Service Learning Log

Activism:

This week has been good, a lot better than any other week so far. YAYA and the Global class had a a small get-together and for the first time I felt that we were 'hanging out' instead of just put in a classroom for the sake of a project. We were also able to communicate our frustrations and accomplishments regarding the project, freely! Its a bit sad that it has taken us such a long time to get to know each other, but hey... at least its happening! I feel that we still have communication problems, but we are working through them a bit more smoothly than before. Some other great news is that two of the people from the Global Class are now YAYA officers! This is very exciting for me and YAYA because these individuals have not only demonstrated great leadership skills regarding the project, but have also show great interest in YAYA and Farmworker issues. I am really proud of them, and glad that this project has brought people and organizations together.

Not to mention that this Saturday is the day of the Fellsmere trip! I really cant believe it has come up so soon. At the beginning of this class I was trying to avoid wearing my 'organizer' cap when I was in the Global Classroom, but now that the event is so soon, I was kind of forced to realize that for the projects sake, I really cant separate my participation as a student and organizer. I wish I had realized this sooner, because although things are moving along more smoothly, things could have been further along by now.

Reflection:

Through this project along with the course readings have greatly influenced how I see and regard fellow scholars and feminists. It wasn't until Minh-ha that I finally started realizing how everyones 'story' is different... not wrong or right, but just different (Minh-ha). I realized how westernized my mindset was in regards to this, not only was I devaluing other peoples experiences, but I was also disregarding their beliefs; and that if i wished for my activism within classrooms and organizations to be effective in regards to real social change, I had to take into account everyone's story as much as I do mine. I honestly think this is one of the most important lessons I have ever learned.

Regarding Fellsmere and Yolanda, I was able to talk to her recently and she is as excited for this trip as we are! After I told her about our class fundraising efforts, she was so happy that she added breakfast to our menu! Yolanda was also able to briefly chat with some of the members from the Global Class and of course, everyone fell in love with her.

There are also many other exciting things going on with that (like the awesome attendance that well exceeds our original goal) but I will save it for another post!


Works Cited
Minh-ha, Trinh T. “Women Native Other.” Indiana: Indianapolis, 1989. 67. Print