Ferrum College's motto, “ Not Self, But Others ,” has certainly become a reality. Service Learning has become a very vibrant and moving experience for many students throughout our beautiful campus. There are countless experiences in which students have had the opportunity to become involved with service learning. The concept of service learning is sometimes compared to and perceived as community service. This, however, is an incorrect perception of service learning. Service learning is hands-on work, which plays an integral part in the educational experience of our students.

Ferrum's persistence towards more hands-on learning has become evident over the past few years, with growing interest. Ferrum College has service learning both in and outside the immediate community. I had the opportunity to travel to Belize last spring for a service learning trip. The experience was amazing and really opened my eyes to what problems exist beyond our own borders. Ferrum also offers classes specifically on the topic of Service Learning. Students are given the opportunity to learn more about what service learning is and also come up with original projects, which are put into effect.

Every semester, under the direction of Dr. Frederic Torimiro, students in Political Science 299 Service Learning travel to McDowell County, West Virginia. With joint efforts from both Ferrum College and Big Creek People in Action, students are exposed to an area which is in need of much help. Students work on projects in the community while experiencing the culture and people. This allows students to discuss what problems are evident and possible solutions.

One of the biggest benefits of Service Learning is the ability to help people in one's own community. Last semester students created a project which was designed to combat problems with “at-risk” youth males in a community. A main problem found was a lack of interest in education with these middle school-aged boys. “Camp Ferrum” was born and allows students from our local community to come to our campus and explore the wonders of an academic experience through many projects and activities.

Ferrum College has always been a place where students could experience hands-on activities, but with the idea of Service Learning, students now get the opportunity to help others in an educational fashion. I have had the wonderful experience of working with people from Belize to McDowell County to our own local community. Being a political science student, a person who studies problems that face our community far and near, these hands on service projects have truly helped me grow as a student and a person. Helping to make your community, state, nation, and world a better place is definitely a sign of a strong and caring citizen.

Wayne Brockwell '06