the women and in the new Ugandan community in general taught me how to be a better person. They showed me what it means to hope, to work, to love, to be thankful, and to live. I learned what it meant to have true strength and faith. My world now knows what it needs to be happy. Doing this service and helping give what the

I realized that service was not linear because the women showed me much about life. I, the outsider coming in to help, was just as much impacted as they were. However, my perception on community was expanded even further than this. Community in its simplest form means a group of people taking care of one another. In Namatala, everyone experiences harsh conditions – extreme poverty, hunger, lack of education – yet everyone helps everyone. There was no more ‘fortunate helps the lesser’ ideology; everyone was on the same page that no matter whom you are or where you stood financially, you watched out for your family, your neighbor, and your community. Going back to Susan and Jessica, their friendship began when Susan volunteered to teach Jessica sewing skills so she could earn money. With a large family and mounting fees, Jessica was

struggling to find viable and regular income to support her household. Susan looked out for her neighbor, and now, Jessica is able to support her family by being a seamstress. She is extremely grateful for her friend’s assistance, but Jessica feels this favor does not come close to what Susan has done for her in her life. “When I needed help, Susan was there for me and taught me how to sew and make money that way. Now that Susan needs me, I am very happy to help.” Jessica said during the interview. This mentality to take care of each other extends beyond friendship and is apparent throughout the entire slum. The community takes care of one another and doesn’t just wait for the richer or stronger to help. Children take care of children, brothers feed little

for the girls in my cabin and to

volunteered to play first and was

help ensure their health, safety

the least enthusiastic when

and overall enjoyment of camp.

cheering on her teammates.

Coaching my team was my favorite part of the day. I really loved getting the opportunity to teach the girls all about different sports, and the rules that go along with them, as well as encouraging them and cheering them on. During each session teams compete overall with each other. Both sessions my team came in first, but it wasn’t the winning that made team competition my favorite activity. It was watching the girls try new things, stepping outside

herself and coming up with new cheers. Where in the first week team competition was her least favorite activity

Service and connection

in the last few days she told me it had become her favorite activity. This

On team

people in your own backyard

originally very

and doing what you can to make

timid and shy.

it better.

She was

This summer I worked as

She was soon volunteering

encouragement.

my girls was

Marin Williams ‘16—

with the other girls on the team.

seeing the effect of positive

means seeing the needs of the

the world truly can change.

comfortable and began bonding

together and

Hermes one of

it is through that mentality that

reinforcement, she became more

levels, working

mothers’ children – community

to impact their community, and

and lots of positive

their comfort

sisters, mothers help other

Everyone has the power

However, after the first week

younger in age and smaller in size than a majority of the other girls, and it was also her first summer at camp. In our

a leader at Camp Dudley at

first week of

Kiniya, an all girls summer camp

team

in Colchester, Vermont. My job

competition she

as a leader was to be responsible

never

showed me that patience and

humongous breakdown in which

girls was amazing. They also in

she told me she hated me and

turn taught me that hard work

camp. I worked very closely

and patience really pay off. In

with her everyday showing her

addition I learned that if you

that I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t perfect, that

don't step outside your comfort

volunteering experience at camp

everybody makes mistakes and

zone you'll never grow and

that I really enjoyed was getting

it's just important to try and stay

develop. I think that this summer

to know my campers in my

positive. Throughout her time at

I really grew as a person

cabin on a personal level. While

camp she gained a lot of self-

becoming more patient, more

they are young they have so

confidence even getting up in

aware if the impact my life has in

much to say and

front of the entire camp and

others and more comfortable in

were always

singing a Adele song. On the last

my own skin.

enthusiastic and had

day as she was saying goodbye

smiles on their faces.

she told me she couldn't wait to

Thomas McDonough

They were always

come back next summer.

positive reinforcement are really important and can really make a difference. Another aspect of my

Service and connection

making me laugh and telling me interesting things about their lives at home. One camper I really bonded with originally was very homesick, and in the first week had a

8 Photo: Bill Giduz

I can't imagine not having spent my summer at

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16â&#x20AC;&#x201D; For 23 years, Lebanon

Camp Dudley at Kiniya.

Fire Department has performed

Witnessing the positive impact I

fire prevention, firefighting, and

could have in the lives of those

Emergency Medical Services. It

was there this past summer that I

firefighter with working with

On off times at the station, you

other firefighters outside of their

can usually catch them messing

station. I also attended a Rookie

around with each other, or

School that covered the basics

telling stories of recent days, or

beyond firefighting and into my

for the certifications needed to

even very personal stuff.

college life. Working at the

become a full-fledged firefighter.

station helped tremendously

The Rookie School included a

with my time management abilities. Firefighters, including

rigorous agility test of wearing

volunteers, have to sign in upon

equipment, as well as a self-

arrival. It is recommended that

contained breathing apparatus

people arrive early so that, if a

(SCBA), and running through

call comes in, the people

drills.

trained as a rookie volunteer firefighter. I gained skills that extend

beginning the shift are able to take it rather than extending the shifts of others. Every day there is

full personal protective

The reason I really appreciated working at the fire station is because of the people there. Yes, the learning the equipment was fun, and the live burn was exciting, but the people and the

A requirement and aspect

relationships I’ve

Service and connection

for fighting fires is to know the

made are

layout of every truck at the

absolutely more important than

station. A firefighter must know

them.

training for those on shift and

where each apparatus is located

even professional firefighters

on a truck and how each tool is

with years of experience are

Stefano Blandino ‘16—

operated in order to be a

required to attend and

valuable asset in a fire situation.

useful tools applicable to life as a

Something a rookie firefighter learns quickly is the

college student and as a

camaraderie among firefighters,

to me through difficulties and

as well as the strong relationship

moments when my patience was

firefighters have with law

tested with children that chose to

enforcement officers and

not listen rather than follow the

emergency medical personnel.

rules I was required to enforce.

At the Rookie School, the head

I also have pride in how much

instructor regaled us with his

more physically active I became.

participate. Newly included in daily training is physical training. The physical training (PT) was recently updated because firefighters need to maintain their health so that, when in a fire, they can maximize the air in their bottles. I attended a live burn, a controlled fire used to train rookies. It was there that I learned how stressful it is to actually fight a fire. We were required to wear full gear for most of the day to get a better feel of the material in action. Along with the training, I

stories of visits to other fire stations. I also witnessed many friendly encounters of firefighters with police and EMS. Because they usually all arrive on a scene together, they also have a powerful relationship. The most

learned how fire stations are

powerful relationship of all, of

districted and areas that are

course, is among firefighters in

mutual aid to other stations.

the same station. These people

Training sessions, such as live

become an extended family with

burns, are used to acquaint a

whom you’ve trusted your life.

This summer I learned

professional. These lessons came

In training we learned how to enforce love rather than punishments for misbehaviors. We also learned the importance of giving 100 percent every day and every moment on the job. Early on I realized that every child would have good and bad days but this lesson would come after many frustrations and after I stepped back to

understand why some children were not following our rules. The first safety habit I made sure that all of the children followed was staying within sight and asking permission to go anywhere else. Safety was my TOP priority and keeping count of the campers with a radio call every 30 minutes was a camp procedure. I was also

Service and connection

able to have honest, matter-of-fact conversations with each individual camper whenever

they chose to make decisions that were not in their or the group’s best interests. I wanted to focus on the children making better choices and shaping their own camp experiences because I understand the value in teaching children that their actions have consequences and they can dictate their own experience in, well, everything. I think of children as adults, just with simpler, but no less important, issues that are different from my own but change and grow as they do. Relating with kids who demonstrate a range of personalities reminded me to be considerate and understanding of others’ dispositions and to seek first to understand others. I also observed how, in one moment a child can be upset because they

got in trouble, and in the next moment having a good time and

not dwelling on mistakes. It

great person and camper at

made me reflect on how I can

Finberg, however, I soon

incorporate this type of lifestyle

realized that this task would be

in my own endeavors.

much more difficult than I had

I felt a rekindled love for learning and aspirations to make myself a better person by taking

expected—I wanted to give all of my campers a shirt! In the days before handing out my first shirt,

all opportunities available to me.

I found myself at home on the

Nathan Argueta ‘16—

tiresome day playing sports and

This past summer I worked at the YMCA Camp Finberg in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Having attended a YMCA camp growing up, I thought that I had a solid grasp of what working at one would be like. I was wrong. Working at Camp Finberg was by far one of the most rewarding experiences that I have been graced to have ever participated in. Spending time with the staff and the children at Camp Finberg really enlightened me about the work that non-profit organizations like the YMCA are doing—and in turn I could not be more proud of being a Bonner Scholar through this realization. Going into the job, I had no idea I would end up being someone these kids looked up to, and it really wasn’t something I realized until my last week at camp. Near the ending of camp each year, the on-going tradition for counselors is that they give out one or more of their allotted staff shirts to one of their campers who they feel has truly exhibited the virtues of being a

couch, not relaxing from the chasing kids around in the fields, but rather listing out my campers and deciding to whom I would bestow my shirt. Three hours later, my list remained but a list with no selected champions. The next day at camp, that all changed. Upon arriving at camp, I was greeted by a whirlwind of kids waiting for me under our designated pavilion. They all surrounded me and pestered me about who would be getting a shirt, and I just looked at them in dejection, as even I had no clue yet. Then one of the kids said, “Nathan! I want your shirt! I want it so that when I’m in college like you I can remember who my favorite camp counselor was.” Sure, the part about me being their favorite counselor made me pretty proud, but the fact that this boy, who had never even thought about attending college. before coming to camp, was now using me as a model and a reason why he should go and get an education. What got to me even more, was when the rest of the kids chimed in and

said that that was why they wanted it too. That was when I decided I wasn’t going to give out two of my shirts—I was going to give out all three of my shirts and my wide array of bandanas that everyone teased me for wearing every day to camp. By the time I had given out my final shirt, I had given all 12 of my campers something, but more importantly they had given me something—a huge reason to work for nonprofit organizations. Before working here, sure I had loved doing non profit volunteering, but never had I experienced a true connection with a work site as I did last summer. When the last day of camp finally rolled around and I knew that I would just be jumping in my van and

Ellie Hoober ‘14— On paper my summer internship sounded simple enough. Job title: Sojourner Project Shelter Assistant. Primary duties: Monitor the 24hour crisis line and screen callers for potential shelter space, help full-time staff with casework for the shelter residents, assist with meal preparation and facility

experience working in a domestic violence shelter was far from simple in terms of what I learned about myself and about the women who stayed in the facility. Sojourner Project is a

tear up. As the kids swarmed me

suburbs of Minneapolis. While

for final goodbyes, I was proud

its programming includes legal

that I was able to spend my

assistance and counseling, its

summer with such bright and

primary focus is its 20-resident

confident kids and I would like

emergency shelter that provides

nothing more than to return to

temporary housing and services

Camp Finberg next year.

for victims of intimate-partner

Obviously, life pulls us down

violence.

up on bandanas for another year at Camp Finberg.

with the stress and trauma of their clients’ situations. Interestingly, I found that I am not necessarily one of those people. On the contrary, I found that as I interacted with the women’s situations, I felt

emotions,

violence agency in the western

to find me at Wal-Mart stocking

work and life in order to deal

childcare. While such tasks were indeed straightforward my

Fall Semester, I couldn’t help but

for next summer, you’ll be able

constructing firewalls between

compelled to

small-scale anti-domestic

if I find myself looking for a site

emotions from the shelter,

cleaning, help with resident

heading straight to Davidson for

various detours and u-turns, but

it necessary to divorce their

I had never had extended on-the-ground experience with survivors of abuse. Consequently, prior to beginning this internship, I wondered how I would handle being in such close contact with people’s deep pain on a daily basis. Many of the full-time social workers at the shelter find

engage my

Service and connection

allowing myself to feel alongside them concern, occasional excitement, and— most significantly—compassion. And in this process, something in me came alive. I found that I was able to move beyond seeing my work at the shelter as merely a social services job and view it instead as a vehicle to enter into a person’s story and love them to my best ability. As I reflect upon this experience at the shelter, I am more and more aware that what I learned there went far deeper than gaining information about domestic violence or even building up experience in the social services world. You see, among other things in my life, I consider myself to be a follower of Jesus. And when I think about the kind of God Jesus is, one of my favorite things about Him is that he entered fully into people’s hard

life-situations, spending time with the disabled, the “religious failures,” the social outcasts and having compassion on them. Perhaps this is why people referred to Him as “Emmanuel”—God with us. In my time at Sojourner’s I think I came to understand this “Emmanuel” quality about Jesus to a fuller extent. I

Service and connection

found myself entering into people’s hard situations and in doing so, not only

found myself worshiping my God, but also found myself able to address their needs to my very best.

Drew Gustavson ‘14— Xavier sat up as he finished drawing with a stick that he found in the sand. “Is that what kindness is?” he asked. Another 8 year-old boy Weston said, “Yeah, it’s like when my Dad helped me after football practice.” The theme for the day was kindness. Weston, Xavier, another boy Ashton, and I sat down together and told each other stories about a time that we either did something kind for someone or someone else did something kind for us. I had never done a mentoring session before so I could only hope that our time together would be

productive. We started off with a fun game and then transitioned

into discussion, which led to

a clay block, another was crying

some great application. The

because he didn’t get what he

discussion led to how we can

wanted, and another because I

respect counselors more and

got mad at him. In all three

how we can offer to help

occasions I found them sitting

specifically that day. Right after

outside the door putting their

our session Xavier went straight

head against the wall. I knew

to his teacher and offered to help

something was wrong. I had to

sweep the floor. It takes

set a side whatever task I felt like

individual attention and a single

needed to be done and talk to

step to make a difference in the

them. Time and energy had to be

community around you. At the

sacrificed. Giving them the

Boys and Girls Club of the

attention they needed started

Grand Strand and St. Simons

with a simple, “What’s the

Island, GA there is a growing

matter?” Through this question I

need for individuals to give

took the time to listen to what

positive, caring attention to the

happened. I even learned how I

children in order to help shape

wronged the boy named Pablo.

them to be the best they can be.

