My name is Jillian Waybright, and I completed service-learning hours as a requirement for my Business Communications class this past fall. I volunteered for the Anne Arundel Community College Campus Landscaping, the committee is run by Rita Ailstock, and is located on the Arnold campus. This was a great service learning opportunity which provided a flexible schedule, and is conveniently located on campus! I have a busy schedule and it was great to be able to get out of class and be right at my service learning location.
When I walked around campus, I never really thought about who was planting the flowers, mulching, and weeding the flower beds. I assumed campus employees were in charge of the landscaping. This volunteer experience made me realize I was completely wrong. The students:
• plant flowers
• pull weeds
• do light mulching
• transplant flowers
Did you know Anne Arundel Community College has a green house? This green house is located near the Careers Building. Students volunteering in the spring semester work in the green house planting seeds, and move flowers from the green house to different locations on campus. I volunteered in the fall and planted different types of bulbs near the Careers Building. I cannot wait to see these tulips when they bloom in the spring! I will have a sense of accomplishment knowing other students are enjoying the result of the work I did while volunteering.
Overall, this was a great service-learning experience. It was local, fun, and interactive. On campus partners are a great option for students with busy schedules and limited transportation. Mrs. Ailstock is a great woman to volunteer for, and shows great enthusiasm about the activities the Campus Landscaping Community has in store for the upcoming semester. I am glad I chose to complete my service-learning hours with Anne Arundel Community College Campus Landscaping.
By Jillian Waybright (BPA 162-Business Communications)
