Kahne and Westheimer, "In The Service of What?" Extended Comments

After reading the article by Kahne and Westheimer, I wasn't completely sure what I thought about it. So I decided to look at what other students wrote about the article and do an extended comment. When I read Kathryn's blog I knew exactly what she was talking about and that it is true.

My favorite part of Kathryn's blog is when she talks about her definition of service learning, and community service. she states, "One example they give in the article is giving survival kits to the homeless. I think this is one way of service learning to help improve the community. Or is it just community service? I also think that it means not only helping people in need but you benefitting from helping those people." 

I completely agree with this quote because a lot of times the act of just giving people stuff is considered the greatest way to help. For many years I've watched ESPN and sports channels daily. I love to see all the different shows and athletes away from their jobs and interacting with the hosts. One great example that I've gotten from watching these different shows is one in particular show called My Wish. On this show, there is a child who has had either life threatening complications or a type of disease where they are unable to do stuff they love. All the kids love a certain athlete or professional team and their wish is to either meet them or do something with them. The athlete will come in and take the kid to have a whole day of fun and doing normal things. It's amazing to see how happy the kids get when they see their idol or favorite athlete walk through the door and say they are going to hang out for the day. I believe it's so much better for people to help out by going to the problem instead of just giving to it. Another example is when celebrities support charity's or foundations by giving donations of money or supplies. I believe it is a lot more beneficial and special to have that celebrity be there in first person, helping out with people and showing they care. Anyone with money can write a check and say they care, but people who actually help the problem by taking time from their life and going to the problem really and truly help.

This is a youtube video of the show My Wish