For that I apologized to him, we

It starts with awareness and opportunity. In order to have opportunity you need funding. This summer I learned that of all the Boys and Girls Clubs in America, the B & G Club at the Grand Strand is one of the least funded clubs in the Southeast region. Therefore the number of children that are able to attend the club is much smaller than it should be. This

made up and became friends. Subtle changes came after that instance. They looked up to me. They wanted to be like me. Therefore I had to be on careful watch of what I said and how I acted. Giving them attention was well worth the lessons and the positive influence they gained, but it comes with a price. It requires that you give yourself away; your time, your energy,

has not stopped the club from

and especially yourself.

becoming more organized and

Keri Register ‘16—

strengthening their offerings over the past few years though. As the club has grown in

During the course of my summer of service, I worked as

quality I have learned the

an intern at Sexual Trauma

importance of what it means to

Services of the Midlands. As

think well for the kids; what it

both an office intern and a crisis

means to truly give them

intervention advocate, I was able

individual attention. One day

to experience both ends of the

three kids cried. One was hit by

spectrum in regards to sexual

violence. I gained an insiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

pounded and adrenaline came in

words didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really seem to fill

waves when the call came in. I

the silence when she had finished

rushed to the hospital, and I

telling her story. I realized that

really had no idea what to expect

in the coming days, most of what

when I got there, because I had

I had said would slip her mind,

learned that there is no right or

but the important thing was that

wrong way to feel after a sexual

she knew there were people who

assault and that every survivor

were there to wholeheartedly

reacts differently. I soon found

support her. So we made jokes

that the survivor I worked with

about hospital food and talked

advocate was accompanying

was kind and grateful. Her

about our dream

survivors of sexual assault to

attitude was that of someone

vacations, and

local emergency rooms,

who was fighting to take back

when it was time

supporting the survivor

control of her life and I was glad

to be serious, we

throughout this difficult

that I was there to help her take

discussed what

experience. My first advocate

the first steps in that direction.

her next steps

perspective of much that goes on in a rape crisis agency, from behind-the-scenes paperwork and statistical evaluations to standing alongside survivors as they recounted their stories to law enforcement and medical personnel. One key part of being an

experience occurred soon after training concluded. Though I had been through all 25 hours of that training, my heart still

I knew I was there to tell her what resources were available to her and that what happened was not her fault, but

Service and connection

were and what resources would be useful in her recovery journey. When she was finally discharged from the hospital, I

walked her to her car, and we

could see everything they were

morning), at the end of each trip,

going through, and if they cried,

I was grateful for the

I could offer them a tissue or a

opportunity to help the survivor

hand to hold. On the phone,

in some small way, and each one

my time with STSM, I

there was nothing except my

of them in turn taught me about

accompanied three more

voice, which introduced a lot

human nature and what it means

survivors to the hospital and

more pressure to say exactly the

to be strong.

answered multiple hotline calls.

right thing at precisely the right

Each encounter with a survivor

time.

said goodbye and that was the last time we will see each other. Over the remainder of

was completely different than the others, and I had

Service and connection

to learn to quickly adapt and think on my feet to serve that survivor in the best way possible. I

worked with survivors of all ages and genders, from a young child to grown men. Every situation was unique and required different resources and different emotional channels.

Crossing over to the other end of the spectrum, as an

Hospital calls, on the

office volunteer at Sexual

other hand, became a lot less

Trauma Services, I spent a lot of

stressful after the first time. I

time on research and evaluation

enjoyed getting to meet with

projects. Learning the virtues of

survivors face to face and I

Microsoft Excel and making

developed a good rapport with

phone calls to grocery stores for

every survivor I worked with.

gift card donations was perhaps

Whether it was discussing high

less interesting than working

school drama with a teenage girl

directly with survivors, but these

to playing with stuffed animals

more mundane tasks furthered

with a little toddler, I tried to

my understanding of what it

reduce the level of trauma

takes to run a successful

associated with the experience as

nonprofit organization.

Hotline calls were

much as possible. I also learned

perhaps the most difficult aspect

to work closely with police and

of advocacy for me personally.

medical staff, though at times it

Apart from working full-time in

was difficult not to cross into

the office, I was on-call for 15

anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s territory. Some of the

hour night shifts once or twice a

police officers and forensic nurse

week. I had to be ready to take a

examiners I worked with were

call at all times, and needless to

gentle and considerate of the

say, for the first few times, I

survivor. Others insinuated that

hardly slept a wink because I was

the survivor was blatantly lying.

terrified I would miss a call.

There was a delicate balance to

Apart from the irregular hours,

maintain, and I soon found that

when a call actually did come in,

the survivor looked to me to

it was incredibly difficult to

make that happen. Though I

carry on a discussion of such an

wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always thrilled about

emotional nature when there are

being called in the middle of the

no facial expressions or

night to go to the hospital (I

reassuring touches involved. At

once spent all night at the

the hospital, when I was working

hospital with a survivor, from

one on one with a survivor, I

11:00 at night to 9:30 the next

Nonprofits such as STSM have a lot going on behind the scenes that few people ever see. Every volunteer hour had to be matched with a specific government grant in order for the agency to receive its funding. Every record the agency makes had to be kept for years and yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and with some semblance of organization. Corporate donors had to be called to get gift card donations to cover training expenses and clothing for survivors. Volunteer program evaluations had to be sent out to every volunteer, and then the results had to be compiled and analyzed. Yet STSM managed to do it, each and every day. When

I thought of all the hard work that staff and volunteers put into this organization to make it what it is, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mind the paperwork as much. Every part of my experience, whether it was direct advocate work with survivors or indirect office tasks, increased my understanding about sexual trauma and its effects on individuals and our community. This summer has been a time of personal growth and though the process may have been frustrating or painful at times, I know that this experience with Sexual Trauma Services has changed my life for the better. I have been experience with Sexual Trauma Services has changed my life for the better. I have been taken out of my comfort zone more than ever before, but I am thoroughly grateful to have been a part of STSM and to have been able to truly help survivors of sexual assault. The passion I have developed for helping survivors of sexual assault has already begun to weave its way into my plans for the future and I hope that the mission of putting an end to sexual violence will continue to play a part in my life for years to come.

Emma Kenney â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15â&#x20AC;&#x201D; My service experience at the Second Chance Animal Sanctuary in Norman, Oklahoma, was the most

rewarding, fun, and fulfilling

his home as a result of the May

experience that I have had in any

tornado. I had become very

job that I have held so far.

attached to Apache since his

My time spent at Second Chance was incredible. I have always loved animals, and this opportunity to serve them left me feeling as though I had made a difference every day. The way Second Chance structured their adoption process put me directly in contact with both the animals, and the potential adopters. As the summer progressed, I moved from shadowing the adoption counselor and watching how she handled tough situations, to being able to approve and process adoptions on my own. My first day at the shelter, three adoptions were denied, which struck me as very strange, and even counterproductive. But as I spent more time at the shelter, the strict criteria that adopters had to fit made more sense. It became clear to me that Second Chance was not looking for the easiest solution for these animals, but for the best ones. They did not want to farm them out to the most willing individuals, but rather were in search of the best fit for each animal, a process I was proud to be a part of. One instance stands out to me, which really illustrates my shift in understanding. One day, two young women came in looking to adopt. One decided that she had to adopt Apache, a black schipperke who had lost

arrival at the shelter, and wanted nothing more than to find him a home (preferably with me, if only that had been possible!) But this woman made this decision in the span of five minutes, without asking anything about his history, his health, his temperament, or even requesting that we get him

Service and connection

out of his cage. She knew nothing about this dog or what he had been through, and yet was insistent that he was the right dog for her. She filled out our application to adopt and submitted it to me to approve, at which point I saw some glaring issues concerning where she wanted him to stay while she was gone. Yet when I approached her to ask for clarification, I caught her on the phone, trying to convince a friend to pose as her landlord and confirm that she was allowed pets at her residence. Our strict criteria of landlord approval, animal welfare knowledge, and planned living arraignments are in place for the safety of the animals we have rescued from kill shelters, housed, and fallen in love with. I wanted nothing more than to find this sweet, well -behaved dog a home, but he deserved one that promised permanence and

love, not landlord issues and an

Daphne, a 9 month old beautiful

had been severely neglected and

German Shepherd. Unlike all of

were terrified of people. I fell in

the other dogs, who jumped and

love with Daphne’s sweet face

barked with excitement when I

and spent any free time I had

walked by their runs, she

sitting on the floor of her run. It

people at Second Chance, who

cowered and tried to hide under

took a while for her to get over

worked tirelessly for the benefit

her bed. When I asked the staff

her fear, but once she became

of the animals. I also met some

why she was so timid, I was told

brave enough to approach me,

incredible animals, who made it

that she, and her brother, had

the change was incredible. Once

clear why all of the hard work

been adopted when they were a

I showed her that I wasn’t going

was worth it. One of

few weeks old. The Oklahoma

to stop coming to see her, even if

the happiest

City shelter had recently

she wouldn’t come up to me, she

moments of my

recovered her and her brother

came out of her shell. I was

summer occurred

(who was in a foster home) from

amazed by her capacity to love,

exactly a week before

an abandoned area where they

even after she had been so

I left:

had been dumped, and returned

mistreated. She was truly the

them to Second Chance. They

sweetest dog, and I wanted

interest in only his appearance. Needless to say, I denied her application. I met some incredible

Service and connection

My first day at the shelter I met

nothing more than to find her a great home. We eventually found her a foster home so that she could escape the loud, stressful shelter, and she continued to come out of her shell there, away from the shelter. I was sad to not be able to see her daily, but it was in her best interests to leave. I saw her a few more times before I finished my hours, but it was my last week in Norman when I heard the best news: Daphne had been adopted at a PetSmart event, by a woman who I had spoken with earlier that week. It was the most incredible feeling, knowing that we had finally found this sweet girl a good, forever home. It was truly the perfect way to end my Summer of Service.

Hannah Sikes ’16 and Ali DeMarco ‘16— Camp Burnt Gin is a summer camp for kids with physical disabilities or chronic illnesses. Camp is extremely important to these kids because they are often prevented from doing the things we take for granted or excluded because of their disability. We took quadriplegics boating and let kids with sickle cell go for a swim, activities that would normally be denied to them because of their handicaps. Awards were a big part of camp and used a tool to build

self-esteem. Many of the campers

been escalating all week. We had

are frequently bullied and

been trying to mediate the

excluded because of their

situation but we had figured it

limitations, but at camp we

was just typical middle school

focused on their

drama and they would

accomplishments no matter how

eventually get over it. We never

seemingly small they may have

dreamed that it would turn into a

seemed. At nearly any activity or

four hour kicking, screaming,

event where a camper did well,

and crying match. This

tried something new, or was

encounter and all of the things

considerate or thoughtful of

that were said in

someone else, counselors would

the heat of the

break out into cheers of praise

moment

and encouragement. The last

represented the

night of each session was capped

most important

by an awards ceremony and a

thing I learned at

campfire. Each cabin had a few

camp. I always assumed, when

minutes to present “award

meeting people, that they came

boards” to the campers. Each

from a place similar to where I

one was very specific to the child

came from. I know that there is a

and their week at camp. Not

wide variety of neighborhoods

only was this a positive reinforcement and self-esteem

and areas of town but I never came into contact with people so

booster for the kids, but the

different from myself until I

parents treasure these awards

worked at camp.

and love to see that someone else values and loves their child regardless of their disability. One of the most

Service and connection

Camp for me (Hannah) was a very new experience. I have never worked much with children and until this summer I

memorable camp experiences

had never worked with anyone

isn’t necessarily a happy memory

with special needs. To say that

but it taught me (Ali) a lot about

the first week of camp was

myself and people in general. I

overwhelming is quite an

never really saw myself as the

understatement. The night

type to break up a fist fight but

before the first group of campers

at 12am during my third week of

arrived we got our camper

camp I found myself restraining

folders so we could begin

two of my campers with sickle

preparing. My campers were

cell as they attempted to beat up

seven middle school girls (quite

my hemophiliac camper as she

possibly my worst

cried in the corner of our cabin.

nightmare) and one of

Tension between these girls had

them was known for

sleeplessness, wandering off and occasional violence. This provided to be true but she was so much more. She turned out to be a very loving and intelligent young lady. She loves arts and crafts, swimming, reading books, puzzles, drinking chocolate milk, and watching Barney. I got to spend a considerable amount of 1 on 1 time with her

Service and connection

and she taught me so much even during some of the more frustrating or chaotic moments. After

camp when I told my family and friends my stories from the summer they were not returned with the same laughter that I had, but with shocked and confused faces as to why I didn’t quit after being pooped on four times in the same day, or after nearly being drowned in the pool. But they hadn’t learned what I learned from my campers this summer - life goes on. Sometimes things didn’t go as planned and we were late to an activity or we didn’t get the project done “correctly” but what I realized as the weeks went on was that the campers didn’t care. They were having so much fun regardless and that’s why I was there.

