"Given the opportunity, I would certainly do this project again. It is a practical application of the skills we learn in class. Rather than teaching us from a book and giving a test, however fabulous that test might be, this teaches in a real world setting and that experience is invaluable."
Success Stories
Amy Smith - CST 2400 Service-Learning - Habitat for Humanity
"I took this class expecting a volunteer experience much like the others-just an opportunity for service hours. I learned so much more than I expected while working at the Habitat Home Store. I met great people, customers and staff, had a great experience, and learned to appreciate that organization takes great measure to practice energy efficiency while building the homes.
Going into the store was not at all what I had anticipated. I had absolutely no idea how much work was involved, how many volunteers it takes, how many customers would be shopping, and what kind of dedication and willingness is actually needed to help run the store. When I walked in for the first time, I just thought it would be like any other thrift store. I browsed around and saw that there was such a variety of items. I was surprised to find out that nearly all items for sale are donated generously by our community from businesses and individuals. When I got to the end of the store, in the back, it was like a mini Santa's Workshop. Everyone was working diligently like elves on his or her assigned duty. I learned that there are a few paid employees but workers are mostly volunteers. Some were there working hours for receiving habitat homes, others come for service hours for their schools, and many are there just to give of their time.
I got a chance to work in each department and as I did I got to know the other volunteers and staff. I learned that they come from many different backgrounds and they all had different reasons for volunteering. The employees I worked with were extremely inviting, they treated me as though I had known them a lifetime and they were very appreciative of my time. I also got to see the variety of customers who shop at the home store.
While working at the home store, I had a great experience. I was very naive about how much dedication is needed on all aspects to conduct such a successful organization. I have never really shopped at a thrift store before. This experience allowed me to learn there are great deals, regardless of your income, and the money from what I purchase goes to an even greater cause. It is refreshing to see a group of people who care so much about others in our community that they put such dedicated effort in their work to help those in need. It is an unbelievably selfless organization. They do great things for those whom hard times have fallen upon and are very deserving of a second chance. This was a wonderful experience for me and I have plans to continue volunteering when I can to help such an amazing organization.
The Habitat Home builders make great efforts to reduce the use of energy. They use energy efficient lighting, install insulation properly (without gaps or compressed areas), ventilate attics, and use efficient windows, and they seal ducts. These are only a few of the ways to cut down on the use of energy and by doing so in each house built, Habitat is striving to help lower the cost of bills for homeowner and reduce energy consumption. Along with these efforts, there are also certain energy star requirements that must be met by the builders.
The best part of this experience was getting to meet new people, realizing what type of organization the Habitat for Humanity is, and seeing all the effort put into it. I never took the time to think about how much work is involved in these types of organizations. If I only take one thing from this experience, it will be always be willing to help others because you never know when you may need a little help yourself."
