A Reflection on Service Learning: Working at Easter Seals Child Care

Monads Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Before this experience, I did not understand this quote; however, now I understand this whole-heartedly.

The first time I heard about service learning at Saint Anselm College was when I took a tour in my Junior year in high school. As the tour guide was explaining what service learning was, it immediately sparked my interest. As a student, I learn better in a more hands-on atmosphere, and this experience seemed perfect for me. After arriving at Saint Anselm College and being offered to participate in service, I definitely knew that it was something that I wanted to participate in. I feel very fortunate to have had this experience, and through my twenty hours I feel as though I am a better, more mature young adult.

The Easter Seals agency I served provided great service to the children and the families. I think that the program is very special and provides so many children and families with benefits and opportunities that they may have never had. The children are given breakfast when they first arrive, and they are fed throughout the day. Also, there are frequent coat drives and such for the parents to take warm clothing for their children. The employees are very kind, and care so much about the children. The whole agency is very positive and I am thankful that I was able to be a part of such a great program.

The purpose of Easter Seals Child Care is to support children who come from low-income families, and provide them with meals and a warm place to play and learn. They educate children who may not have been able to go to a public school and get a proper education. The center also provides a daycare for babies and toddle...

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...classroom and stating, “Miss Laina! I missed you!” I will miss having weekly chats with Owen, and reading the same book to Jaclyn every week. Each of the children I met, I will miss. They have taught me so much and I am truly blessed to have been a volunteer for such amazing children. I would absolutely do this again, and I am planning on continuing service learning next semester in the same classroom. I think that the Service Learning is a unique, amazing opportunity and the only suggestion I would have based on my experience would be to have a meeting with the teacher who is in charge of the classroom one is volunteering in, just so that people have a better understanding of their duties and what needs to be done. However, overall, I will never forget this life-changing experience and I already miss all of the kids so much, I can’t wait for next semester.