Taylor Brendle ’17— Service Odyssey was not

opportunity for friendships to be

week that has continued to create

formed, passions to be lighted,

opportunities of service and

and thoughts to be provoked. I

growth throughout my time at

came into Service Odyssey not

Davidson.

knowing anybody, and not truly

Adam Hunter ’15—

realizing how giving a little bit of time and self could make such an impact on a person or organization. From Day 1, our trip leaders created a community of friendship and trust. As the week progressed and our energy was running low, someone in the group was always there to pick one another up, make us laugh, and keep us going. Service Odyssey was one of my major highlights from Davidson thus far, but Service Odyssey did more than just make strong bonds between some very awesome people. Service Odyssey made me think about my future, and what I wanted to do as I started my own journey through college, and beyond. I started to think about how I could make a daily impact on others through my career choice (which is still very UNdecided), and how, as a college student, I could continuously create a serving atmosphere for others and myself. I look at Service Odyssey as the beginning of the journey that I am still on today. It gave me a preview of what I would be encountering as a Bonner Scholar in the years to come, and the friendships that

just a pre-orientation program

can be created through giving.

that I participated in; it was an

Service Odyssey was more than just a trip; it was an empowering

This past spring break, I co-lead a group of seven Davidson students on an alternative break trip to Appalachia, VA. We joined about 80 other college students and activists at a Mountain Justice camp, where we spent a week attending workshops, doing service projects, and planning action events in the name of ending mountaintop removal coal mining. Not only did we get to prepare campgrounds and trails in the area for their spring openings (in an attempt to diversify the local economy), but we also were able to interact with citizens through panels like “Women in Appalachia” or “Youth in Appalachia” in order to learn more about how their lives have been impacted by coal mining in their communities. The week culminated in a peaceful protest of a bank in Asheville that manages the finances for four coal mining companies that practice mountaintop removal strip mining in Virginia. On the whole, the week was a combination of service, education, and direct action. This mixture of activities gave us the tools to know what we were

advocating for and why, and then taught us how to be advocates for environmental conservation through responsible activism. It was unlike any other service experience I have participated in, and by the end of the week, I was exhausted but fulfilled in the knowledge that what we had done made a difference. Last year, I participated

and sharing common facilities

with services ranging from social

and experiences, we really get to

work to job search to medical

know each other. It has been a

care. The integrated services

pleasure to meet some of my

foster a strong sense of

classmates who are also service-

community because the different

minded and to create friendships

services often work closely with

based on a shared commitment

each other to advocate and

to improving the communities

support the client partners.

we work in. There’s no better way to spend spring break than in doing good work with and for good people. Every year as I

in a Habitat for Humanity

reflect on the experience, I feel

alternative spring break week in

rejuvenated and refreshed

Macon, GA. We spent a lot of

because I was able to step away

time refurbishing old houses and

from my personal stresses and

preparing them for future

worries at Davidson and engage

inhabitants. One day we even

in projects with immediate and

helped a couple clean out an old

lasting effects. The learning and

Habitat home so that they could

friendships that form on alt

move into it. This experience was

break trips are well worth the

drastically different from Mountain Justice because we

sacrifice of giving up the “traditional” spring break and

split up into teams and worked

doing service and advocacy

on basically the same projects for

instead.

the entire week. There was less

Haley Rhodes ’16—

of an educational component and much more physical labor

The Ada Jenkins

To illustrate my experience, I want to tell you the story of Erica*, a student in the LEARN Works after-school

Service and connection

program and her family. Once a week, Erica and I sit down to tackle her fourth grade mathematics homework. We work through the problems together, but more importantly this shared task allows for a time of mentoring; a time where I am able to encourage Erica to see qualities in herself that she might not be able to envision yet. Erica is a leader and has academic talent. It is thoroughly rewarding to see Erica light up when I

required. However, the

Community Center is the

meaningfulness of the trip was

affirm her and to see her catch a

physical point of intersection

not diminished – we still felt like

glimpse of who she could be and

between my academic interests,

we had an impact in citizens’

how she could impact the world.

my career aspirations, and my

lives and in the community of

desire to build meaningful and

Macon.

lasting relationships. Working as I love alt breaks at

a Spanish translator and

Davidson because they draw

academic mentor has allowed me

together diverse groups of

to explore my passions of public

students. On both of the trips I

health, Latino studies, education,

have done, I have not known a

and community building. The

majority of the participants

Ada Jenkins Center is a

before the service weeks. But

comprehensive community

when we are immersed in service

center that assists client partners

In another part of the Ada Jenkins’ building I translate a medical appointment for Erica’s grandmother who is learning to manage Type-II Diabetes. We go over a list of healthy food with the nutritionist and talk about implementing a realistic exercise plan. Later, I see Erica’s aunt in Ada’s

food pantry that operates on a client-choice system. We will

sharing and compromise." Years

To my surprise, this

later, I am happily ensconced in

gentleman found that entirely

the undeniable cocoon of

unacceptable and promptly acted

privilege, trust and support that

on his call to duty, tracking

students sometimes allude to

down a football, and rolling to

critically as the "Davidson

the lawn. With the arm that was

bubble." I have no desire to

not paralyzed, he pitched that

burst it, but we are at our best

football to me tirelessly, and

many different roles at The Ada

when we invite other bubbles of

caught every throw I returned

Jenkins Center, I have become

every sort to join us in

with constructive commentary. I

part of the

discovering that while our

began to acquire some semblance

community. My

common space may be defined

of his spiral style, but I was still

work-study allows

or delicate, it is also magical.

missing something. He advised

begin to implement nutrition education and cooking classes in the fall of 2014, and I hope Erica’s parents will be able to participate. Through working in

Service and connection

me to build strong relationships and to advocate for client

partners while preserving dignity. I am extremely grateful for my work-study because I now feel excited about entering a career that provides me with similar opportunities.

On one of my first Fridays at Davidson, I left campus with a group traveling to Charlotte to cook dinner at a halfway house for homeless neighbors who had just been discharged after hospitalization. I was sitting on the porch, trying to engage a few of the residents

me, "Throw it like you mean it." Suddenly, I swelled with emotion – here was this stranger, with so many problems of his own, summoning physical energy he barely had, to share what he had to give. And in two weeks, he would be discharged yet again. I hurled that ball with a force I did not know I had,

*Erica’s situation is hypothetical

in conversation. When a man in a

to protect the identity of The

wheelchair said that he too had

Ada Jenkins Centers’ client-

lived in California, my home

partners. Her story, however, is

state, I jumped for this common

representative of numerous

ground with joy and asked what

(Ending Poverty In Charlotte)

community members who utilize

he had been doing there. "Prison

club offered the opportunity to

Ada Jenkins’ services.

time," came the short reply.

continue to spend time with

Rahael Borchers ’15—

Wondering how to recover this

neighbors, and the Room in the

fumble, I chose sports as a safe

Inn (RITI) program in particular

topic and – having next to no

has allowed Davidson students

to the Exploratorium as a child,

knowledge of any serious sport –

to experience this union of

the bubble exhibit – where my

launched into a description of

bubbles while staying on

sister and I could stack the small

the Davidson tradition of

campus. RITI is student run, and

bubbles, or stand inside the

Flickerball. My freshman hall

brings twelve homeless

biggest ones, marveling at their

was going to have its first

neighbors to campus every

swirling colors – was my

scrimmage that weekend, and I

Friday during the winter

favorite. As they explained it,

admitted that this American

months. Students set up beds,

"When one bubble meets

daughter of immigrant parents

drive neighbors to our campus

with another, the resulting

had no idea how to throw a

from Charlotte, join them at the

union is always one of total

football.

Commons, hang out, and spend

When my father took me

and he caught it, beaming. "Atta girl!" Davidson’s EPIC

the night. RITI, which brings a different group of students every weekend, has made me so thankful for the Davidson community. I see my peers spontaneously treating our guests like royalty, and making an effort to connect with people they will probably never meet again. As we try to find common ground, we find laughter and stories about faith or family or hope â&#x20AC;&#x201C; life lessons from people who have experienced more than

Service and connection

we have, and have much to give. Often, we appreciate the interaction even more than our guests do. As paths intersect, commonalities are revealed, and gifts are exchanged within our shared space.

Photo: Bill Giduz

“You can’t help but learn more as you take the world into your hands. Take it up reverently, for it is an old piece of clay, with millions of thumbprints on it.” - John Updike

Service And

GROWTH

Aly Dove â&#x20AC;&#x2122;16â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

way. If not for these more

was living in a way that was very

difficult aspects of the trip, I

similar to home. Throughout my

would have come out of the trip

experience, I struggled to

Wide Opportunities on Organic

simply the same. It was in these

determine why I was not as

Farms) in Hawaii was an

difficult times that I was able to

enthralled about my time at the

enriching experience in which I

gain valuable insight as to why I

farm, as I was in previous service

learned an incredible amount

choose to travel, how I value my

projects, which have included

about farming and how many

family, and how to be a better

mission work in Nicaragua and

things we buy today that we can

leader.

Togo, Africa. About three

WWOOFing (World

easily make in our homes. From woodworking, to egg

Service and growth

collecting, to seeding, and goat milking, I engaged in activities that I had never partaken in before

and had such a blast! While my overall experience in Hawaii was positive, there were many challenging moments along the

Photo: Bill Giduz

In my initial reflection I emphasized the fact that this would be my first long-term service experience within the United States living with people of similar socioeconomic status. While I learned an incredible amount about micro-greens, animal care-taking, and woodworking during my time on the farm, the environment I

quarters through, I came to the realization that the significance of traveling for me is putting myself in unfamiliar situations as often as possible in a place that is as different to my life at home as possible. It is in these uncomfortable situations I have found that I grow and learn the most about myself, other people, and various practices. I think this

is what I felt was lacking from my experience in Hawaii. However, had I not had this experience in the first place, I would have never had the opportunity to come to this realization. Another difficult part of

these times that I realized the

understanding of the employee-

importance of family, as silly as

employer relationship.

it sounds. I could always call my sisters or parents to get advice and support during some of the more difficult parts of the experience. This was a complete 180-degree shift in my

this experience that helped me

communication with my family

learn more about myself

considering that I am labeled the

involved tensions between the

independent adventurer of the

three owners of the farm. This

family. For me, turning 18 meant

was a brand new farm that

stepping into a role of

started in March. So, myself and

independence. I think many

the three other WWOOFers

people, including myself, feel

were the first WWOOFers they

pressured to break ties with their

had ever had, which meant it was

family as they “leave the nest”

a new experience for all of us,

and head to college. I interpreted

with occasional hurdles to be

this as communicating less with

expected. Two of the owners

my family in order to develop a

were newly engaged to one

tough front and show that I

another and focused more on the business side of the farm. The

could do everything on my own. In Hawaii however, I began to

other owner is a close friend of

reach out to my family more and

theirs who studied agriculture

more.

and organized all of the farming. This often led to little arguments due to the stress of balancing a business with personal relationships. With all of these aspects taken into consideration, one would expect tension was bound to arise at some point. I came into the

There were a few instances on the farm where I was asked by my employer to complete tasks that were moreso personal cleaning favors rather than work that was related to farming, which is what I felt my experience should have been centered on. On one occasion, I reacted to my boss in an upset

Service and growth

tone, agreeing to complete the task that day, but I made the comment that “this was

not what I signed up for and would not be doing this specific task again.” It was clear that I was frustrated and I was shocked that my supervisor never came to me later that day to have a conversation about the way I reacted, and what we could each

It was crucial for me to

work on to ensure a steady

realize that despite the pressure

working relationship. We also

to remain independent, it was

never had staff meetings, so, we

okay and necessary for me to

never had an opportunity to

seek advice and guidance from

voice our frustrations to our

my family who knows and

leaders and we also were never

understands me best. I can still

able to express which aspects of

be independent and continue to

the experience we were really

communicate often with my

enjoying.

experience expecting occasional

family. After this experience, I

disagreements due to the stress

value and appreciate my family

of starting a small business, but

so much more than when I

the intensity of the tension was

initially left for Hawaii. Not

often magnified by the fact that

only did lack of a

we lived together, spent our free

communication play a role in my

time together, and worked

relationship with my family, it

together, every day. It was in

also played a role shifting my

While this lack of communication between my boss and myself, during my time at the farm, often made things quite difficult, I have been able to become a better leader after returning from Hawaii. As co-leader of

the organization YouthMAP on campus, I have made a conscious effort to constantly be aware of the way in which my participants interact with one another and react to me as a leader. In this way, I can sense if there is ever any frustration that may be due to an underlying problem the participant is having with the structure of the

Service and growth

organization or the way in which I am leading. If this were the case, I would later initiate a

conversation that would allow him or her to vent his or her frustration and eventually come to a solution for the problem he or she was experiencing. I have also held weekly reflection meetings where we can all gather and express things that seem to be working, and things that can be changed to improve the program overall.

having the opportunity to get a

farmers and I try to buy local

good, free education; being

when I can afford to splurge

afforded equal opportunities as a

given my measly college-student

woman; and not having to

budget. I felt this reflection was

wonder if there would be food at

an excellent opportunity to think

home when I got back from

through my frustrations with the

school. These are just a few of

experience and discover how

the things the people I worked

they benefited me. Overall, I am

with in Ecuador wonder on a

extremely grateful to have has

daily basis. Despite all these

this opportunity. My time

challenges none of the people I

WWOOFing in Hawaii was well

met in Ecuador seemed bitter or

worth it and has impacted me

unhappy, they would always

greatly.

greet me with a smile, hugs and

Marin Williams â&#x20AC;&#x2122;16â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

kisses no matter the situation.

When I first arrived in

What I learned about myself through my service

Ecuador I thought it was going

project is that by staying positive

to be horrible. I initially

I can persevere through

struggled to make connections

anything, as at first I really

with the other volunteers and

struggled to adjust. Another

was very overwhelmed by the amount of work I was given and

thing I learned is that I have so much to be thankful for, and that

all the things I was now

I should be a happier, less

responsible for. As time passed,

worrisome person in general

however, I made connections

because there are people out

and grew to become comfortable

WWOOFing has

there dealing with much bigger

with my new responsibilities and

allowed to me to become a well-

issues than mine. The experience

the things that were expected of

equipped leader and dorm room

contributed to my college

me. Now after weeks of being

farmer. I grew my own

education by opening my eyes

home I know that if somebody

sunflower shoots in my dorm

up to such things, but also by

offered to let me go back I would

room and made a delicious salad

increasing my passion to help

pack my bags and go in a

for my friends using them. I am

others, and refocusing some of

heartbeat.

the areas of study I want to focus

also currently growing two sunflowers. I have already felt that the things I have learned have helped me become a more educated officer in EAC and a more conscientious leader in

respect for local and organic

YouthMAP. Additionally, now that I have farmed, I have a huge

Spending four weeks in Ecuador really opened my eyes

on in school. At the end of the day, I

to the daily struggles people face

really enjoyed my time with

in developing countries. There

Manna Project International. I

are so many things here at home

think the goal of the program, to

that I would never think to

live in the community, and to ask

worry about such as: flushing

the people of the community

toilet paper down the toilet;

what they need is a great

initiative because it allows the organization to serve them in whatever way they need and tailor the programs to each community. I define community as a group of people who work and live together and strive towards common goals. I agree with what Manna Project International has established, and that the people of the community should determine the needs of the community. After my trip and having time to reflect on it, I believe that I want to try and start a Manna Project International chapter at Davidson. The organization has a lot of learning opportunities to offer young people. Also, the organization depends on the support of young people to help run the organization, and because it is a non-profit they are in constant need of donations so

traveling I have done as I sit here

La Asociación is the

reflecting on my experiences this

definition of community.

summer. I have to say that the

Everyone helps each other and

summer had a lot of unexpected

works together as a unit; they

challenges, however, I feel like

have formed their own special

everything worked out well in

type of family. Connected by

the end and I believe that I

their common disease, these

benefited from the unanticipated

people find hope and support in

challenges.

one another. It was a very

I think I have gained a deeper sense of compassion from my experiences this summer. I have always enjoyed serving my community as a volunteer. In high school I was an ESL tutor and I volunteered at a soup kitchen twice a week, and these experiences were very important to me. What they did not give me was the direct contact with such close knit communities. From the moment that I walked into La Asociación I knew my volunteer experience was going

humbling and moving experience to work at La Asociación. The love and kindness that permeated the

Service and growth

center was so honest and reassuring. I was inspired by everyone I met there and I am so happy to have witnessed how to enjoy life and others, even when enduring such a challenge like Parkinson’s disease. La Cruz Roja was

to be different from any previous

another very special experience

placement. The people at La

that happened unexpectedly, but

Asociación, volunteers and

was just as meaningful especially

patients alike, have such a great

in conjunction with my time at

perspective on life. I am so

La Asociación. These children

grateful to everyone that I met

had such a joy of life when they

there for welcoming me into

were in the playroom, or

their lives and daily routines

ludoteca. It made me extremely

with such open arms. I am so

sad to meet such young children

lucky to have my health and

with cancer or kidney failure;

even though these people are

everyone in the ludoteca had

afflicted with Parkinson’s disease

such positive spirits however,

I am actually writing this post-

they find a way to make every

that I was reassured that these

reflection in Peru. It is amazing

day special. They have such a

children have the care and

to believe that I have been to

positive outlook on life and I am

attention they need. The families

four continents in the past few

so happy to have been a part of

that I met were also very

weeks and I am slightly

such a community.

warm and sweet. I have

that they can improve their facilities. I can’t wait to bring back what I’ve learned this summer to my Davidson class mates and I hope to get an opportunity to work with Manna Project International again in the future.

