Samara Liao + Thalia Cheyne

Samara: BA psychology (1st year)

Who was your community partner, and can you describe the project objectives?

Community partner - Cerebral Palsy Alberta,  the project object were to relate in class topics to our placement and what take-aways do we get from our placement every week. When we were doing our project and getting idea, we wanted to show how people with disabilities are have abilities and should not be taken for granted.

What was the biggest takeaway from your CSL placement?

There's a lot but for me as an international student was that I built a community that made me feel like home, people with needs are people who are special. They are a lot smarter than we think they are and are wholesome individuals that brighten up others days.

How can you apply any newly gained knowledge/skills to your future endeavours (courses/employment/volunteering)? 

It opens up opportunities,  network building, its a breather that I have every week from student life. 

Why should students consider being involved with CSL, and how does it enhance their academic learning?

CSL is much more than just service learning,  it is not easy it has its trials but the outcomes are always wholesome. People in CSL like the instructor and the CSL Partnership Coordinators are so helpful, make our process easy and set us up with partners who have same Ideals that we want to work with.

I thought coming from a international perspective that it would be more practical work but the theory part opened my eyes that there is a lot more to learn. Topics like intersectionality and the hidden curriculum have all added to things I do daily.

Thalia: Arts, 1st year 

Who was your community partner, and can you describe the project objectives?

I worked with CPAA ComputAbilities to assist those in need with their skills online. My partner and I would assist with typing skills, sending and receiving emails, creating a resume for a new job, and more. 

What was the biggest takeaway from your CSL placement?

My biggest takeaway from my CSL placement was how important learning is for growth. I’ve realized how important it is to look at strengths rather than just limitations, and how adaptive the community can be.

How can you apply any newly gained knowledge/skills to your future endeavours (courses/employment/volunteering)?

One of the biggest things I was taught throughout my CSL experience was empathy and patience. In the future, I would like to apply these skills to my everyday life as I have plans to work with people throughout my career. It is so important to make space for those that need the space in times of learning, adapting and understanding. Everyone moves at a different pace and I am grateful to have learned that from my experience at CPAA.

Why should students consider being involved with CSL, and how does it enhance their academic learning?

CSL is not only an opportunity to grow intellectually, but also a space where you can learn about others and yourself. My experience in my CSL course allowed me to develop socially, and gain insight on the lives of those that surround us.