~*Service Learning- Journal Entry #1*~

Making my response detailed may be difficult since I haven't actually begun my volunteering yet. The first challenge I faced in volunteering was actually finding an organization that would accept short-term volunteers and that was open during the hours I am available. After trying multiple places, such as the Ronald McDonald House, the YMCA, and the CP Center, I finally stumbled upon the Joplin Public Library in the phone book. The other organizations either required extensive training or were not open in the evenings. The personnel at the library seemed unaccustomed to individuals asking to volunteer, but were more than willing to give it some consideration. Once I got it through their heads that I wasn't looking for the criminal-redemption kind of community service, they agreed to bring it up at the next meeting. I was beginning to get nervous because I hadn't heard from them, but finally on Wednesday evening they called me, asking if I was available to start next Thursday evening. I'm not exactly sure what I'll be doing, but something was said to the effect of spending some time in the Children's Library and then some time in another section that I think has more to do with records and archives. I'm actually very excited about getting started there. I have always loved books, and I enjoy libraries because of their quiet and peaceful atmosphere. I expect this to be a very positive experience, and possibly even something I want to continue doing if my schedule allows. I'm really hoping that they will let me read to the kids, but I'm not sure that's what they have in mind. Either way, I'm very excited to get started and I'm hoping it will help me develop an attitude of service.