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Service-Learning in PPW Perspectives  
 

The Service-Learning in PPW program allows students in PPW classes to volunteer at nonprofit sites that they choose and get an additional credit for reflecting on that experience. The program is open to any student in a PPW class: you do not have to be pursuing the PPW Certificate in order to participate in our service-learning experience. This page allows you to read some comments on the experience from students who have completed the service-learning in PPW program.

If you want to learn more about how to set up your own service-learning experience, visit the Service-Learning page.

 
 

Service-Learning in the Public and Professional Writing Program
Student Comments


“This is by far the most valuable credit I have earned as a college student.” Scott Nalick

“Volunteering in the Protection From Abuse office allowed me to see first hand how victims of violence are treated and protected by our justice system.” Maura Spillane

“I had the opportunity to work directly with local unions toward better working conditions. I would attend protests and help to organize events to improve the lives of union members who had been treated unfairly by their employers.” Adam Nelson

“Now that I have a better understanding of what home ownership can mean for a community, I have strengthened my resolve to increase people’s access to home ownership opportunities both now and in the future.” Michelle Scott

“Many non-profit organizations operate on very tight budgets with overworked employees. Volunteer effort, therefore, is vital to their livelihood.” Krystal Macintyre

“It was an enlightening experience to watch advocates work with victims. This was my first opportunity to see how the court provides direct services to people in need.” Maura Spillane

“After volunteering at Lifeswork, I started to feel connected and part of the family.” Deonna Betts-Martin

“The soup kitchen made me realize that a college student’s daily problems do not compare to those of people who walk the streets without a warm place to rest.” Scott Nalick

“I am thankful for being given the opportunity to learn about and better support a worthy cause.” Michelle Scott

"You can use this experience to find out what you want to do, to answer the 'now what' question." Jennifer Brown

"I chose that site because they had a 'Healing of the Arts' program and I have a design background...I'm going to continue volunteering at the Cancer Center. For my WPC class, I'm putting together a take home booklet for patients on Healing of the Arts." Elizabeth Doran

"The hustle-bustle college lifestyle often leaves you wrapped up 'in your own little world' and causes you to lose sight of the bigger picture. Interacting with others who share your interest in service, but who are very diverse in their academic and life goals, helps keep you grounded." Brittany Colatrella

"...this class was a way for me to get some experience in a field I am interested in. Experience that I probably would not have attempted to get without this class." Pieter Heemstra

"...it has been one of my favorite forms of stress relief this semester." Molly Panning

"I got a lot out of the site I volunteered at, which was Magee Women's Hospital. I learned how to communicate and interact with people better. This was very helpful because I am a very shy person." Shaquiea Sykes

"I am leaving this class with a feeling of accomplishment and gratitude....Volunteering can not only help you earn one credit and look awesome on your resume, but will make you feel like you do make a difference!" Christina Levkus

"I am grateful I've had the opportunity to make their lives a little bit easier during this difficult time, but nothing I could do or give them compares to what I've gained from meeting them." Darlene Monlish

"The shelter has given me a place where I can get away from the hassles and hectic lifestyle of college for a few hours. More importantly, the entire atmosphere has allowed me to see just how much influence one person can have in what he or she participates in." Jennifer Brown

"This is an introduction to the world of interning....Having to balance writing along with the required 30 hours of volunteering you do this term is a great way to ease yourself into an intern experience." Stacey Leonard

"The practical aspects of transitioning from college to a career can be tough and a lot of the talks were on topics that will help you make that transition. The instructors were very relaxed but don't let that fool you: they really know what they're talking about and want to help you however they can." Robert Dalton

"Once I began tutoring and creating bonds with the children, I realized that this is an organization that I want to keep in touch with and continue to work with in the future. . . .I am taking from this experience a new outlook on life. It is easy to sit in a class and hear the statistics of low assessment test scores, but it is different when you actually work with a child in sixth grade who can barely do simple arithmetic." Natalie Neidrick

 
 

 

 

 

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