Serving is a Contagious Source of Healing

“All students in this course are required to complete fifteen hours of service this semester.”

Having graduated high school expecting that service hours were behind me, I was surprised when Dr. Ann Schwartz announced this in my Intro to Sociology class. In response to a few groans, Dr. Schwartz assured us that fifteen hours is not much, and that service is a necessary part of the learning experience.

What is the Service-Learning Program?

 

The Service-Learning Program at Concordia University Texas is a hub of opportunities for students to serve. From managing the food and resource center on campus to playing games with residents at nursing homes, there are many ways to help the community through service.

Dr. Ann Schwartz is the program coordinator of the Service-Learning Program.

The goal of Service-Learning is to carry out Jesus’ call to “love your neighbor.” She hopes that students, staff, and athletes will grow in their ability to love through serving.

What connects service and learning?

Charlee Jacques is a junior at Concordia Texas majoring in Kinesiology. Through service, she has made new connections with people from diverse backgrounds.

“You want to be able to work with everybody,” she says. “It doesn’t matter what field you’re going into.”

Service is beneficial to everyone. “I’ve always loved doing things to give back to my community,” says Charlee. “What better way to learn about people in the community than through service?”

Learning answers how, where, and why serving is important. It reminds us that knowledge should be shared with those who need the most help.

Why should I get involved?

Student Katelyn Riccio is in charge of the group that plays games with residents at Brookdale Senior Living. Many students who volunteer with her for required service hours keep coming back.

“We’ll go at 6:30, but everyone has so much fun that they’ll look at me like, ‘Do we actually have to go at 7:30?’”

Not only do students get to play games, but they get to talk with the residents and learn from their life experiences.

“It's just a blessing to be inspired by them,” says Katelyn.

Serving has a purpose.

Students who serve have a chance to make connections with the people in their community.

“People of all different majors and all different walks of life show up, and they’re all just so happy to be there,” says Katelyn.

Dr. Schwartz makes service hours a part of her class for a reason. “I’ve always held to the model that as we serve, we’re also being served.”

Serving is contagious, and a source of healing. “Not only does it make you feel good,” says Charlee, “but it makes everyone feel good too!”

Coming up November 3-7 is Service-Learning Week at CTX. The Service-Learning Program will host games and provide opportunities for students to get involved.

“I can’t give away too much, but it’ll be fun!” says Katelyn. “And it’s worth showing up!”

About the Author

Abby Shaivitz is a first-year student at Concordia University Texas majoring in Psychology. She hopes to help children see the world as a place where they can thrive and grow. In addition to her studies, Abby works as a Digital Content Associate for the University’s Ultraviolet Student Agency. Driven by her passion for all things creative, she can often be found writing wherever inspiration strikes, sketching in her notebook during class, or playing piano in the campus music practice rooms.