This class has changed my life. Not many do. I've learned so much about myself and the people I associate with and the people that I don't… I will never look at homeless people the same again. I will never think of families on welfare as being lazy or taking advantage of the system… I will teach my children what I know and I'll tell anyone who will listen.
~ Student Evaluation Comment for Introduction to Service in Multicultural Communities
I never really realized how much I enjoyed working with children until participating in the service learning program here at CSUMB. This is what helped inspire me to become a teacher. It let me see how much I can do to make a difference.
~ Charmeaka Canada, Oakland, California, CSUMB Class of 2001
As a result of having CSUMB service learners here, our school is more attractive and students know more about watersheds, native plants, and plant propagation. Most of all, they have a better feeling about what college learning and students are like. Our school looks much better and our students have the satisfaction of having contributed to the new look. They also have the competence of knowing how to make a difference in their environment.
~ Lynda Kamrath, Salinas City Schools, Community Partner with Applied Watershed Systems Restoration Service Learning
In my service learning course, students are able to directly apply their writing skills. The quality of writing is improved when students know that the public will see it. Service learning makes teaching "real." Students love it.
~ Dr. Nancy Souza, Instructor, Reading, Writing, and Critical Thinking