My Thoughts

In the recent fall semester at the university I attend I came across a beneficial program within the microbiology class I was taking. This program offered a great chance to see what it is like to collaborate with others of different fields once I, as well as other students, venture off into the working world after years in College. The program was known as "Service Learning" and if I do say so myself it was a wonderful experience to have happened to me. My microbiology class had to learn how to make a compost for the project we were assigned. It was a new experience indeed for me because I was so accustomed to using ready made soil from companies like Home Depot or Lowes. We had to truly use the Scientific Method during the couple of months that we had to get it finish by. To add on top of that, by far the best part of this assignment, we got to teach children about microbiology and science in general. This was one of the main purpose of the program. It felt so great seeing the children's face fill with excitement because they were learning about science in a fun way. It's wonderful to see that because a lot of people fear science and mathematics because they may not understand it. What I got from this is if you can make the subject fun for the individuals then they would love to venture out into that field. Also, by doing this I have learned myself because I was able to teach the children. Teamwork and teaching is what I got out of it and I surely have enjoyed it. What I want to do is do things like this outside of the schooling. I want to set up programs to help communities to come together and enjoy the experience I got from this. I want to come up with projects that could help the environment or help people understand different subjects. I basically want to provide a civil service towards society on my own accord. With this upcoming Ecology class I surely hope I can get another chance in working in a group and helping others again. It surely is an amazing feeling to have. Well enough of my ramblings. I hope whoever reads this enjoys a little sample of how it feels to help, learn, and teach others.

-Clifton