Veronica Hudson ’15— This summer flew by and

overwhelmed by the amount of

never met so many

families with such hope and endurance. They were thrilled to meet me, a young woman from the United States interested in medicine. I was surprised that they opened up to me in the short time that I was there this summer.

new people, and continue grow

when I return to Davidson in the

as an individual. Thank you.

spring. I thoroughly enjoyed

Ben Wiley ‘15—

working at La Asociación and La Cruz Roja and I am looking forward to my experiences at La Clinica. I believe that all of my experiences working in clinics

My experiences this summer have most definitely

Service and growth

work at the Ada Jenkins Center

and health care settings abroad will help me back in North

been a huge asset to

Carolina. Hopefully my Spanish

my Davidson

will be good enough to work as a

education. I know

translator in the free clinic. I feel

for a fact that I want

like that will be the best way to

to work in health

combine my interests and give

care, but I am not

back to the Davidson

sure if I want to go to medical school or physician assistant school. Every opportunity I have to work, volunteer, or shadow in a hospital or clinic is very interesting and important to me. The best part about this summer was that all of my experiences were in Spanish. As a Latin American Studies major, these experiences were supremely beneficial to my education. I was so excited to have the opportunity to volunteer and explore my two interests, Spanish and medicine. In Peru I am going to be

community upon my return. Thank you to everyone in the Center for Civic Engagement that has supported me throughout this summer, offering advice and encouragement. I truly appreciate all of your help along the way. Without this grant I would not have been able to go to Spain, and would not have had these life changing experiences. I have learned so much about myself this summer and I believe it is because of the people I met. I have a greater understanding of my vocation to serve others now.

volunteering weekly at a clinic,

I knew before this summer that I

La Clinica de San Juan de Dios

was interested in bilingual

in the pediatric ward. I believe

medicine and that I wanted to

that my experiences in Cadiz are

help others; however, now it is

going to be very helpful as I

not only an interest but a calling.

begin these next adventures at La

I am so thrilled to have this

Clinica in Arequipa, Peru. With

knowledge and I cannot wait to

my Spanish improving with my time abroad I am still hoping to

find new opportunities, meet

There are things I liked and things I disliked about working with 350.org on the GROW Divestment project this summer. But I mostly liked it … a lot. My experiences this summer have further solidified my goal of working on environmental justice work after college. The key difference between my work this summer and my previous experiences was the base of communication. Since I never had any physical contact with the large majority of the people I worked with (excluding the few who worked with me on the GROW meetup in Charlotte), I had to adjust my expectations from those I would hold for a group meeting regularly in person. Guaranteed receipt of communication was variable. At one point, my boss had to leave for a weeks-long staff retreat in Istanbul, and I ended up taking a leading role with virtually no cue or background information. It was fun and rewarding, but also extremely demanding. Since my role on the GROW media team ended up morphing into website management, a huge portion of my time was spent fielding requests from other members of

the team and then translating those asks to content online. All kinds of things I hadn't really managed before, like domain/ hosting purchases, and php modifications, and sending updates out to Facebook pages with tens of thousands of followers were thrown to me at once. Given that I had no plans of doing anything computerrelated with GROW, other than group communications and contact databasing, I wouldn't have expected to be prepared for all this. Fortunately, I was. It all worked out! When work with the media team lapsed (which it did, occasionally), I would transfer my efforts to the more standard activist fareâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;phonebanking and logistical work for the meetup we were organizing in Charlotte. Even though the local meetup organizing was the main component of this work I came in most â&#x20AC;&#x153;readyâ&#x20AC;? for, I was taken aback; organizing a convergence of any size is extremely difficult. Being on the opposite end of people flaking out has made me more motivated not to flake out myself. The glue that held the whole operation together, over the course of many weeks our team worked together, was the passion and dedication each individual held toward the cause. Though our summer's work (building networks of fossil fuel

divestment actors on and off

groups communicated with us

college campuses) was only a

regularly. Simply being vaguely

small piece of the larger work

associated with the action below,

that needs to be done, we all

in Portland, Oregon, is

knew we were performing

ridiculous (one of the people

something vital that needed to be

standing in the middle of the

done.

bridge, by the way, worked with And with each report-

back from meetups successfully

me on the GROW media team): I was really grateful, and

happening across the country,

lucky, to have such a diverse

we could see solid steps toward a

experience

more just and sustainable future.

working with

To be able to work alongside

350 this summer.

these incredible fellow activists

Service and growth

working at other schools was an unparalleled gift. The other driver, of course, was seeing the absolutely amazing actions that were happening all over the country, parallel to the meetups we were coordinating. While we had no part in the central coordination of any of these actions, many of our group members participated, and the action coordinating

Photo: Bill Giduz

Julie-Rose Gould ‘15—

third week when she pulled me

them. It’s a little scary to think

aside during D.E.A.R time

that I won’t be there to see them

(Drop Everything And Read)

off next summer. This program

summer at Freedom Schools, one

and asked what the word “C-O-

has given me more than I could

student told me that I was the

U-G-H” and many others like it

ever ask for. I’ve learned so

best thing that happened to her

said, that it all made sense to me.

much not only about my

in a long time. But in fact, she

She was having trouble reading!

scholars but about myself. I’ve

was one of the best things that

She wasn’t deliberately

become more confident in who I

has happened to me. I needed her

disobeying my directions like I

am as a person, and have learned

just as much, and even more than

had originally thought. She

to fight for what I want,

she needed me. There

wasn’t one of those ‘problem

especially if it’s something that I

were times when I

children’ that you hear about

truly care about. It’s helped me

felt defeated, when I

(who often, aren’t troubled at

discover a part of my history I

debated coming back

all). She was coping with the

knew nothing about it, a part of

the following day.

problem the best way she knew

my identity I ignored for the

But she always reminded me why I was there,

how. Sitting with her one-on-

sake of “fitting in.” I’ve made

one during activity time in the

lifelong friends, and now have a

and just how much it meant not

classroom and during recess to

network of people I can proudly

only to her, but to the other

practice reading were some of

call my family. Freedom schools

scholars, for us to keep

my fondest memories this

will forever be a part of me.

returning.

summer. And while she may not

Hadley Finley ‘15—

Towards the end of the

Service and growth

Watching one student’s transformation from the beginning of the summer to the end was a unique experience. As she grew, I did too. Now at the start of each class session, we would begin by reading that

be the ‘best’ reader now, seeing just how far she’s come in just 6 from being the last one to raise a

volunteered at Norman Regional

hand to read the daily agenda on

Hospital as a patient liaison. This

the board to the first.”

position was a great fit for me for

I didn’t realize just how

day’s assigned book out loud as a

much of an impact these tiny

group. And things would always

people could have on me until I

flow smoothly until we got to

spent a second summer with

her. She would read the first

them. Now I’m not one for

sentence without a problem. But

crying, but I was definitely an

after that, she would ask random

emotional wreck on the last day

questions, and make irrelevant

of Freedom Schools. I felt like I

comments, which I admit were

was leaving a little piece of me

funny at times, and lightened the

behind when we locked up the

mood, but often brought us off

Ada Jenkins building on our site

track. At first, I thought nothing

break down day. I’ve watched

of it. But when it became a

these kids grow right before my

This summer I

short weeks is amazing. She went

pattern I figured something was

eyes over the last three years, and

up. It wasn’t until about the

I’m definitely going to miss

many reasons. First, as a pre-med student and eventual doctor (assuming all goes according to plan), this summer allowed me to see the side of the patient experience that many doctors miss. As a patient liaison I felt that I could actually make a difference in the quality of patient care at the facility where I was working. Finally, I had the chance to continue working on my intrapersonal communication skills.

Each day, I would receive a list of all the recently

Although these

The last couple of weeks

experiences were beneficial for

in the small town of Pottstown,

my personal growth and my

PA have forced me to confront

goals as a patient liaison they

some of the most challenging

were not the experiences that I

situations that I have ever had

felt made my experience a great

the pleasure of experiencing. As

one. A few times over the course

an NJ SEEDS Advisor I was

of the summer I encountered

tasked with teaching computer

patients who were simply happy

and writing lab classes,

to see someone who cared about

supervising an elective course

them. It was with these patients

based on the

that I felt I had the best chance

principles of

to make a real difference in their

drama, and

experiences. It was with these

running a

patients that I had the longest

miniature soccer

and most rewarding

camp for middle

conversations of the summer.

school students with varying

Some of them were happy with

degrees of motivation. Last

their experience so far, others

summer, I worked with the very

could not have been more

same organization from behind a

displeased, but my presence was

desk, but working in the field,

went very smoothly and the patients were happy with the

a comfort to each of them and, because of that, made my

directly with the students has truly been an eye-opening ordeal

care they had received, especially

experience worthwhile.

of a different kind.

admitted patients and work my way through each unit of the hospital and interview each patient. I had come up with a list of questions unique to the number of days each patient had been in the hospital at the beginning of the summer and used them as a guideline for the conversation I had with each patient. Over the course of the summer, I hoped to collect data on the patient experience in general that would allow the hospital employees to adjust the way things are run in each unit so that the patient experience would be as good as possible. In general, each interview

from the nurses in the unit. In these cases, I had the opportunity to develop my skills in speaking with those who are in pain, ill, or otherwise in a place no one wants to be. The more difficult conversations were the ones where patients felt their treatment was unsatisfactory in some way. These interviews gave me the chance to learn to balance sympathy with discretion so that the patients could feel heard and I could attempt to rectify the issue.

All in all, it was a long

Service and growth

Managing my own

summer that required a lot of

classroom was tough, simply

work from me, both on my

because I had never exposed

personal skills and with the

myself to doing such a task. Even

hospital as a system. I feel that it

though most of my life has

has been a summer of growth

transpired in a classroom, it was

and excellent experiences that

hard to gauge what methods

have affected the way I will treat

actually work in bettering a

patients when I become a doctor

student because every scholar is

myself and the way I will treat

different and unique and

the nurses and doctor’s that are

responds differently to a certain

working hard to be a comfort to

stimuli. I’ve learned that cookie-

those who are ill or injured as a

cutter methods of working with

possible future patient.

students is not a valid means for

John-Alexander Hall

a successful approach; what

‘15—

not work for another.

works for one kid, may For instance, a

particularly disruptive student in my drama class was also enrolled in my soccer course. He was easily motivated with the possibility of not playing soccer on that particular day. This method doesn’t necessarily work on the shy girl who doesn’t view athletics as highly, forcing me to appeal to her sense of duty or her motivations in a

Service and growth

more private chat. I was forced to grow alongside the students and worked to read situations

carefully and respond appropriately. Teaching a drama elective was newfound territory for me.

Photo: Tommy Rhodes

After casually placing “drama”

teacher. These students were fun

on my list of potential elective

to interact with but those

courses I was pretty certain that

interactions outside of the

I would not get it but somehow,

classroom made them so much

I did. I hesitantly responded to

more comfortable. Being

the challenge and the students

comfortable is often a good thing

and I worked to make it a really

but as the level of comfort grew,

fun and enjoyable elective class.

the students’ behavioral patterns

Figuring out the lesson plan for

oscillated between calm human

the week, coupled with trying to

beings to annoying insects to

relay knowledge and skills

wild animals. I exaggerate, but

through the strategic use of

the noticeable changes within

games and public speaking that

some students were quite

would actually help in an

striking. For some students,

academic setting was a fulfilling

forming relationships outside of

challenge. The most important

the classroom proved useful, as

thing I learned involved

they were more attentive and

monitoring when to playfully act

willing to take direction from a

as the students’ friend and when

familiar and friendly face on the

to firmly stand as the students’

campus. Some students viewed

our relationship as a means to

Aiding these students has also

summer. Instead of doing the

allowed me to grow as a

usual tutoring in the core

professional. Most importantly,

educational subjects, I was able

I’ve gained useful experience in

to help and participate with the

creating lesson plans, managing

children in normal, day to day

to find and make time for the

activities. I am grateful that I was

solace of aloneness (exercise,

able to watch them grow and

individual language learning,

develop skills in a multitude of

music) away from the clamoring

areas like swimming, cooking,

students, communicating with

rocketry and bracelet making.

supervisors, and explaining

Not only was I

complex ideas in simple terms.

able to help them

This program, what I

establish

is an incredibly difficult, but

affectionately call ‘an exercise in

meaningful

necessary profession. Cultivating

patience,’ has allowed me to

friendships but I

the mind of a young child begins

influence the malleable minds of

was also able to

at home with the constant

a younger generation and has

experience the joy of developing

supervision of parents and

allowed me to learn from the

personal friendships with the

continues into the school day

inner machinations of these

children and my fellow

with the guidance of the

young minds and gain valuable

counselors.

schoolteacher. A lot of these

insights about the world.

students will try and bombard teachers with unexpectedly poor,

Alexis Robinson ‘14—

not do work, thinking that because I was a ‘friend,’ they could bypass doing work. Stating my intentions clearly for a student was possibly the most important lesson that I’ve learned in this entire process. These students must be told what is expected of them and without such aids they will flounder. I’ve learned that teaching

unenthusiastic, and unwanted behavior, whether it’s caused by the newfound freedom afforded by the program, an insatiable need for attention (both positive and negative), or a cumbersome fear of intelligence. Serving as a role model for the students was great because as an alum of the program they would genuinely respond to your advice in a positive manner. We were all successful members of society and our social standings and past experiences were enjoyable and helpful for them to hear. These students needed help and NJSEEDS afforded me the opportunity to do just that.

