1. How did your community service work help the community?
I went to the Metropolitan Hospital in Harlem to entertain kids as part of a service event for Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity.

2. What were your initial reactions upon hearing that you would be engaging in a community service project?
At first I was a little scared of going to Harlem because it isn’t exactly the safest area, however after we got to meet all the little kids there, I felt really happy to be able to partake in a very meaningful cause. Seeing all their brightly lid faces as we cheered them on, colored with them, and told them stories really made my day.

3. How did it make you feel to give your time and energy to others?
It felt great because aside from contributing and being a part of a great cause, I was able to bond with people that I really enjoy spending time with, and we had a blast laughing and chatting with all the adorable little kids.

4. What did you learn about yourself, the people around you, and the service site?
I learned that if you truly have the heart to be a part of something, you can always contribute and put in a share of effort on your part regardless of how small it may seem. And of course everyone loves free labor, so why not be a part of something worthwhile and brighten up someones day?

5. What stands out as the best and/ or most trying experiences that occurred while engaging in your community service project? What did you learn from these experiences?
It helped me acquire a lot of perspective – especially as I got to see how many of these kids have to spend their days in a hospital and aren’t as fortunate as me, I was reminded to not take anything that I have for granted and reminded of how lucky I am to have been blessed with good health.

6. How did engaging in this project relate to your education and the larger issues in society? We participated in this cause completely out of our own will. The hospital encourages volunteers who are willing to come in and participate somehow in entertaining the patients there. We also brought with us coloring books and crayons and we had a wonderful time with all the kids.

7. How did your community service experience relate to the “Leadership and Service” session?
I learned that there are always available outlets for us to contribute back to the community and do something meaningful with our time. It doesn’t always have to be donating a lot of money, sometimes it is the heart and thought that goes the longest way, and can help someone in need find the inspiration they need to continue striving in life.

8. How has your community service experience changed your thinking, attitudes, and actions towards others, yourself, the community, and community service work as a whole?
As I mentioned above, it helped me gain perspective and helped me see clearer that there are many kids who aren’t as fortunate as I am, and that just a little bit of my time and heart, can go a long way, and that is a wonderful feeling.

9. How has your community service experience impacted you personally? What is the most important thing you learned about yourself throughout this experience?
I learned to be more aware of my community and surroundings and be more aware to give back whenever I have the chance. Now I feel a lot more grateful for everything that I’ve been blessed with in my life.

10. Were you satisfied with your experience overall? Why or why not?
Yes, definitely. Seeing all the kids’ smiles and bright faces as we played with them really meant a lot to all of us.

11. Do you see yourself staying involved in the community during your college and adult years? Why or why not?
I would like to because it is important to give back to the community and make the world we live in a more fair and well-rounded place.

12. Sum up your service-learning experience in a one-two-sentence headline:
Helping out with the community doesn’t require rocket science – it just takes a little bit of heart and dedication.