A New Kind of Spring
Break: Finding Peace Through Service Learning
Summary:
Summarizing the Belfast service-learning
trip of 2012, this article gives an abridged version on the history of the conflict
as well as the students’ interactions with the community. With quotes from the
students it was a wonder that the readers themselves did not volley for a spot
in the next trip. Some of the students spoke about not just the survivors of
the event but also the warriors of Ireland. Other students commented more on
the education experience saying things like “societal and classroom issues
on any topic were directly discussed and dealt with on a regular basis.” Lastly the landscape and the beautiful
scenery of Ireland was openly admired by the students.
Reflection:
Reading the article makes me super excited to go and
visit Ireland. I hope that I can have not only any inspiring trip as so many of
the students appeared to have had but also a unique one. As someone coming from
an art therapist perspective I wonder if that will change how I view each
interaction of children. Perhaps since we all have been spoon-fed information
on the education system at Wheelock there is a bit of that in all the
undergraduate students. But perhaps with philosophy, psychology, and art I will
look at it in more theoretical approach or discovery. That of understanding
rather then changing. Although I would like to help I realize that a week
leaves me but in the visitors land with less influence being allowed. However
perhaps my role is just that. I will do my duty to step in where I’m allowed
and I see fit but that opportunity may or may not come. Thus I hope to observe
and to learn. I also hope I can come up with something clever to say at the end
of this whole expedition that will strike a cord in their heart.
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