As I considered where I

Service and growth

One of my fondest memories of working at the camp was seeing how much the special needs children in my

wanted to spend the summer, I

group and bus group progressed.

thought a lot about what I am

One particular student struggled

really passionate about and what

with social skills and aggression.

types of service I really enjoy. In

By the end of the summer, this

an instant it hit me that I should

child had gained at least two new

work somewhere with kids.

friends and had found two new

Looking back, I am so glad that I chose to work at Buckley Country Day Camp. It allowed me to apply many of the

activities that he truly enjoyed participating in with his peers and the counselors. Although I look back at

things that I learned while

my experience with great joy

tutoring at LEARNWorks, just

new, I still remember a lot of the

in a different setting. I loved

challenges that I faced. I

being able to interact with the

struggled with problem solving

32+ soon to be 5th graders over

as many of the children

the course of 7 weeks and the

experienced spurts of

other age group children that I

disagreements amongst

worked with everyday over the

themselves. I struggled

with how to interact with and facilitate the inclusion of some of the special needs students into the group as a whole without compromising their privacy. I also struggled with being able to separate my job as a leader and supervisor of the children and my instinct to be their friend. Despite the many struggles and challenges, I believe

Service and growth

that I was able to have an amazing summer and impact the lives of the children in my

community on a daily basis. I realize now that the challenges I experienced during the summer were instrumental in helping me progress as a person, preparing me to start tutoring again at the Ada Jenkins Center, and the overall success of the camp this summer.

Javier Robles ‘15— My secondary school

often than not were dealing with substance abusing loved ones. Since I had gone to school at St. Benedict’s Prep for over 6 years, there wasn’t a single doubt that this was one way that I could give back to the institution which helped mold me into the man I am today. As an intern, I had two

it always involved the direct

providing tangible items such as;

the Beck’s Depressions scale, the

clothing, food, and housing.

PAI, the BASC, and the WISC.

However, in my role this

Of those two the most rewarding

summer, I realized that there are

was sitting in on the counseling

many ways in which one can

sessions. It was absolutely

serve others.

fascinating to watch an adolescent come in with a problem and leave with either a solution or better than they had entered. I learned so much about how psychology works. For instance, many students would come in and it was clear to us what the solution was to their

under their nose, but more

New Jersey. At St. Benedict’s

importantly as a psychologist

Prep, there was a counseling

one can never offer advice. The

center on the property.

client must come to a realization

experience of performing service,

psychological evaluations such as

serve the community of Newark,

parent households and more

servicing others. In my past

my service also entailed

the obvious solution is right

risk youth who lived in single

different roles one can play in

had to give out various standard

is making the client realize that

specialized in the treatment of at

understanding of the many

I served and myself. Often times

Monks whose mission was to

perfect service project, as they

provided me with a greater

several counseling sessions and I

by a group of Benedictine

located in Newark NJ, was the

with Easter Seals UCP has

interaction between those whom

problem. The art or psychology

counseling center, which was

My time spent working

vital roles: I had to sit in on

was a private Catholic school run

Volunteering at the SBP

Martel Campbell ‘15—

where the solution is clear. A psychiatrist simply guides the client to the solution. This summer, more than anything, affirmed the fact that I am passionate about service and psychology.

Through my experiences working with Easter Seals UCP, I have learned a lot about myself. My role has revealed to me that I have an interest in and enjoy working in strategic corporate development. Working to improve the efficiency of managing clients files led me to realize that I would also enjoy working to improve the efficiency of a business. Corporate Development refers to the planning and execution of a wide range of strategies to meet specific organizational objectives and my experience this summer has led me to researching career opportunities in corporate development. My service this summer allowed me to exercise some of my strengths regularly. Initially,

I had to exercise my ability to learn quickly as I begin the internship. I was required to grasp the types of information that employees were required to gather and document about clients. From gaining this understanding, I was better able to comprehend the information and files I was reading through. Next, I was required to exercise my analytical skills regularly when attempting to continuously make efficiency improvements in the management of client information. I had to thoroughly analyze the process employees currently used to document and access client information. I also had to analyze which information the employees needed the most frequently and urgently when servicing clients. My job required me to utilize and improve my communication skills. I communicated with those employees who were directly servicing clients to determine what they would need to better serve clients and what role I could play in that process. My work this summer

to those who live with

and involvement on issues

disabilities.

related to equality and justice in

Gabe Pureco â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16â&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Charlotte.

This summer I

The staff was very patient and hardworking and I

volunteered as an intern for

appreciated working and

Mecklenburg Ministries here in

learning alongside them. One

Charlotte, North Carolina.

project I was able to have a small

Mecklenburg Ministries (Meck

part in was the annual In Our

Min) is an interfaith organization

Own Backyard Interfaith Camp.

that seeks to promote justice and

The camp

equality and to raise awareness

consists of 20

of social issues. Meck Min then

youth who come

seeks to fight against these issues by uniting people of all races,

from different

faiths, and religions. This

economic backgrounds. The

mission fits with my goals and

purpose is to educate them about

beliefs and I was interested to

the faiths of others and their own

learn more about non-profit

as well as to help build on their

management and communication

character and develop them as

with member organizations.

future leaders.

Mecklenburg Ministries is comprised of nearly 100 members from almost every faith and religion in Charlotte. I communicated with the

Service and growth

religious and

What I found most surprising about the board (twenty-five members from different congregations and faith traditions) was how effectively

Executive Director about my

the members communicated with

projects early in the spring but

each other making sure that no

she then resigned from her post

one offend or attack the views

to accept another position. Even

and faiths of the others. These

with the change in plans, I was

members were very professional

excited to help ease the

and it assured me that people

transitioning process for this

made me aware of the many

should be able to get along no

company. Taking part in the staff

challenges that are faced by

matter what religion they follow.

meetings enabled me to see how

individuals who are living with

Religion is a very discomforting

an organization handles a period

disabilities. Many of the facets of

topic for most people and they

without an E.D as well updates

my life that I take for granted

tend to view other faiths as

on programs and tasks.

and depend on greatly do not

threats to their own, but Meck

Attending board meetings

come as easily to others. My

Min showed me that people are

allowed me to observe big

work this summer has inspired

able to work together regardless

picture conversations about

me to do more service dedicated

of the religion they follow.

budget and increasing activity

By updating information on the congregation members, I was able to help Meck Min better predict the budget for the year. Members pay an annual fee (one dollar per adult member in the congregation) and those fees make up the bulk of the Meck Min budget for the year. Meck Min did not have any account of number of members

Service and growth

within each congregation so they did not know how much each congregation was

supposed to pay. What I was able to accomplish was the first step of keeping the company organized with up to date records. I was able to complete that project in just a few short months. This would have taken another staff member many months or more due to their focus in other areas and projects. This summer provided

of empathy. If people don’t

improve my interpersonal skills

know what is going on, how can

and became more capable in

they possibly do anything to

working with groups and

help? Therefore, working at Ada

explaining concepts to others. I

encouraged me to explore

learned that I am better at

different types of service in order

explaining through numbers

to learn more about the variety

instead of emotion, which helped

of issues in the community.

me to think about a career in a field that is more related in quantitative analysis, like consultation for startup projects. I will always aspire to do what the founder and his wife strive toward - giving back to the community that raised me until Inner City students are able to escape poverty.

Karen Sims ’16— Working at Ada Jenkins with the Free Clinic of Our Towns through the Community Service Federal Work Study

Although the hours I’ve contributed to service have been limited, I’ve attempted to broaden my knowledge of service by trying out new and different service opportunities on campus. I’ve attended a couple Buddy Club meetings and have gone on a few trips with EPIC to the Charlotte Urban Ministries. Each service experience revolved around a different set of social issues and it was enlightening to see how different issues required different solutions and services. My hope is to continue

program has been an amazing

finding different service

learning experience. As an

opportunities and understand

international student from

me my first professional work

how I as an individual can best

Taiwan, I am familiar with a very

experience, insight on how a not-

contribute to helping the

different health care culture. The

for-profit business life functions

community. Of course, I would

idea that health care could be

and, most importantly, lasting

like to increase the amount of

unaffordable to so many people

relationships with my

service I participate in as well.

was completely foreign to me,

coworkers.

Overall, I am so thankful for the

and I was shocked when I

opportunity to work for an

Philip Yu ‘16—

realized the extent to which the

organization that provides such

Free Clinic provided services to

an important service to the

the community. I realized that I

community, and I couldn’t think

with South Central Scholars, I

personally have been sheltered

of a more fulfilling work study.

was able to develop myself

from many pressing social issues

further by refining my personal

and that the lack of volunteers or

strengths and weaknesses. By

support for community

Lydia Bickell ’17—

interacting with twenty other

organizations such as Ada stems

staff and over a hundred students

more from ignorance than a lack

Through my seven weeks

on a daily basis, I was able to

I intentionally chose to participate in Service Odyssey this past summer because I

wanted to make a commitment to service during my four years at Davidson. It is one of the best decisions I have made. Beforehand, service was a very intermittent activity for me, and I only volunteered if I had nothing else to do. Now it is a priority, and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t imagine life without volunteering. I had no idea at the time that service would give so much back to me, or that it would shape major life decisions. Now I know (well, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m pretty sure) that after I graduate, I want to pursue a career in a non-profit. Because of Service Odyssey I have gotten involved in a couple different service programs, including

Habitat for Humanity, the Ada

see them as others, but as

Jenkins Center, and Room In

brothers and sisters.

The Inn. Room In The Inn is a

For me, what makes Davidson worth it is the

wonderful program with which I

presence of service-oriented

have volunteered. It gives

peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;both in the college and

homeless neighbors good meals

in the community. Not everyone

and a place to stay for a night,

at Davidson cares about serving

but more importantly it brings

others, but the people that do

together two groups of people

have been so inspiring and

that would normally never

amazing to me.

interact. At dinner it always

The women I

starts off a little bit awkward, but

work alongside

soon everyone is chatting as

at Loaves and

friends. I like simply hanging out

Fishes, Rahael

with the neighbors, watching a

Borchers (who is an integral part

movie all of us enjoy, because it

of Room In The Inn), and many

shows me that we are not all that

others have not only shown their

different. It is important not to

giving hearts for others, but have

Service and growth

also shown support and love for

Photo: Bill Giduz

me during difficult times. When I serve, I feel loved as part of a bigger community, and I receive as much as—if not more than— the amount I give.

Annie Tang ‘15— This summer, I worked

different activities, I had no more

provided me the opportunity to

doubt. I have always been

gain experience in the medical

interested in education, and

field while serving my

through my experiences this

community.

summer, I now pay more attention to nutrition education and children’s health issues. Another big part of my summer

with Feed the Mind Foundation.

was devoted to social media and

Feed the Mind Foundation is a

how we could use the tools to

My duties at the clinic varied from working with physicians to filing away medical charts. Because of my previous experience volunteering at Good News, the clinic’s staff felt

start-up non-profit

garner attention, build a loyal fan

organization based in

base, and eventually, receive

Charlotte, NC

either financial or moral support

dedicated to teaching children nutrition.

from the fans.

Since the Foundation

summer, I understood how

at the clinic was when I pulled

difficult it is to operate and try to

patients back to see physicians.

expand a start-up organization.

This position comprised of me

Without grants and a good

calling out the patient’s name in

financial foundation, it is hard to

the waiting room, taking his/her

have a good program and

height and weight, bringing the

generate income. Without a good program, it is also hard to

patient back to the provider’s room, and taking vital signs. I

publicize and gain fans. Every

enjoyed interacting with the

summer, I focused on grant

little segment links to the others

patients and having a direct

research and writing, something

in some way. There are so many

impact on their experience at the

entirely new to me. I was also

things to consider, to get done.

clinic.

able to visit and help out at a few

My biggest takeaway is that

of the summer nutrition camps

there is no easy or right way to

which helped me feel much more

start a non-profit, you just have

connected to the cause. The

to believe in your cause and

children were active and eager to

yourself.

learn. I was surprised by how

Nick Drury ‘15—

Service and growth

only started about half a year ago, everything was completely new to the founder, Ms. Carmen, as well. Together, we explored the non-profit world in areas such as social media, grants, and outreach. For the first part of the

much a 5-year-old child learned and could remember from previous lessons. Before witnessing with my own eyes, I never thought the children could benefit this much from nutrition lessons. After observing them

answer nutrition related questions and play out the

From my work this

My summer was spent at

comfortable with trusting me with more responsibility. I was asked to train new volunteers and work alone with providers. The most rewarding of my jobs

Another valuable part of my time at Good News was meeting doctors who volunteer at the clinic and gaining knowledge from their advice and instruction. Many of the physicians had practiced medicine for forty or more years

Good News Clinics. Good

and had retired. It was

News provides free health care

interesting to listen how

to residents of Hall County,

medicine has changed so

Georgia who are uninsured and

drastically in only the past few

cannot afford medical services.

decades. My favorite physician

With aspirations of going to

was a general practitioner named

medical school, the clinic

Dr. Lewis. Dr. Lewis began his

career as a corporate lawyer, but retired at the age of forty after selling a company for multimillions. After retiring, he decided he wanted to go to medical school and become a doctor. It was easy to see that Dr. Lewis loved his new profession and came into the clinic everyday with enthusiasm. When working with Dr. Lewis, he would ask me to come see the patient with him and explain his thought processes when diagnosing issues and prescribing medication. It was reaffirming to see a physician who truly cared about his patients and enjoyed his line of work.

