At fall Showcase, we got a chance to chat with visiting families about how service-learning fits into student life at Missouri State.
Sure, we saw participating in Showcase’s Student Life Expo as a promotional opportunity: to share the benefits of service-learning early to dozens – arguably hundreds – of potential students. But we also saw it as a key opportunity to learn from potential students. Learn about their interests and their needs as they get ready to make the big “where do I go to college” decision.
So, as Showcase visitors started peppering into the expo, we primed ourselves with questions to help us guide any insights: Will people already know what service-learning is? What kind of opportunities are they looking for? What careers are they considering? And can we really measure up to the table across from us that has a greater variety of candy?
The conversations we had throughout the morning held a mix of surprising perspectives and affirming beliefs.
Take a look at some of the findings:
Newcomers
Prospective students and parents who had never heard of service-learning were cautiously intrigued as we described it. We suspect they’re wary of programs that would waste time and money. But they really leaned in to listen when we explained it develops career-relevant skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving while in a professional environment.
IYKYK
Some people were already familiar with service-learning, having participated in it during high school or at another university. Those who knew about it, didn’t need to hear the benefits. They know it’s good stuff. This surprised us a bit in the moment. But perhaps it shouldn’t have: service-learning is known to generate positive emotions from participants.
Hooked by Opportunities
People showed the most interest when they heard about specific service-learning projects tailored to their interests. Environmental, social justice, or healthcare initiatives, just to name a few. You can tell they want to make a difference. They just need a good opportunity and a clear path. That’s what we’re here to provide.
Parental Support
Parents appeared excited about service-learning as a safe, structured way for their students to explore different career options. They liked that it reduces the risk of “wasting” time in college. And they value any tool that will help their student find their path sooner, saving time and money in the long run.
Clarifying Misconceptions
Many people initially thought service-learning was the same as community volunteering. We were happy to explain that, while service-learning does benefit the community, it’s way more than volunteering. It’s a structured educational strategy offering course credit, career skills, and networking opportunities. Win-win. Win. Yeah. Lots of winning.
Conversations like the kind that came from Showcase help improve the way we talk about service-learning. And we always try to synthesize new info into how we tailor our programs for the next wave of Citizen Bears. This stuff’s already being implemented into our planning for 2025. We’re happy Admissions welcomed us there to have this experience. They do such a great job with the event.
On that note, Showcase was simply… Fun. The kind of fun that’s easy to overlook sometimes while hard at work. We had fun making new connections, walking our gorgeous campus in chilly fall weather, and joining up with friends to cheer on the football team to another victory.
For a Missouri State Bear, it’s tough to beat a day like that.
ServiceLearning@MissouriState.edu | MissouriState.edu/CASL | 417 – 836 – 5774