[Student Reporters] A Win-Win Situation For Students and the Community

Ahra Yoo / 9th. The Lawrenceville School

NEW JERSEY- The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey hosted the 7th annual Mercer County Teen Coalition "Lock-In" to fight family homelessness on February 7th and 8th. The event raised $12500 to donate to local non-profit organizations. This program was managed by 10 students over 4 months and had participation from 375 students from 9 different schools; those who participated in the "Lock-In" raised thirty dollars that allowed them to enjoy food and games including volleyball basketball Guitar Hero and Halo swimming and ice-skating. This innovative and delightful event allowed students to have fun and at the same time benefit Home Front (Lawrence N.J.) the Crisis Ministry of Princeton and Trenton and Rise A Community Services Partnership (Hightstown N.J.).

Each student at Lawrenceville is provided with various ways to give back to the community. The "Lock-In" which attracts many students is one of the numerous examples.

Ms. Cantlay Associate Director of Community Service from the Lawrenceville School mentions the variety of community service activities available for students to participate in. "Students feel proud of themselves because they can actually help the community according to their own interest and strength. Students take the responsibility of being mentors for younger students by being musicians golf instructors and even being a party planner. These different opportunities enhance the students' willingness to reach out and help the community."

On that account students are happy because they feel they have the ability to pursue his or her unique talents and interests as well as make a difference in the community.

This is simply a win-win situation.

SEOUL- Every year students in Guryong Middle School in Seoul have an obligation to serve 8 hours of community service. As summer break starts students begin to wonder how they will fulfill their 8 hours and manage their hectic schedule at the same time. The students don't mind reading over the community service guidelines from their teacher because the selections are the same every year and they simply decide upon the easiest one.

Hyunji a 9th grader from Guryong Middle School confesses that the lack of community service opportunities available for students disheartens her willingness to engage such programs. "Every year we usually help the community by cleaning and sweeping the floors of police stations or post offices. These activities do not intrigue me at all because just like any teenager would feel I don't find picking up rotten milk cartons exciting. These same community services we carry out each year are tedious; and when I see my peers doing the exact same thing I am discouraged to believe that I am making an impact in my community."

Mr. Cho Dean of Students from Guryong Middle School indicated that when the students are obligated to service on top of their bustling schedules it already diminishes the students' interest in community service. Thus he proposes redefining the concept of "Community Service" to the students. He says "When there are some fun opportunities that students can partake as community service this will enhance the students' discovery of the true essence of giving back to the community."

Indeed in an era that highlights the idea of "give and take" the "win-win" notion will certainly attract students to give back to the community.