Tim Hines ‘15— Working at Barium Springs and meeting weekly with other interns taught me so much about leadership and initiative, about what it means to have an impact. Barium Springs, in a broad sense seeks to provide a safe home environment for children and young adults who’ve either been neglected or struggle with some sort of behavioral or drug addiction problem. They help these children cope with the stressors in their lives and turn their negative inclinations into positive ones. These children that they are helping have so much promise, so much hope, but they are often the product of deeply institutionalized and systematic

forms of oppression and

the perspectives of the other

discrimination.

interns and hearing both what

The biggest issue I had was getting past their wellstructured and intricate walls; their safe-zones. They are crying out for help, screaming for someone to free them of widely spread stereotypes, and I came to the realization that if we aren’t a part of the solution, we are a part of the problem. There is far too much turning the other cheek to these children, which keeps them trapped and seated in their

they loved about their experience and what they struggled with. I’d describe myself as pretty stubborn, but they allowed me to look at the world and issues within it from different lens and perspectives. I cannot express enough how much this additional element to the summer played on my experience.

troubled situations. This is an

Service and growth

My concept of service

area that deserves quite a bit of

continues to evolve each and

attention, yet doesn’t receive

every year. Interestingly, I never

much at all, and that is

use the term volunteer anymore.

problematic in every sense of the

I now say service each and every

word. The sad realization is that

time. For me, it means so much

if no one intervenes and their problems aren’t addressed more

more. A lot of the readings this summer have focused on getting

than at the local level, children

to the root of the causes of

like them, all around the world,

certain types of oppression or

will remain in broken systems of

injustices, and I took the most

abuse, oppression, and

from them. So often we

discrimination. They will hold

compassionately serve others but

on to the negative labels placed

do not dive much deeper into the

on them and as adults will have

issues. For this reason, I would

no real shot at success.

really like to work with some

I had the privilege of meeting with five other Community Engagement Fellows twice each week and those gatherings had a tremendous impact. I learned not only so much more about myself, but also about the nonprofit world and all that goes into making them successful and purpose-driven. I loved getting

non-profit that deals a lot with policy and planning. I just wanted to be really well-rounded and well-versed in the different aspects of service so that I may get a better understanding of all that it takes to serve purposely and make a solid and lasting impact.

Service and growth

Photo: Bill Giduz

Service and growth Photo: Bill Giduz

â&#x20AC;&#x153;An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.â&#x20AC;? - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Service And

SOCIETY

Abby Slattery ’16—

also left with an understanding

sustainable lifestyle. Learning

of culture far different from the

these things about my

western lifestyle I have always

aspirations and goals was

Amman, Jordan this summer was

been a part of, and a respect for

important to my development as

a challenging yet rewarding

this differing lifestyle. These

a student at Davidson and as a

experience that I achieved

significant changes in outlook

person.

because of immersion in a

were far greater than what I had

culture so different from my

expected to gain in just one

own. When I left the Jordan

summer in the Middle East.

My study abroad in

Environment Society at the end of my time abroad, I

Service and society

left with a better knowledge of Jordan’s environment and the issues Jordanian

environmentalists face in an effort to preserve it. Additionally, I left with an appreciation of the environmental action taken across the world as our planet continues to grow and develop. I

One of the main things

This experience was similar to my initial expectations of the trip in that I thought I would certainly learn something

that I learned about myself while

about the culture and the

studying in Jordan was that I am

language, but there were many

extremely lucky; the

aspects of the journey I couldn’t

opportunities that my family and

have predicted. At the Jordan

Davidson have granted by

Environment Society, the

allowing me to study abroad are

language barrier between its

invaluable. Additionally, I

employees and me was a struggle

learned that fighting for the

on a daily basis.

environment is a cause that will be part of my entire life, whether dealing with environmental issues in my future career or simply striving to live a more

Additionally, I realized how difficult it is to make change when a community is deeply rooted in certain practices. If the

overwhelming majority of a population does not value the environment and prioritize its preservation, it can be hard for small, dedicated groups of individuals to make change. Being in the Middle East

time in my academic schedule to

trying to comprehend and

study abroad. With the

communicate how this

experience I have gained, I also

experience has affected me.

hope to educate my friends, family, and peers about what I learned - encouraging them to take the time to study abroad, as

has been one of the most

it has been one of the most

educational experiences I have

rewarding experiences of my life.

had, opening up my eyes to a

Serving at the Jordan

part of the world that was

Environment Society has shown

previously so foreign to me.

me again that volunteer work

Because of the conflicts between

and service is something in

western civilization and some

which I always want to be

radical Islamist groups during

involved. Every experience I

the past few decades, there can

have had volunteering to help

sometimes be a fear of Middle

others, a cause, or the

Eastern culture. Living there,

environment has left me feeling

while only for a couple of

fulfilled. Finally, the most

months, showed me that while

important thing that I can take

there are some differences in

away from my time in Jordan is

culture and customs, the people I grew to know were similar to my

an increased appreciation of my life here. Although I knew

close friends in the United States

before, I can now finally

- valuing family, education, and

appreciate that I am part of a

our friendship. The Jordanian

culture where I have equal rights

culture was welcoming and

as a woman and access to an

hospitable, and I hope to return

incredible education in the

to the Middle East during my

United States, which has allowed

years at Davidson.

me the opportunity to travel and

So, now that I have returned home with wonderful stories and experiences, it is time to question: Where do I go from

study Arabic abroad.

Haley Sanner ’15— After returning home, it

This experience has taught me many principles involved with social change, human rights and social interactions. I had to constantly remind myself that change does not happen overnight and that it is important to be patient yet proactive and not get caught up in

Service and society

the Western ideal of instant gratification. Part of understanding this principle was recognizing that I was not searching for an answer but instead exploring options and possible strategies that apply to this issue. While in London, I was asked to potentially present at the European Multiple Sclerosis Platform’s bi-annual conference next spring in Dublin. My initial reaction was pure excitement and honor, but the more I thought about it I began to fear if my project would culminate in a product worthy of this honor. This was when it became really important for me to make sure I didn’t get

here? What is the next step? For

is hard to believe all of the things

caught up worrying about an end

me, the logical next step is to

that I have experienced over the

project and to stay focused on

continue studying Arabic at

past seven weeks – so many

the journey of exploration.

Davidson in an effort to further

things have happened in such a

Further, I found that addressing

reduce the language barrier I

short time that it almost feels like

situations and people with an

experienced. Additionally, I will

a dream. Over these past few

attitude of exploration

properly plan my studies at

weeks, I have been constantly

made me more

Davidson to allow myself the

reflecting on my experience and

susceptible to learning

new perspectives and ideals. This attitude also helped me control the influence of my own personal biases as I embraced organizations as an outsider. As I learned about different projects, this attitude was reaffirmed as I saw the importance of exploring different options, possibilities and perspectives when

Service and society

instituting projects that address a problem in a sufficient or responsible way

within the context of the society. During my journey I came across projects that were positively instituting change in their society and other projects that fell through because they failed to understand the context of the problem. For example, the integration of technology in the health care sector has been met with opposition from many elderly because video appointments and medical consultations lack the social atmosphere that many elderly enjoy. Cases like this have shown me that to enact change you must be aware of the context of the society and the needs/ opinions of the population you are serving. When understanding the population you serve, it is important to consider all parties affected not

just those with power or a loud voice. In the video

appointments scenario, the

location is, it means nothing

organizers failed to ask the

without a network of

opinions of elderly and only

relationships. If you have no one

considered the views of the

to share the excitement of life

medical officials and the younger

with, the excitement fades

more vocal population.

quickly. During my free time

Another principle that seemed to be a reoccurring theme in my research was the importance on giving people a sense of control. This can be especially powerful for people who have lost control over

after interviews, I battled with the effects of the lack of meaningful personal contact. I truly understood how one could feel isolated even when surrounded by individuals. Another principle I

certain physical or mental

learned was that after

aspects of their lives due to both

understanding the root issues of

natural and societal causes. This

a problem, it is important to

control gives the community

think in a new and innovative

served both ownership of the

way within the social

project as well as a sense of

infrastructure. Some of the best

independence. Western culture

ideas may not be the ones that

is so focused around the ideal of

necessarily seem revolutionary,

independence, we sometimes forget (or fail to realize) how this

but instead just change the ways different players in the social

can negatively alter our social

system are united. For example,

relationships. I learned how one

I met with a small start-up

of the obstacles to promoting

organization in Paris, France that

social inclusion is need to be

had the goal of promoting

independentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;this need can

intergenerational relationships as

manifest itself in the

a way to fight social isolation in

unwillingness to ask for help.

the aging community. The

This search for continual

organization starts by

independence naturally isolates

conducting an in-depth

us from those around us.

consultation with a lonely elder

Further, this western ideal causes

to understand their needs and

many youth to move away from

wants. In one case, a man really

their elders in search of a more

loved to draw, but felt that he

intriguing location, thus

could not continue this passion

abandoning the task of caring for

now due to physical

those who have raised us. One

inhabitations. The project

of the things I have come to learn

helped him reconnect with this

on a personal level is that no

side of himself by partnering him

matter how amazing your

up with a youth who is also

passionate about art. The key to the project was listening to the person’s story and understanding the attitudes that underlie verbal communication. The woman that started the organization emphasized how what she had created involved the simple idea of bringing generations together, but did so in a more proactive and sustainable way with profoundly positive implications. Now I look forward to how I want to apply what I have learned to my own community. First of all, I plan on looking into the issue of social inclusion of all ages and abilities during my fall semester in Nepal – it will be interesting to explore the issue in a non-Western context. When I come back to campus in the spring, I hope to have an independent study that allows me to write an in-depth report synthesizing what I have learned throughout my travels. I hope to share this report with the people I met with along the way as means of spreading the wealth of knowledge – hopefully, these organizations and individuals can gain ideas from what I have learned. Other ways I hope to share the knowledge and perspectives I have gained this summer to a wide spread audience is by presenting to my contacts at the AARP Foundation and presenting at the European MS Platform’s biannual conference in Dublin this

spring. Locally, I hope to work

our society tends to judge a book

with the on-campus organization

by its cover. I want to make sure

that connects students with Pines

that I continue to act in a way

residents and see if my

that promotes inclusion and that

experiences can help make the

I always look passed physical

program even more successful.

abilities when connecting with

On a personal level, I hope to keep in contact with many of the individuals I have met along this journey. This journey has showed me the true importance of community and social connections and I would like to continue to treasure the connections I have made. Since many of the connections I have made are abroad, it won’t be possible to stay physically connected. Therefore, I hope to find other means of maintaining

individuals because there are so many truly amazing people out there. This summer I began to train my mind to always try and look at the world from another’s perspective – to walk with someone else’s

Service and society

wheels in mind – this is definitely a practice I hope to continue to pursue in the future. After this experience, I

these relationships. There is one

am a more open, accepting,

individual, a local Davidson resident, whom I hope to spend

confident, and motivated person and I hope to let this person

more time with while on

shine when I come back to

campus. This woman has

Davidson in the spring!

severely progressed MS and lives

Liz Edwards ’14—

with her 80-year old father. She is very isolated due to her lack of mobility and other physical problems related to MS. Yet, she is an amazing and interesting woman and I would love to continue spending time with her. My research has shown me how important a little bit of social interaction can be for an isolated individual as well as the importance of engaging with people of all abilities. I have come to truly understand that a person is not defined by their abilities, though unfortunately

I am writing this final reflection as I sit at the market information table. There is a long line at King of Pops (I just finished my own lavender, milk, and honey popsicle and it was

delicious), the string band to my left is jamming, and I am entirely distracted by the delightful aromas radiating from the Homegrown Crepe food truck. Yes, my official internship at the Davidson Farmer’s Market ended two weeks ago, but the love that I

have always had for the market as a sort of casual weekend activity, and a way to stay connected with local food has truly evolved thanks to my experiences this summer. I simply can’t stay away. On my last official Saturday as the market intern, vendors and volunteers bade me goodbye, farewell. Parting

Service and society

gifts of peaches, seedless watermelons, baguettes, peppers, flowers, and basil

were bestowed upon me from gracious farmers whom I had grown to know as good friends and hard workers. The irony of such a wonderful sendoff was that I knew I would be at the market the following week—and the next week, and the next week; only now I am a volunteer and a customer, rather than official intern. I am still waking up at 5:30 a.m. bright eyed on market Saturdays, am the first customer at Summit Coffee to caffeinate myself briefly before opening up the storage shed to start setting up the market: hauling tents, tables, water jugs, you name it. It makes for an early Friday night, especially for a college student, but there truly is nothing I look forward to more during the week than Saturday

mornings. It means a fresh stock of groceries and staying

connected with the amazing

productive and efficient. This

relationships I formed this

summer taught me, however,

summer – with the town, with

that some things are okay to put

my coworkers, and with the

off until tomorrow, to get up

farmers. Being part of the

with the sun and not always rely

market this summer was like a

on the abrasive sound of an

gateway directly into the

alarm, to lose track of time on a

community of Davidson, which

run, or that it is not the end of

speaks volumes to the service

the world to call and say you’re

that the market provides to the

running 10 minutes late. There is

town. It truly is one of the

a time and place for everything

cultural hubs of the town. To be

and sometimes that might mean

there working and interacting

spending the day on a farm tour

with townspeople instead of my

and ending up in standstill traffic

usual quick stroll for market

on 85 for two hours instead of

goods and then heading back to

getting to that paperwork you

campus was so rewarding. I have

should have gotten to, because

an entirely different perspective

the farm tour was so much more

on my role in this town as a

enriching.

complete person, not just a Davidson student who breaches the Main Street border every so often. One of the biggest

My interest in local and responsibly raised foods is not new – I have been a vegetarian for a decade or longer – however, this summer gave me a more in

takeaways from this summer

depth sociological perspective to

experience for me was a stern

the local food industry, or more

lesson in relaxing. Now, I know

simply, put me in contact not

that may not be the ideal answer

with local food but with local

that I should be giving. After all,

farmers. Looking forward,

I was generously supported this

immediately following

summer to do the work that I

graduation I would like to

did; so don’t get me wrong, I

pursue an independent project

worked passionately throughout

synthesizing local farmers and a

the summer and I worked hard.

public health focus before

The pace of the summer in

hopefully entering into a

Davidson, however, was

program to get my masters in

something unlike anything I

Public Health. I have requested

have ever experienced. I have

to stay on board with some

grown up hard-wired to believe

special projects within the

that 10 minutes early is cutting it

market that I have particular

close, on time is late, and that

interest in – one being the revival

rushing is the only way to be

of the SNAP and EBT program

at the market that due to adverse

sites of three major religions. My

after a day of my own struggles

trip to Jordan has introduced me

and frustrations. My time at JRS,

to new cultures, immersed me in

though brief, also helped me gain

a foreign environment and

a greater knowledge of myself,

changed my perspectives on the

both as an individual and as a

Middle East and travel as a

student. I learned more about the

whole. Although many aspects

importance of education and

of my trip contributed to the

discovered that I have a heart for

overall experience, my time

bringing education to the

working with Jesuit Refugee

underprivileged and especially to

Services heavily influenced my

women. My

time in Amman, Jordan and gave

experiences

me a new perspective on

reminded me of

have travelled over seven thousand miles, lived in a foreign

education and service.

the importance of

country, communicated in my

school left me feeling uplifted

circumstances has not been running for a few months but is anticipated to have a great turnaround soon. Oh, and I’m not turning my market shed keys in… I still like trying to be first to the market Saturday mornings – I even sometimes beat Barbee farms.

