By Kristen Terry
Staff Writer

Bates College prides itself on its strong tradition of service learning. Holly Lasagna, program coordinator at the Center for Service Learning, sees the activity as “A continuum – it can be purely academically based as a part of coursework, or it can be done during the summer.” What separates it from simply volunteering is that the goal of service learning is to connect what students are learning in the classroom to the community and their future.

139 agencies have been involved with Bates’ popular service learning program. Students completed 61,954 documented hours of service during the 2002-03 school year. Many of the hours were spent working in after-school programs, elementary schools, and nursing homes. This overwhelming amount of service is encouraged widely by at least 32 professors who have incorporated it into their course expectations.

This fall, several groups of students began service learning as they also began their Bates experiences. Students in Professor Makris’ First Year Seminar (FYS 261), entitled “Ain’t I A Woman: Writing A Woman’s Life,” were asked to conduct field research into the lives of local women. Class members visited local elderly housing complexes for several hours a week.

Kristen Kennedy, a student in FYS 261, completed her coursework at nearby independent living facility Maison Marcotte. She worked with a 91-year-old, Franco-American woman, talking with her and listening to her stories. Kennedy thought the service learning was a worthwhile experience. “It was actually really interesting to see how she had experienced Lewiston... her whole life,” she concluded.

Also a member of FYS 261, Kaitlin Hyde regularly worked at the Blake Street Towers last semester. With two other classmates she served lunch to and spoke with the elderly women that live there. Hyde heard personal regarding what it was like to grow up as a woman in the early twentieth century, a time when people of her gender had limited education and career options. She was pleased to see how much the residents looked forward to their visits. “They got so excited,” said Hyde. “Before, only a few people would come to lunch. Pretty soon a bunch of people started coming down.” Some of the interviews the students conducted at Blake St. were recorded and are going to be made into a book.

Students in First Year Seminar 255: “The Psychology of Influence,” taught by Professor Bradfield, also integrated service learning into their study of social psychology. They applied their knowledge through a partnership with the Abused Women’s Advocacy Project. The class prepared and presented updated publications and influence materials for AWAP. “It was a fun project,” said class member Matt Erisman. “It provided insight for the whole semester.”

One of the greatest benefits from service learning is that it connects Bates students to the region. “I think it’s such a misconception about the relationship between Bates and Lewiston,” said Lasagna. Service learning creates and develops long-term relationships with organizations in the community. “They love Bates students. People are interested in who they are, where they’re from, what they’re studying,” Lasagna said of the service agencies. “The work from Bates students is both needed and appreciated by the community.” Those that are interested in Service Learning should stop by the office at 163 Wood St. or visit their website, www.bates.edu/service-learning.xml, for ideas and information on how to play an active role.



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