Service Learning

            I participated in a children’s indoor trick or treat at the Y on Granby. I volunteered on October 29, 2019 from 3 to 5 o’clock. I dressed up as Captain America and hosted the caramel apple station where the kids could come up and mold caramel apple slices. The Y on Granby is a nonprofit community organizer that’s purpose is to strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The provide a gym, pool, daycare, and many other public facilities benefiting the health of individuals. The address and promote ways of healthy living and interaction within all members of the environment.

            This volunteer opportunity taught me how to give back to the community. I love working with kids and being able to interact with them during Halloween and provide them with a happy trick or treating experience taught me to think of others more them myself and how to provide happiness to others. I believe in giving back and I can now appreciate how it feels to help others instead of myself. Another health-related experience I had was having a career as a dental assistant in the summer of 2018. These two experiences all aid my decision to pursue Dental Hygiene.

            This service-learning relates to my intended career by interacting me with all types of people. Also, it gives me an opportunity to serve the community. Other than Dental Hygiene, what I participated it relates to a career like Public Health Administration or Child Psychology. I would possibly choose Public Health Administration as a parallel major because it still insures, I’d be working with people and doing the optimal career that focuses on health.

            My study habits have changed drastically since the beginning of the semester. Now I spend about 4 hours studying for each class rather than 1 or 2 a couple days a week. I know like the library and quiet focused spaces to do my studying and homework and found my room isn’t the best place. I like using sticky notes and highlighters and having the room totally quiet. For every class I like to watch videos on top of studying afterwards to get other people’s opinions and descriptions as well. For every class as well, I use different color pens to indicate different topics or things that need further clarification.

            I expected most of the things I experienced. I knew it was going to be a lot of work, but I was unsure of how to mange my time in the beginning. I also thought I would have more free time, but I dedicate that to studying. I found emailing my professor extremely useful in times of confusion, even if it was a simple question. I also found building personal relationships with them and my classmates helpful to bounce ideas and share thoughts about the material. I found reading unhelpful. I cannot just read and know information. I require unique studying tactics and other people to help me learn. 14 weeks ago, I wish I knew that I could do this. I know I can do whatever I put my mind to, but I doubted myself and got depressed but I must believe in myself. Next semester, I will be better prepared to handle what’s thrown to me and know what works for me.