Naomi Coffman ’16— In the past two months, I

second language, spent a night in a Bedouin camp, explored the twenty-three hundred year old city of Petra and visited the holy

Each trip to the JRS and encouraged. Seeing the joy my students took in learning to read and write in English always managed to improve my mood

education and

Service and society

showed me the difference the JRS classes could make in the lives of these refugees. For those who could already read and write in Arabic,

Photo: Bill Giduz

the classes granted greater

oppressed, abused or ignored.

of volunteers. Instead, I found

Organizations like JRS

fewer than a dozen full-time

contribute to a community not

employees and about thirty

only in providing education and

volunteers. I had hoped to see

services to its most vulnerable

classrooms stocked with school

members, but in giving them an

supplies, and large trucks laden

opportunity to work

with food and medicines for the

at JRS were generally positive, it

independently toward a better

incoming refugees. Instead, JRS

was heart-wrenching to see how

future for themselves and their

spends most of its small budget

few women were in each class

families.

on running the five or six busses

accessibility to new job opportunities, but for others, JRS offered them their first glimpse of a formal and free education. Although my experiences

and how difficult it

Service and society

was for them to take advantage of this opportunity. The four or five women made up less than a

quarter of my writing class and most of them were young mothers who had to balance seeking an education with caring for their children. Because of cultural mores and poverty among refugees, many women find it difficult to fit class hours into their schedules, especially when those classes run for several hours. While tutoring, I found myself drawn to and impressed by these women who had already overcome so much to attend each session. Although I have never felt the desire to be a teacher, I do plan to study more on education and on the consequences of educating women in underdeveloped countries. I am a firm believer that educating women and providing them with legal protection are two first steps to

empowering women in situations where they are

Like many countries, Jordan houses several hundred thousand non-Jordanian citizens,

which transport refugees to the small Catholic Church where they hold classes.

people who have fled conflict

Nonetheless, the people

and now seek refuge in a new

at JRS seemed undiscouraged

home. While there, I drove

and fully committed to their

through one of the sprawling

goals. More than anything, what

refugee camps and saw just how

I took away from this trip was

difficult and unstable the lives of

my amazement at the volunteers’

these refugees are. Perhaps their

devotion to helping people with

greatest challenge is that they are

whom they shared so few

not a part of the Jordanian community. As refugees, they

cultural, racial or religious similarities. I cannot point to any

attempt to form their own

specific, life-changing moment,

communities and are unable to

but I can honestly say that my

assimilate into their host country

time working with JRS showed

for years, if at all. Consequently,

me the best of what a life of

they are unable to support

service has to offer: passion,

themselves and must rely on the

cooperation, compassion,

government and organizations

determination and genuine

such as JRS to provide them with

change. I applaud them, thank

the most basic of necessities.

them for their service, and hope

Unfortunately, JRS operations

to partner with them again in the

remain relatively small and

not-too-distant future.

extremely limited, especially in

Stephanie Schauder

Jordan, since the organization doesn’t have nearly enough resources to serve the thousands of refugees pouring into Amman. When I went there, I had expected to find at least a hundred employees and dozens

’15— My experience in Denmark this summer is difficult to tie together neatly and coherently because while I set

out to learn about bicycling

wonderful surprises. When I

reaction is to wonder about the

was randomly invited out to

efficiency of this system and its

lunch with some people I had

effect on productivity.

just met, I normally would have

However, another part of me

declined because I had already

asks why the growth rate of

eaten lunch, and I had already

GDP matters if clearly no one is

decided what I would do that

suffering, and causes me to

afternoon. However, for once I

question our macroeconomic

betrayed my plans and had a

goals. Second, I am intrigued as

great conversation about the

to how a system such as this

Charlotte for the 20+ hours of

differences between Danish and

changes the

planes, metro, and walking that

American culture.

notion of

transportation, in the process, I also learned about Danish culture, traveling alone, and relying on God rather than myself. I was also able to reflect on what I had learned and make plans for how to implement that back at Davidson. I remember the day I left

lie ahead, and I was nervous. Actually, I was a little bit mad at myself for thinking that me, a girl who had never left her hometown for more than a few weeks, not even for college, could travel to a foreign country where she didn't speak the language, didn't have a phone, and attempt to survive for two months riding between cities on a bicycle by herself. Well, this experience

Even the less favorable changes to my itinerary provided great learning opportunities. For instance, I gained much greater confidence in navigating while completely lost, and with fixing my bicycle. I also was able to learn more about the Danish medical system in my two trips to the hospital. In fact, being in Denmark for an extended period of time allowed me to reflect on the Danish system of

community and helping other people. In the

Service and society

United States, community service is common because it fills a need that the government does not. This causes me to wonder if a socialized system of government, which requires less citizen volunteer service to the community, promotes individualism. This is still an unanswered question, but I also

forced me to give up my tight

government, and what this

hold on control and plans. I am

means for a community. Some

the type of person who at

Danes pay more than 50% of

Davidson could tell you minute

their income in taxes, but as a

by minute everything that I will

result, education (even through

be doing tomorrow, and possibly

five years of college) is free,

the next day as well. I hate

everyone has access to medical

uncertainty. Yet in Denmark,

help and many other services

after getting lost daily, fixing

ranging from incredible libraries

three flat tires, and contracting

to free language classes. Also,

critical for people living in the

Lyme disease, I learned to have

homelessness and poverty is not

same geographic area to behave

more peace with not knowing

a problem in Denmark to the

as a community. While a

how the day would turn out. I

extent that it is in the United

community can be any group of

saw time and time again how

States.

people who unite over

God provided for my needs, and deviating from my plans sometimes included some

This is interesting for a number of reasons. First, as an economics student, my gut

wonder whether it is relevant because the poor in Denmark are clearly better off than the poor in the United States. So, even if this comes at the loss of community engagement, shouldn't it be worth the sacrifice? Yet I do believe that it is

something that they have in common, such as a religion ethnicity, or

hobby; I think that people should also feel a sense of camaraderie and pride for the place in which they live. This is not just a pleasantry, citizens who are more engaged in their community will be more likely to engage with the local political system and invest in the future of the area. I think that community in towns and cities

Service and society

probably happened more naturally in the past when people made friends with the people they lived

with instead of maintaining online relationships with people

all over the world. This is not

by owning this as a part of their

necessarily a bad thing, so long

identity and embracing it like

as it does not inhibit citizens

Southerners embrace fried

from actually knowing their

chicken or apple pie.

neighbors. Thus, becoming a part of a geographic community must sometimes be an intentional process. Despite the fact that the

for cyclists and pedestrians people are exposed more. They are not shut away in cars and buses all the time, but rather they

replaced many volunteer social

are out to see and be seen.

services in Denmark, in many

Several times while waiting at a

ways Danish culture is

stoplight, I saw a man or a

intertwined with community in a

woman pull up next to someone

way that American culture is not

else, and the surprised friend

- owing primarily to the fact that

would stop and give them a hug

Denmark is so small. This

and a quick greeting all before

occurs on many levels. On the

the light turned green.

national level,

Additionally, I heard stories of

Denmark is one of

groups of citizens who would

those countries that

agree to cycle long distances to

includes some derivative of the

work together, taking turns riding in front and breaking the

word "Denmark"

wind.

on everything from schools, to hostels, to private business. The sense of national identity is very strong, and I think this is one of the reasons that cycling is so popular. The world looks to Denmark, and in particular Copenhagen, to learn about how it promotes cycling so

Photo: Bill Giduz

provisions that the Danes make

government seems to have

or the Danish flag

As a result of the

successfully, and the Danes respond

As silly as it may seem, I think a strong bicycle culture can actually encourage a sense of community among citizens for several reasons. First, the likelihood for spontaneous encounters increases. I think this makes it easier to maintain and strengthen relationships with people. This increases the sense of belonging and ownership of the city by reminding people that their lives do not occur in a vacuum, but rather are interrelated and connected to the people around them in ways that they may not anticipate. I also believe this can change the

dynamic of cities. Bicycle commuters to and from the city are not on a freeway. They pass through the parts of the city where people live. I believe that this makes it more difficult for wealthier citizens to avoid certain subsets of city. It is one thing to pass through segregated communities with the car windows rolled up, it is quite another to do it on a bicycle. Bicycling through a community is to be a part of it for a short period, to not just see it, but to smell it and hear it. I believe that this type of exposure is the first step to mitigating feelings of otherness, stereotypes and prejudices. Additionally, the economy changes to adapt to a city where cycling is king. Citizens are more likely to buy what is closest to them so vendors move into the city, and along the bike routes. In Denmark, there was no shortage of fresh food within cycling or walking distance. I think this is because food vendors cater to the needs of wealthy citizens, and the wealthy bike in Denmark. In turn this makes finding fresh food easier for less wealthy citizens who have no option but

Therefore I feel that

services.

increasing bicycle infrastructure in Charlotte and the surrounding area is very necessary. Charlotte is a commuter city. As a result people (myself included before I biked) pass from the suburbs to the city center without seeing or wanting to see the minority neighborhoods, food desserts, or bad areas of town. Just visiting these places will not change them, but it will ensure that different areas of this city acknowledge each other, which enrich cross-cultural understanding and political debates. I believe that the best way to create a cycling community is to simply get more people to bicycle. Infrastructure improvements are also necessary, but behavioral changes must come first.

Jacquie Shiu â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16â&#x20AC;&#x201D; For my summer of

My favorite part about volunteering at the UMC was the way my relationships with the neighbors grew. I learned that one of the neighbors had a well-paying job with Verizon but he was laid off and that led to his homelessness. I recall the positive feeling of answering a phone and being able to provide guidance to the person on the

Service and society

other end of the line. One of my saddest memories was the time a neighbor came to the UMC because he thought it was a shelter. I wanted to direct him to a shelter down the road but, because he did not have a Mecklenburg ID with him, he could not stay there either. He was an adorable little old man who wore a denim vest and a denim fishermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hat with his

service this year, I volunteered at

curly hair sticking out. With

the Urban Ministry Center in

him, he had a small suitcase and a

Charlotte. Their mission is to

bag full of Vinyl records that he

bring the community together to

was really proud of and told us

end homelessness, one neighbor

stories about each one. He

at a time.

signed up for help to retrieve his

During my time there, I

to bike. Although there are

volunteered at all stations of the

many other factors to consider, I

basic needs services. My favorite

cannot ignore the fact that there

places to volunteer were at the

were no food desserts in

upstairs phone and at the front

Copenhagen as there are in

desk because I was able to

American cities.

become familiar with the neighbors who accessed our

ID but it was near closing time so his chances of seeing a counselor were slim. As he waited, he told us that because he had no family around he would sleep on a bus bench as he had done in the past.

He was not able to meet with a counselor that day and as I left Urban I remember wondering where he would sleep that night. It made me realize how lucky I am and that I shouldn’t take my family and friends for granted.

Tommy Barquinero Service and society

‘14— When I first applied to be a media and communications

summer intern with Save the Children, I had merely a vague understanding of the intricacies of the organization. I applied out of admiration for an organization with such a noble name. How can you not be fond of people who dedicate their lives to saving children? More specifically, I was curious to learn about how the media and communications department intersects with the larger, overall mission of the organization. After spending two months as a summer intern with Save, as it is colloquially referred to by those inside and close to the organization, I have emerged with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of humanitarian NGOs. The process of enacting a swift and productive response to the tornado in Oklahoma or

the crisis in Syria, two examples of calamities from which Save is trying to

ameliorate the traumatic burdens

organization’s five key values,

that have been imposed on

the other four being ambition,

children, does not involve a

creativity, integrity, and

simple checklist. Rather, the

accountability) to the success of

process of helping improve the

Save the Children through my

lives of children who have been

participation on the media and

affected by disasters and

communications team. When

tragedies consists of a

removed from the overall

complicated interaction between

context of Save the Children,

all of the different departments at

many of the tasks to which I was

Save the Children. Once all of

assigned may seem tedious.

the departments have worked

However, I came to realize that

together to form a cohesive

they were an essential part of

action plan, Save then engages in

helping Save the Children fully

communication with local and

achieve its egalitarian mission.

federal governments and other

Calling media outlets and

NGOs to ensure an effective

recording the contact

course to initiate humanitarian

information of reporters who

progress. In the case of Syria, for

cover topics relevant to Save the

example, Save the Children is

Children made it easier for Save

working tirelessly to strike a safe

to raise awareness about its

balance between humanitarian ambition and the sobering reality

initiatives. The media team uses public relations to boost Save the

of the situation. Save the

Children’s standing as a

Children seeks to help as many

powerful humanitarian

children as possible in Syria, but

organization and to foster

they cannot afford to be overly

relationships with the press that

aggressive in a country that

will increase the organization’s

continues to be ravaged by the

credibility and public trust.

dictatorial heartlessness of President Bashar Al-Assad. As a summer intern, I was continually impressed by the manner in which Save the Children manages to act with ambition while at the same time never straying from a cautious awareness of the obstacles that complicate humanitarian aid. More personally, I became aware of the importance of collaboration (one of the

My summer internship opened my eyes to the relentless devotion, compassion, and patience that is required to create tangible change. It was an honor to work with an organization that aims to protect and preserve the innocence of youth.

