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Opinion: Service Learning Program, ACES enrich apathetic ASU community


Most schools are known for their academic programs or sports programs. Some schools are known for their status or how much it costs to attend the school. But ASU is known for apathy? That's not cool.

ASU is an awfully big place. Is the not-so-nice nickname of Apathetic State University appropriate? Do students get lost in a sea of signs and flyers? How do students discover the variety of opportunities that potentially await them?

That seems to be the question for the Academic Community Engagement Services . Late last week, ACES was one of only two organizations to be awarded the President's Award for Innovation. Despite recognition from the president of ASU, the program relies on student involvement to flourish.

The program began in 1994 with a challenging mission of reaching out to the community while offering students a way to link their academic world to service. Today, 350 students are involved in various programs through ACES.

Carmela Zega is the Assistant Director of Service Learning Program. Service Learning is only one of the many ACES programs. The Service Learning Program seeks to provide ASU students with an opportunity to receive course credit while they serve as tutors and mentors to elementary students. When asked why students should get involved, Zega said that students can have amazing experiences through the program. She smiles when she tells the story of "Sandra."

"When I started in the program in the spring semester of 1999, I met a child named 'Sandra' at Salvation Army South Mountain (a site where after-school tutoring occurs). Her voice was always the first one you heard when you walked into this very large building. If someone was in a fight, 'Sandra' was always a part of it. She did not respect any of her peers or the ASI tutors or ASU interns.

"As the years have gone by, I have seen this 9 year old grow into a very different young woman. 'Sandra' enjoys tutoring and anxiously awaits the start of each semester or summer session. She shows respect for everyone at the site including the interns and the children. In addition, she was one of the four junior high pupils who came to the ASU campus for a day last semester as an honorary college student. She still talks about the day she spent in the two college classes and now looks forward to attending ASU. Three years ago this child would not willingly attend grammar school and was kicked out of several of them due to her behavior. I credit the consistency of the Salvation Army staff and our tutoring program for 'Sandra's' growth and accomplishments," said Zega.

ASU is large and has a variety of programs to offer students. Even though I once worked in Residence Life and thought I knew many of the opportunities for student involvement, I had never even heard of the Service Learning Program until earlier this year. It's a great way to get involved.

Janice Kelly, Associate Director of ACES, said, "Students should get involved if they want to act on the belief that individuals CAN make a difference in the world. We will never be able to help every child who is struggling in our community, but together we can help a large number of them. If you want to get involved, all you have to do is visit our Web site at www.asu.edu/duas."

I'm so glad I learned that a Service Learning Program exists on ASU's campus. After talking to numerous students who have been in the program, one theme consistently emerges. It feels amazing to know that you're making a difference in someone's life. ASU students can take some of their time to see a young student's eyes light up when getting an answer right. ASU students can listen to a young student talk about their world in third grade. The bottom line is it's a great feeling.

The Service Learning Program and ACES offer ASU students a wonderful opportunity to show the community that ASU does not stand for Apathetic State U.

Rosie McSweeney is a graduate student in social work. Reach her at rosie.m@asu.edu.


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