Conduit

by Dennis Chang

The Community Service Project was the prefect conduit to expose the learning community to the resources made available. Initially the project familiarizes us with the faculty and staff. The project then allows peers to become comfortable with one another. The resource necessary for the project requires the introduction to the support centers and library. The project then furthers its goal of instilling a sense of giving back to the community with student clubs that can help with the process.

The Community Service Project was introduced and explained by the Honor Program Director, Mr. Medina, and Peer Mentor, Maria Guglielmo, who would later introduce us to the resources and opportunities provided by Baruch. The group placement allowed us to interact with the peers of the Learning Community. The previously mentioned resources and opportunities included STARR Career development program, SACC, and the Writing Center, which are all available for the benefit for the students. The introduction to the library and its unlimited reserve became a beneficial resource. The Honor Program’s private librarian, Stephen Francoeur and his knowledge of the extensive research databases would become a useful tool towards the Community Service Project and future projects. The Community Service Project itself was the catalyst that allowed us to immerse ourselves in the available resources.

The Community Service Project has made known of the available resources. The choice not to utilize these resources would be foolish and hardheaded. The library and librarian Stephen Francoeur has been most helpful; when entirely lost and confused, an expert in a field of research is always helpful. The resources provided for the Community Service Project can be applied to all classes and courses. The knowledge of the available resources and each specific expertise makes searching for particular help easy.

My understanding of community service has evolved, not due to the project but Freshman Seminar; Mr. Medina’s story about the Midnight Run expanded my schema of what community service encompassed. Community service is giving back to the community and by doing so, you are also helping individuals who value and appreciate these acts in ways you cannot imagine.