Cy Ferguson ‘16— RedLine has flourished into a hub of the Denver contemporary art scene, and one

of Denver’s leaders in using art to help solve social issues. I knew that RedLine would be a good fit as soon as I heard their mission to catalyze social change through “art, education, and community.” RedLine is located just outside of cosmopolitan downtown Denver in the historic Curtis Park neighborhood. Curtis Park is an area that downtown Denver has seemingly left behind. Stricken by poverty and homelessness, it was not unusual for me to ride by graffiti-covered buildings that had been boarded up for years, or a man sleeping on the concrete with all his possessions in his backpack. Standing incongruously on the corner of Arapahoe Street and 24th, is RedLine. Created five years ago with an incredible 8 million dollar donation, what once was a vacuum cleaner warehouse has become a cutting edge contemporary art space and social laboratory. Upon my arrival at

of homelessness, and the idea of

was a temporary exhibition that

what a “home” really is.

sought to explore the idea of

Not Exactly was a particularly important project for RedLine to pursue, as the issue of homelessness is one the organization is very involved in. One of RedLine’s most important endeavors is the Reach Studio program. The Reach Studio is an art studio space where artists that are homeless, or in transition, can find a community of artists in similar situations, express themselves creatively, and make artwork with materials provided by RedLine—an opportunity that

space in the Curtis Park area that is home to many different urban gardening projects, and experimentation in building structures out of

Service and society

sustainable or recycled materials. As an art lover, I have

part of RedLine gave me the

to interact with many Reach Studio artists, who gave me the

opportunity to go behind the scenes and be part of an art space

opportunity to listen to their

between exhibitions.

stories, learn how they found

Uninstalling Not Exactly

RedLine, and discuss the role of

required hours of small activities

art in their lives. Each path to

like packing up artwork, filling

homelessness is different, and

holes, painting walls, and

there are no two of the same

scraping off tiny pieces vinyl

ways of coping with it. And yet,

lettering.

one commonality that I found in

themselves, if only momentarily,

Exactly: Between home and where I find myself. Inspired by

beyond the difficulties of their

to initiate discussion on the issue

SPark is a reclaimed community

with the Reach Studio I was able

exhibition of 2013, titled, Not

homeless…” Not Exactly sought

Sustainability Park (SPark).

many different venues. Being a

used art as a way of elevating

“Well, I’m not exactly

garden placed in Denver’s

them otherwise. In my work

organizations signature

public talk on homelessness said,

through an outdoor sculpture

seen many art exhibitions in

these artists was that they each

known as Gonzo, who in a

challenges and solutions,

would likely not be available to

RedLine, I was introduced to the

an artist, and friend of RedLine,

sustainable living, in both its

respective situations. One of the highlights of

Being a part of the installation process made my last night at RedLine, the opening night of Theron Humphrey’s

This Wild Idea and Steve Altman’s Reoccurring Tendencies, even more

the summer was the Imagined

satisfying. Being able to look at

Realities exhibition opening

art on the wall and know that I

night. Created by a partnership

had been a part of

with RedLine and the Biennial of

painting the wall,

the Americas, Imagined Realities

hammering in the nails,

measuring the hanging wire, and leveling the piece just so, made me feel a part of the exhibition in a way I never have before. The opening was well attended, and both shows were a hit with the public.

Christi Moore ‘15— On the first week of Freedom Schools,

Service and society

one of my scholars

young lady for that! I owe much

learn it from empty summers.

to the program. The Scholars

Freedom Schools works to

and I are even writing a letter to

insure the opposite. With a book

the White House and local

reading each week, scholars

Senators voicing our thoughts on

created summaries which

the negative impact of gun

included songs, skits, spoken

control and why immediate

word, and more! While literacy

action is necessary.

was by far the focus of our summer, we also had time to

Emily Wilkes ‘15—

bond and have fun with learning!

“Learn to do good;

In a conversation about

asked me "Why did

the much talked about Trayvon

seek justice.

you choose this job Ms. Christi?” To that

Martin - George Zimmerman

Rescue the oppressed,

I replied, “I love

breakthrough. Just as many

case with my scholars, I had a

defend the orphan,

working with students your age

others, who were puzzled and

plead for the widow.”

and I value the benefits and

frustrated about the results of the

– Isaiah 1:17 (NRSV)

challenges of education.” With

case, my scholars chose to have a

only a few days shared, I'm not

dialogue. Many would assume

sure if they believed me - I'm not

that twelve and thirteen year-

even sure if they wanted to. I

olds would be disconnected with

knew that this would be a

our legal system. However, this

journey unmatched by anything

dialogue included passionate

else I'd done before. The gift of

conversation with opinionated,

giving is always more fulfilling

thoughtful, and educated stances.

and your returns are always

In their eyes I saw anger,

unexpected and unsurpassed. As

frustration, worry; but most

an intern this summer, I received

importantly I saw a will to

more gifts than imaginable - gifts

implement change. While it is

that were not tangible, but meant

disconcerting that injustices

more to me than my scholars

continue, it is amazing to see that

could ever know. This

children are working to improve

presentation is only a small

our world. I truly believe if we

portion of the joy I experienced

do not engage them, then our

in working with Davidson

world will be at a loss.

College's Freedom Schools scholars. Throughout the summer

lose information faster than they

I can, from deep within, say that the program has won a place in my heart that will never

we focused on enhancing literacy

be filled by anything else. The

skills so that our scholars do

scholars, national training, and

not regress. Often students

much more undoubtedly changed my life and I am a better

My experience at the Urban Ministry Center as a Community Engagement Fellow has provided me with an entirely new framework for understanding the intricate link between my faith and social justice. Faith-based organizations may have a difficult time navigating the sticky situations that arise because of the religious tradition that the nonprofit has chosen to affiliate with, leading some to question whether nonprofits ought to remain secular in its approach to justice. However, I hold the conviction that the Bible offers a powerful message of hope for the poor and an unquestionable call to action for his followers. If approached in a sensitive, empathetic, and compassionate manner, I believe

that the Christian faith can be an

regardless of our housing

approach led to a false

status—and we should love each

dichotomy between evangelism

other as such. Neighbors are not

and social justice. However, I

asked to pray before receiving

now hold the conviction that

meals nor participate in any

God’s transformation of the

other religiously affiliated

world involves both the healing

activity, yet the staff members

of human hearts as well as the

Center describes itself as an

articulate their desire to create a

healing of human institutions.

interfaith organization, yet there

“ministry of presence” among

Theologian John Calvin

are elements that suggest a more

the neighbors. Urban illustrates

observed that in Genesis, God

Christian lens. Perhaps the most

how a nonprofit can be deeply

provided enough

salient example is that the

informed by a religious tradition

resources for

homeless persons who use

without being overbearing in

each creature on

Urban as a resource are referred

how that tradition manifests

Earth to meet all

to as “neighbors,” referring to

itself.

of their needs.

exceptionally powerful lens through which we can understand poverty and begin to engage in justice work in our communities. The Urban Ministry

Jesus’ command to love our neighbors as ourselves. The Urban Ministry Center is grounded in the belief that we are all each other’s neighbors—

I once held the conviction that salvation is simply a matter of disembodied souls getting into heaven after they die. My narrow-minded

Service and society

He observes: “Any inequality which is contrary to this arrangement is nothing else than a corruption of nature which proceeds from sin.”

My faith deepens and informs my understanding of social justice and gives me nothing but a greater desire to see how God can heal human hearts, relationships, and institutions.

Noah Driver ‘16— This summer I was able to talk and experience things

Service and society

atmosphere of a nonprofit to

my service mind was being

judge its merits so often, and

educated which was really cool

Speak Up passed the test every

when I figured it out. I came to

time. This summer gave me an

realize that the only way to learn

amazing measurement for what a

more about actually, truly, really

community can and should look,

engaging into a community is to

sound, and feel like. And that

actually, truly, really do it—from

may be the greatest blessing I

the inside and out. I remember

received all summer.

dozens of times when I would

Renae Cairns ‘14—

with people who I

use my experiences in Speak Up

never would have

to inform my thoughts during

met if I didn’t work

discussions, and I often found

with Speak Up. I had so much freedom,

myself quoting from the readings

responsibility, and

new direction with Speak Up. It

to make a certain argument for a

room to grow from the very first

was a wonderful cycle that made

day. I was simultaneously

me feel really smart.

outside and inside my comfort zone at many points during the

The people of my

Similar to Safford’s line in “The Small Work in the Great Work”, “once you have glimpsed the world as it might be, as it ought to be, as it’s going to be (however that vision appears to you), it is impossible to live anymore compliant and

summer were probably the best

complacent in the world as it is,”

part of everything. I was blessed

Dr. Fairley’s class, along with

to have met so many great

many other experiences I have

people. I cannot come close to

had in my life thus far, have

describing them as a group, and

made it impossible to live

absolute best fit for my passions

describing them individually

compliant and complacent in this

and skills. I was able to talk to

would take way too long. I met

world as it is. One thing I know,

new, interesting people every

vendors with dreams and hopes

however, is that I really know

day and write about their stories

for their lives and the people

nothing. There is still so much

and life experiences in an

around them. I met the leader of

that my eyes, heart, and mind

intimate, deeply personal way. It

the 24-7 prayer room in

have yet to open to. And I am

was an honor to say the least that

Charlotte, one of the best gospel

not sure what that thing—that

people would trust me with such

singers in the world (in my

shawl dance—will necessarily be.

information, especially when

opinion), and the smartest and

I see so many issues as so

they knew that I would be

tallest six-year-old I’ve ever met.

interconnected, contingent, built

sharing it with the world.

I met pastors, street pastors,

upon, and working with each

homeless poets, gifted

other. Maybe my dance will be

photographers, designers,

food justice and fighting the

teenage videographers,

forces causing inequitable access

handymen, and dozens of others

to one of the most fundamental

throughout the summer who all

aspects of human life. Maybe I

held as much belief in Speak Up

will continue listening to the

as I do now. I use the

stories of a community impacted

summer and honestly learned so much about myself and the world around me. Speak Up was the

Meetings with other Community Engagement Fellows were also inspiring. The Fellows would speak about the

to-day decisions. Each side of

big-picture ideas of civic engagement while at Speak Up I was involved in the day-

by this access and how they are

options or the options are, very

people jump up and down, clap

much deliberately even if

their hands, smile, laugh, hug,

unconsciously, made inaccessible

and speak emotionally about the

know how to express the past

and not feasible for individuals

mission of Sow Much Good, its

eight weeks in their fullness.

faced with these forces. Then I

presence in the community

Sow Much Good, the work it is

see how the health disparities

around Sunset Road, and about

doing, the individuals involved

result and how these are framed

the good food pulled from our

on each level, the communities

and manifested in the public

farms. I simply don’t know how

around it, and Robin Emmons

conscience and consciousness as

to turn away from any of that.

are things and people that I don’t

some kind of cultural ailment or

think I can turn my back on or

the result solely or primarily of

close my eyes to. It has further

poor personal choice.

further empowered through this. That being said, I don’t

fueled the fire burning in me around food. I have fallen in

In the faces and stories

I can see myself staying with Sow Much Good for a long time. I believe in

Service and society

from the community around our

the work that it

Sunset Road site I have been

does. I firmly

continuously inspired and shown

believe that although it is not

how Sow Much Good makes a

perfect, it is an organization that

real impact and is, really, a

is mindful, intentional, aware

chronic need throughout the

and self-aware, and community

United States. I have sliced a

directed. I believe that Sow

cucumber for a teenager to try

Much Good has so much

one for the first time. I have met a woman taking seven growing

potential and needs to grow. I think, in the future, it can be

girls from the ages of about ten

replicated and molded to fit

to fifteen, not all of them related

within other communities. I

to her, and investing all of her

think it can be an important

self into each of them and their

voice in the “ongoing historical

cannot help but see all around

futures all the while empowering

narrative [that] helps us feel we

me the discrepancies. The

them to grow, be independent,

have all the time we need to act,

choices presented to specific

and strong. I have met

even given the urgencies of the

groups of people. I cannot help

individual after individual taking

moment.”

but see and feel the homogeneity

charge of their health and

of the Davidson Farmers’

making intentional changes in

Layne Doctson ‘16—

Market, Harris Teeter, and

their lives in order to reduce

community gardens. I cannot

dependency and manipulation by

help but see how people

pharmaceutical companies,

experiencing poverty, people in

hospitals, and other health care

the working class, people of

providers. I have met mothers

color, people in specific places,

and fathers trying to promote the

people involved with certain

health of their children, far

institutions, and so many other

before ever thinking of

factors are not given these

themselves. I have seen some

love with the process of growing food. It is intimate. I have a deepened closeness with the food that I choose to put into my body—I think about it more, I am mindful of the way it feels before it is picked on its vine or stem, I can feel the physical tire from ensuring it grows, and I know the gratification, joy, and astonishment of the harvest. All of that alone, makes me burn. But on top of that, I

I once wrote these words: I believe that true aid does not necessarily come from government programs, but from ordinary people, willing to craft a better future for someone or something in need. I vow not to lose my sense of humanity less I

become as poor in charity and compassion as those I help are poor with food or clothing. With each act of kindness I commit, I hope to help my community take a step towards a brighter future for all. I stand by my words, with the exception of one phrase: “I believe that true aid does not necessarily come

Service and society

from government programs.” After working for the Town of Davidson’s Town Hall for the

past 8 weeks as a Community

Engagement Fellow, I have

due to this, I was not sure

found my own words somewhat

initially what to make of Town

untrue and my beliefs shifted.

Hall – was it even a non-profit

Before I had a conception of service that involved standing with the poor, being present to the poor, seeing the world from the perspective of the poor, working with the poor, and advocating for the poor. I was under the impression that the best service was the kind service taking place in the midst of the action, perhaps even in the streets, filled with struggle and some heartbreak, and requiring constant problem solving. And

anyway? Days passed and as odd as it sounds at times I would grow jealous of other interns’ stories of working through trial and error, hearing incredible life stories, and having seemingly invigorating experiences. By week 2 I realized that I had been looking at service through an overly focused, nearsighted, narrow-minded lens. In other words, I was failing to see the big picture.

Town Hall, like most non-profit organizations, is

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

mission driven and the mission is to serve citizens. Town Hall also has many dedicated citizen volunteers working around town in the community garden, at local schools, and in the town library. It was humbling to see how much work and thought is put into even the simplest of town ordinances and fascinating to gain access to an inside look at the inner workings that make up Davidson. Town Hall did not live up to my expectations, in fact, it introduced me to what I was not expecting, and I find that even more significant and powerful.

The Center for Civic Engagement at Davidson College, through its programs, events, and resources, works with students, faculty, staff and

This academic year 22 courses were offered that had community-based learning components or social action

community members to promote

context.

learning through engagement

In 2013-2014, nearly $16,000 in

with our local and global

grants was awarded to 10 student

communities. This engagement

projects. Total grant requests

takes place in a variety of ways

totaled over $45,000.

over the course of each academic year, ways including: community -based or service learning, direct community service, engaged scholarship, social action, civic participation, social justice, and philanthropy. The following are some quick facts and statistics

Davidson College was recognized by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the U.S. Departments of Education and Housing and Urban Development, The Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Council on Service

about the center.

and Civic Participation, and the USA Freedom Corps, with the

Approximately 90 percent of

Presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Higher Education

Davidson College students

Community Service Honor Roll,

participated in community work during the academic year,

the seventh year in a row the

contributing over 81,000 hours

honor.

Center has been awarded this

of service. The Center for Civic Engagement advises 27 student organizations whose primary purpose is either direct service, social justice or advocacy as part of the Civic Engagement Council. The Center works with over 165 public and non-profit community organizations.

Davidson College Center for Civic Engagement Box 7181, Davidson, NC 28035 704.894.2420 www.davidson.edu/civicengagement