Just the Beginning

        Upon arriving at Rock Island High School, we went up to the third floor to the assigned room where we will be helping for the semester. The teacher introduced us to the students and explained what would be going on. We were helping during a study skills period at the end of the day. The students were able to work on any homework that they had to do from that day. There were also teacher's aids in the room to assist with homework questions. Most of the homework that I have helped with so far includes a lot of math, health, government, and cursive writing. Students have been looking up answers to worksheets about cell division, the cardiovascular system, and ecosystems for science. Algebra homework has included solving equations for x, using the distributive property, and reviewing for an upcoming test. Surprisingly, when helping on some health homework about kitchen utensils, neither I, the other SAU student, or the teacher knew the technical names for some of the objects. It was interesting to see how even though some of us have grown up in the culture, we do not know everything there is to know about our own culture. The diversity, or differences, of the United States culture makes it hard to be culturally competent about all aspects of it. Surprisingly to me, all of the students in the study skills were very friendly from the beginning. Once the first class was over, their teacher expressed her surprise at how quickly and easily the students opened up to us and accepted our help. After being in the classroom, especially the more I'm there, I see how every single student has their own unique identity, or unique personality. Some are very shy and others are very outgoing.
      Cultural diversity impacts the way that the students act and interact with each other. Coming from backgrounds that are different, all of the students have different values, beliefs, histories, and heritages. Diversity affects the way that they learn, and how important getting an education is to them. It also affects their work ethic. Some of the students are very hard workers and have jobs outside of school too. The students' different diversities impact their personal identities. When getting to know the students more through interacting with them, each one has unique characteristics. Some love divulging information about themselves and have told me all about their family, friends, and things that are important to them. If each student had the same personal identity, helping at the high school would not be nearly as exciting as it is now.
      Learning the diversities of all the students will help me interact with each of them on a much deeper level. Knowing where they came from, and some of their interests will help me relate the material to things that interest them, rather than giving examples right from a textbook. Relating material to a student's interests creates a stronger connection and allows them to learn the material better. One thing that helped immensely was that the students opened up to us at the beginning. Without this open relationship, I wouldn't be able to relate with them. The more I visit, the stronger our relationships grow, and the better I am able to instruct them.

Before it all Began

1. For this service learning project I hope to know more about other cultures around the world, and how to have a conversation with someone from another country without offending or making a fool of myself. Growing up in a small town in central Illinois did not make for a very culturally diverse place to live. I learned about other cultures and lifestyles through the education I received in both high school and the beginning of college through classes such as sociology. Through this service project I hope to learn even more.

2. I do not have too many assumptions about the service learning site. I know that it is Rock Island High School, and considering it is for the city of Rock Island, I'm sure it is pretty big. I also assume that since it is a high school located in a city, it will be more diverse in the kids that attend there. Other than that, I do not know what to expect about the service learning site.

3. All that I know about the work that is done through the Rock Island ELL Program is that they help educate refugees. This teaching can range anywhere from learning English to math to science. I assume that the kids are also taught the basic lifestyles here in America, in order to become adjusted to living here faster.

4. I do not know very much about the population that the Rock Island ELL Program serves. I know that they come from all over the world, seeking refuge here in the United States. Other than that, I do not really know, or can assume anything, about the population.

5. I have no connections to Rock Island High School or to anyone in the population because I did not grow up around here. I am very interested in seeing what actually goes on through the ELL Program and what the kids are learning. I also find other cultures very interesting and cannot wait to get to know the kids better and hear their unique stories. I feel like after every trip to Rock Island High School, I will truly be able to say "you learn something new everyday."

How does service relate to learning?

     Service relates to learning in a variety of different ways. When a person has performed service activities, they become a more well rounded person. The experiences they have been a part of allow them to indulge themselves deeper into learning, whether it be in a classroom or daily life. Service allows a person to open up and understand more than just what is a part of their everyday routine. People can learn more about the world and other cultures through service.