“ From this class I really learned that God places us on this earth to use the talents and gifts he gave us to help others that are less fortunate or are just incapable of taking care of themselves.” Richard Wallace '18
because of their experience and how they are different from the person who signed up for the class. At their service sites, students are expected to not only observe what is happening, but to also get involved through hands on participation. Cassandra Martinez '18 reported, “In reality, we had to actually participate in the work sites.” This involved a number of activities that ranged from simple conversations to cooperative projects where the students worked side by side with elderly residents and the handicapped. Richard Wallace '18 shared his knowledge of technology with the residents of Brookside Senior Living Community to help them use their cell phones and other devices more effectively. He says, “Since my main base of operations is in the library, whenever any of the residents needs any help…they always come to me and I help them.” At Sunrise of Flossmoor, Dallas Carter '18 “helps them (the residents) with projects such as making arts and crafts.” Recognizing the loneliness that sometimes comes with advanced age, Dallas says, “I also try to talk to some of the residents individually. I think they really enjoy my company as much as I enjoy them.” As much as the students may enjoy their work later in the semester, at the beginning, some are uncertain about what to expect. Cassandra, whose assignment is at SPEED PAL, recalled, “When I signed up for the class, I didn’t know what to expect. I completely underestimated our responsibilities.” Dominic Gierczyk '18, who also works at SPEED PAL agreed, “I initially thought it was just going to be ‘you go there and do service’ but I actually have formed bonds with these kids and supervisors and I’m glad it turned out
that way.” Cassandra continued, “My service at my site has positively changed my outlook on life. People who don’t have the same difficulties as these kids take their lives for granted… These kids have to work twice as hard as we do…They have struggled and they have fought. They have an eagerness to learn every day and they make the most of it.” Other students also described how participating in Discovery in Service has changed their lives. Richard, who works with the elderly at Brookside Senior Living Community said, “Now I see life as more of an opportunity to help others.” Eden Harris '18, whose service site is Sunrise of Flossmoor, commented that Discovery in Service has “made me more grateful for the talents and basic functions that I have because a lot of the elderly people I’m around lack skills that I used to easily take for granted. It (Discovery in Service) has made me realize that to achieve happiness you must learn to love what you do and enjoy life and don’t take anything for granted. Discovery in Service has made me a more humble person.” Richard summed up a sentiment expressed by several of the students, “From this class I really learned that God places us on this earth to use the talents and gifts he gave us to help others that are less fortunate or are just simply incapable of taking care of themselves.” As Discovery in Service moves into its 45th year, the class continues to draw a full group of students each semester who may not fully understand what they are getting into, but who will be profoundly changed for the better by their experience.
Dominic Gierczyk '18, enjoys a game of UNO with students at SPEED Specialized Education Joint Agreement, an educational cooperative of 15 local school districts that provides program and support services for individuals with disabilities ages 3-21.
Richard Wallace '18 helps Howard Ward, a resident at Brookdale Senior Living Community, navigate the Internet.
MARIAN CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
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