Service-Learning Journal Entry

Date: 13 February 2024

Start Time: 1400

End Time: 1500

The concept of the book donations project is simple: to collect and donate books (Fiction and Self-Improvement books) to women are incarcerated in jail.

First, we assigned people for each to contribute to the project. Instructor and the rest of my classmates were assigned to gather books on sale at Mardens, neighborhood such as students, family, friends, and library. We also decided to have book drive in campus where we will set up drop boxes and flyers. Since I lived in 3 hours away from the school and cannot be physically helped with the project, I was assigned to create a flyer. The instructor created an outline for a general idea for me to create. I created flyers before therefore I was not worried too much. The discussion regarding the project ended like our usual time.

Date: 20 February 2024

Start Time: 1900

End Time: 2000

I gathered all the information that the instructor instructed me to input on the flyer. I usually create my flyers from posternywall.com. First, I created a picked orange on upper background, navy blue for the lower background, and “SERVICE LEARNING PROJECT” highlighted black in the middle. I added images and “BOOK DONATION” for the top. As for the bottom, I added more books images on the right and details of what are looking for book donations. I wanted to add a quote that could inspire people to donate books. The quote was, “One book can change the lived of many”. Lastly, I added the instructor’s contact information for more details about the projects.

Date: 22 February 2024

Start Time: 1400

End Time: 1430

Today the instructor and my classmate decorated the donation boxes. They decided to wrap the boxes with purple color. We also revised my flyer. I needed to change the color of the background because it felt like a Halloween flyer. Needed to change book images, had to credit the person who wrote the quote. Lastly, I had to change the POC (Point on contact) to FMI (For more information). We also discussed if we want to include information on where the books are going to be donated to. I suggested that I could create a QR code where people can scan to find more information about the project. The instructor wanted us to submit 5 ideas of what should be included in our handouts. The classes ended at 1430.

Date: 25 February 2024

Start Time: 1800

End Time: 1830

I created a QR code that will directly bring to a google docs where the project information can be found. I started to revise my flyer. Changed it to light color for the background. Changed change book images, credited the person who wrote the quote. Lastly, changed the POC (Point on contact) to FMI (For more information).

Date: 01 March 2024

Start Time: 1930

End Time: 2330

Introduction:

I explored 5 ideas for the Service-Learning handouts for book donations. The program goal is to create inspiring handouts that explain the program’s purpose and highlight the positive impact to the recipients.

1. Introduction and Purpose. The introduction should briefly explain the purpose behind the program and highlight the positive impact to incarcerated individuals, especially women.

2. Gratitude and Reflection. The handout can also include space for personal thoughts or comments to foster a sense of community. Testimonial from the recipients.

3. Clear and Concise Guidelines. Our priority is to provide clear and concise guidelines for the book donation process, including genres that meet our criteria, acceptable conditions for donated books, and other pertinent requirements. This helps minimize ambiguity and motivates donors to contribute suitable books for our cause.

4. Benefits of Reading. List the benefits of reading such as improved mental health, better cognitive skills, and personal growth.

5. Book Suggestions. Provide a list of books that includes fiction and self-improvement genres for a diverse audience with brief synopses of each book.

Date: 19 March 2024

Start Time: 1400

End Time: 1430

Today was Self Care booklet.

Today we went over our self-care booklet and our university day presentation. We started to discuss the self-care booklet. The instructor asked each student any updates about our self-care booklet and journal entry. The instructor created a plan for our university day presentation. Each student is assigned different topics to cover for the presentation. I was assigned to talk about the reentry and self-care booklet. We have until 04 April 2024 to input our bullets points in the google docs planning.

Date: 04 April 2024

Start Time: 1400

End Time: 1430

Today we went over our bullet points for university day presentation. The instructor wanted us to provide each topic a statistic or quote from the reading for bullet points. Reviewing my assigned topics, I needed to add important details on the self-care booklet. We have until 08 April to make changes/add or revised our bullets to be ready to practice on 09 April.

Date: 09 April 2024

Start Time: 1400

End Time: 1500

Today we reviewed and practiced our presentations. The instructor gave us a run through our introduction for the day of our presentation. We decided to skip the introduction part for the practice and moved on to practice each of our bullets. After the practice, the instructor gave us feedback on what we can improve. English is not my first language therefore I struggle to pronounce certain words. One word that the instructor point out was “Integration” where I pronounce it “Interrogation. She wanted me to make sure I do not mispronounce the word during our official presentation. I kept practicing the word multiple times to make to say the right word.

Date: 10 April 2024

Start Time: 1300

End Time: 1400

Today was the day of our presentation. I drove from 3 hours to campus. Beautiful day. I got to the campus 30 minutes early to practice my parts for the presentation. Few minutes before presentation, my classmate and guest began to enter. I officially met all my classmates in person, so I was happy. It was time for our presentation. We began introducing our ourselves and the course objectives. Each of my classmates covered they own topics, and they did an amazing job. The instructor was also there to help us back up some information with our topics. She was a great help. At the end of our presentation, we concluded with open questions from our guest. We had great discussions. Overall, our presentation received positive feedback.