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“Escaping” from the traditional service learning trap

Community service learning has been popular and one of most crucial components of school life because of its benefits in connecting students and social communities, displaying more realistic social norms and “warning” students their…

From Removing Stereotypes, Understanding cultures, and Embracing Charity to Achieving Social Change

“Is red your favorite color? You have such a pair of cool red sunglasses and sporty red bike!” “Maybe, but I usually wear blue. You know?” This dialogue may…

Navigating the 826 community

I find it interesting that many people believe you can help a community without understanding the history and realities of residents in the community. To understand a community at a deeper level before wanting to help is a vital component of a bond and it gives you an idea of how to navigate how…

WP2 Final Draft- Why Students Need to Go into Service-Learning with an Open Mindset

Those involved in service learning need to recognize and realize they are doing something more than working “for” the community. Individuals need to go into community service work with…

The Complete Engagement Experience

Community service has always been a confusing topic for me. How, for example, are we meant to help? And what about the savior complex; is there a way to separate ourselves from that mindset? Do these people even want help? And if so, does the work make a dent in the…

Dismantling the Divide

Unfortunately, due to a lifetime of misrepresentation, I have always believed that prisoners are inherently threatening. I even thought they lived entirely separate lives from those of us who abide by the laws. Similar to the stereotyping of other groups, these assumptions come from a…

Engagement Overcoming differences

As a Chinese student at USC and a member of my community, I can sense significant differences coming from all these identities simultaneously. I am utterly proud and thrilled to be able to accept higher education at this well-known academic institution. Nonetheless…

How to Create the Biggest Change with Limited Resources

The Chinese education system is different from the western education system which is more open-minded and students have the choice to choose what subjects they want to study in high school. Standardized test such as the SAT or ACT is also not the only consideration for…

Kickball and Forming Real Connections

When a child walks into school, hundreds of years of history follow them through the hallways. It can be hard, sometimes, to remember that…

Finding Middle Ground

As a USC student, a piece of advice I’ve gotten from people ranging from my mom to uber drivers is that I should stay away from my school’s surrounding areas. As a result, before becoming acquainted with Socal, I often wondered what kind of “dangerous” people occupied the premises. But…