Cynthia novoa reflection

to watch. They showcased their passion for dance and hard work for two performances to soldout audiences. Through this journey I have witnessed students blossom both individually and as a team. Now at the end of the program, I am proud to say that I have witnessed students forge new friendships and exhibit growth, increased confidence, and self-esteem.

Service learning has enriched my academic experience immensely. It has allowed me to venture outside of the classroom to develop a deep understanding of the issues surrounding urban inequality through first-hand experience. At the end of the day, we can read about issues pertaining to poverty and inequality but taking the next step and interacting with the Fifth Ward community, witnessing it personally, and actively participating to make a change has made all the difference. Being able to travel to the Fifth Ward each week to affect change in our own unique way has been a very touching, meaningful, and rewarding experience. Service learning is pivotal in bridging the gap between the theory and concepts we learn in class with affecting change in the real world.

The most meaningful part of my internship experience has been providing students with an opportunity for growth that they would have otherwise gone without. Dance is a major passion of mine; it has allowed me to express myself and has been an outlet for me through the good times and hard times in my life. It has been deeply meaningful for me to be able to share my passion with students in the Fifth Ward. Perhaps the most profound moment for me throughout this experience came when I was discussing the uniform students would be wearing for their performances. I was excitedly describing to them the details of their uniform when a student asked me, “How much is all of this going to cost?� I was taken aback by this question. I knew that the uniforms would be no cost to them; I was going to tell them that before the close