Service Learning
For my service learning class, I was placed in the community and volunteered in the Salinas Public Library and Literacy Program at Cesar Chavez Library in Salinas, CA. I was placed in a citizenship class which I participated in virtually as well as an adult computer literacy class that I attended in person. For citizenship class, I would translate test questions from English to Spanish with ease, just as in the computer literacy class I would help students with instructions in Spanish. Finally, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in my community of Salinas and speak Spanish with adults from the community. I learned a lot from wonderful individuals in the community and where they come from and how I was able to be a good instructor. Also, I learned the need for these free courses in the community. I had the opportunity to connect with students in so many ways that I hadn't thought of, and I personally didn't know about these services until I helped. I also learned that the adult students and my parents' lives were quite similar, and I admire how much the students wanted to learn and improve. Likewise, I noticed a great need for bilingual volunteers, if it weren't for the fact that I speak Spanish, I don't think I would have connected as I did with the students. Furthermore, for my final paper, I reflected on my experience growing up bilingual and what speaking two languages meant to me. I am glad that my parents taught me my first language, Spanish, and that they continue to encourage my siblings and I to speak Spanish. In the future, I plan to work with my community in Salinas, and I will be able to inform my students and their families about opportunities like this one at the library. I felt that my experience allowed me to be compassionate towards adults in my own family who are new to using technology. I feel that it is our social responsibility as first-generation students to stand up for our community and inform others of the resources available to them. It was great to also see how much diversity there was in the program from Spanish speakers from different Latin American countries and even different dialects that they spoke. Being a part of this service-learning experience enhanced my cultural knowledge and allowed me to work one on one in the community I grew up in. It felt great to give back.
Evidence:
Final Paper
Final Presentation
Evidence:
Final Paper
Final Presentation