3.  Definition: a service that is performed for the benefit of the public or its institutions  I have learned a lot over the past year about volunteering/community service.  Helping people is a way to give back and get involved in your community.  Freshmen Year Experience is a great way to get involved in Valdosta’s community, especially if you are not from the area.  Getting to know your town can help out quite a bit!

4.  Increased access to the range of supports and opportunities they need to grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.  Increased sense of self-efficacy, as young people learn that they can impact real social challenges, problems, and needs.  Higher academic achievement and interest in furthering their education.  Enhanced problem-solving skills, ability to work in teams, and planning abilities.  Enhanced civic engagement attitudes, skills and behaviors.  http://www.servicelearning.org/instant_info/fact_she ets/cb_facts/benefits_cbosl/

6.  The Blazer Raiser was a VSU tennis fundraiser that invited sponsors to come eat and socialize, while the tennis team was auctioned off to play on teams for the fundraiser tennis match.  I helped take money and tickets at the door and made sure all the tennis members went to the right auctioners.

7.  The fall ball was a fun, halloween party thrown for Normal Life of Valdosta, GA.  Normal Life is an organization that specializes in aiding special needs young and older adults.  The FYE program funded a party to help make their lives normal and fun.

9.  This community service project is an ongoing event and anyone can participate.  Adults and children pick up trash and help keep the community, as well as the environment clean and healthy.

11.  Relay is a fundraiser to help America’s Cancer foundation.  This event takes place once every April all over the country.  There are a lot of fundraisers and events prior to Relay to help spread the word.  Luminaries are placed around the track in memory of the loved ones taken by cancer.

13.  The Food Bank was a community service project that involved delivering food to less fortunate families in Valdosta.  I had a lot of fun working with the people at Food Bank and learned that everyone can do their part and help.