Through the new service learning class offered at Triton High, we have been able to give considerable thought to how and why service learning is beneficial not only for Triton students, but also for the community as a whole. Service learning is very important to us because not only do we gain respect as a class, but we also gain respect as individuals. Through service learning, we will be doing many helpful things for our school and community. Before the semester started, our teacher, Mrs. Horejsi, hosted a clothing drive for the E.A.R.T.H. club that she advises. Through this drive, our school and community donated 1,012 pounds of clothing. In our first week of service learning, we as a class went through every piece of clothing. We went through winter, school, and athletic attire. We kept everything that had a Cobra logo on it, every winter coat, hat, and pair of gloves that were in good condition, and lastly, tennis shoes that were in good shape to donate to the Cobra Closet. Overall, this is beneficial as it helps to address the clothing needs within our community. We are aware that there are families in our community who work hard to give their kids everything they need, but there will always be struggles with money and income. This is where the Cobra Closet comes in to assist.
In the long run, my classmates and I really hope that every year and every donation of pounds of clothing continues to grow, and that the Cobra Closet is never empty! If at any time you come across any amount of clothing that you no longer need, we, as a school and a community, are willing to take it off your hands. One of the main components of service learning is helping improve the lives of others around us. Helping those in need is one of this class's most important goals. Through the reflections in this class, we learn many things, including our own biases and assumptions. This can lead us to better self-awareness along the way, fewer stereotypes, and even better teamwork skills for future life experiences, helping us grow not just as students but as people in general.
Through this first service project, our class worked together and in groups to take on various tasks associated with spreading the mission of the Cobra Closet. From making flyers to post around the community, flyers to post in the various restrooms and locker rooms throughout the school, and a creative door sign for the Cobra Closet itself, each service learning group was able to collaborate and take their project in their own, unique direction. When students take the lead in sharing information and organizing support, it not only helps the Cobra Closet grow but also strengthens our school community and encourages a culture of helping others. Even small actions, like posting or sharing on social media or talking to a friend about the closet, can make a big difference. Together, our class can show that when we work as a team, we can make sure the Cobra Closet continues to help students who need it now and in the future.
In talking with Mrs. Vander Waal, the high school counselor, she stated, “The Cobra Closet is a service we offer to our students who may need personal items that are not accessible to them. I think it is a great resource, as well as thinking we need to be able to reach their basic needs before we can educate them.” Mrs. Meyers, the middle school counselor, echoed that statement by further adding, “It is an underutilized resource that just seems like nobody knows about it.¨ She is hoping all the new information coming out about the Cobra Closet helps to reach more people. “The Cobra Closet is a resource that Triton uses to provide our students, families, and community to assist and to support through crises, transitions, and everyday needs. The Cobra Closet is here for everyone, no matter income or any other demographic”, stated Mr. Anderson, our elementary social worker. We hope that this inaugural service learning project will help to make others aware of the multitude of resources Triton provides.
