Service Learning Immersions: Making Memories, Changing Hearts

For the past three months, our service learning immersion program has been very busy. Students, faculty and school administrators from all over the country have been coming to Hope CommUnity Center to learn what life is like for many Central Florida immigrant families. During their visits, immersion participants got to know the people and the history of Hope; ate and lived with local immigrant families; picked fruits and vegetables for hours like so many immigrant farmworkers must do to earn a living; and heard firsthand the human argument for comprehensive immigration reform. Each group came with their own energy, their own level of understanding of what local families face, but one by one each participant soaked in the immersion experience. Friendships were forged and perspectives were broadened.

Here’s a look at some moments from our Spring 2014 Service Learning Immersion Visits

University of Wisconsin River Falls student gleaning oranges

Belmont University students participating in lunch and learning activity with our ESL students

Riding the back of a pick up truck, Stetson University students prepare to do farmwork

Students, faculty and administrators from Valencia College – Osceola Campus saying goodbye to Hope

Gonzaga College High School student tries to get to hard to reach oranges

Bridgewater University students and staff with Service Learning Director Jose Luis

Belmont University student carrying freshly picked strawberries
Courtesy of Shannon McLaughlin