Debbie Wheeler, Program Coordinator, has taken the program to new heights since its inception in 2001. "Each year is different and unique as each student is different and unique. Linking student's career choices and interests with business or learning sites in the community has not always been an easy task given the rural nature of Macon County. Many sites in the county are willing to work with the program, but unless a student is interested in that field, they are not placed with a site "just because." The interest of the student has to be there. The program is all about giving back to others, school community service, and learning through service to others."
Ms. Wheeler would like to extend her appreciation and thanks to all the who have been involved with the program. Without their involvement, the program would not be so successful.
If you are interested in learning more about the Service Learning program, contact Debbie Wheeler at (615)666-3591.
In Their Own Words
M.C.H.S. Service Learning Class
2003-2004 ( with Placement
Site listed):
Ms. Faye Fitzpatrick, Service Learning Teacher, Macon County High School:
"This is my second year working with service learning at MCHS, and I thoroughly enjoy it. Students at all ability levels are able to succeed in this class, and I feel there are several reasons for this. One, the students can see a direct relationship between what they are doing at their placement sites and what they will possible be doing for the rest of their lives. Two, they are placed in a career of their choice, so they enjoy what they are doing and have the opportunity to learn a great deal about their chosen field. And last but definitely not least, the students participate in a number of service projects where, again, each student can demonstrate his/her talents. Some are better at making crafts while others would rather do outside work. All seem to thoroughly enjoy doing for others. And I know I thoroughly enjoy service learning."
Lori Blankenship:
Primary Health Care/Macon
County General Hospital
"This program is about helping students to find a career and help out their community. Our class has performed several projects such as Nestle Water Make a Splash, Rescue Mission, Adopt A Highway, and food drives. All of these were for a good cause. I spent my first semester at Primary Health Care with the nurse practitioners. After Christmas I changed sites and moved to the Children's Clinic. Then I was reassigned to the Respiratory Therapy Dept. at MCGH for the remaining half of my 2nd semester. After participating in SL, I am sure that I want to pursue a career in the medical field. As of right now, I still want to become a nurse practitioner, but I want to specialize in pediatrics. I have also met some wonderful people that have helped me a great deal and I will never forget them. I would recommend the SL program to any student. It has made me confident in pursuing the career of my choice."
Katie Boles: Lynn Cothrons
Dental Office/Rick Shoulders/Tax
Assessor
"Service Learning gives students a chance to experience work time in their chosen field of study. It keeps students from wasting time in college. If they are placed in a site and realize that it is something they do not like, they can keep from wasting time taking classes they do no need. I was first placed at Dr. Lynn Cothron's Dentist Office. Due to the limited number of pediatric offices, I could not be placed at one, so I was placed at the property office which I enjoyed. I would recommend SL to anyone willing to apply. One suggestion: you are required to write down 3 fields you are interested in. Make sure they are the 3 that you are sincerely interested in."
Jessica Gregory:
Rite-Aid/Jimmy Glover
"I have participated in several different community service projects through SL. I had decided that I would like to be a pharmacist and I was placed at Rite-Aid. Everyone at Rite-Aid were nothing but nice to me. Although I enjoyed my time there, I have decided that a career in this field is not the right choice for me. I am glad that I learned that through SL ."
Brittany Haskins:
M.C.J.H./Children's Clinic
"Because of SL I know for sure I want to enter the medical fields of pediatrics and /or obstetrics. My placement at MCJHS was a great experience too and the service projects also were great because they made me more open-minded and thankful for these small blessings on my life."
Wendy Hesson: M.C.H.S.-Peggy
Stephens/Macon County General
Hospital
"SL has given me the opportunity to volunteer in many activities and help to choose my career. I found out teaching is not what I am interest in. I learned a tremendous amount about lab work at MCGH, and I even got a job there this summer! This class is a great learning experience."
Anna Holder: Cumberland
Bank/Police Department-Bryan
Satterfield
"This class has given me many opportunities to meet different people and to find the perfect career choice. At Cumberland Bank I learned what it was like to have a banking career. The Lafayette Police Department, was very exciting and fun. I learned what police officers and detective go through everyday. I would like to thank Debbie Wheeler and both of my placement sites for the opportunity to spend time with you guys."
Melissa Meador: Macon County
General and their Physical
Therapy Department
"SL has meant a lot me me. I was able to go to both physical therapy and the hospital for my service site. I found that I want to be a nurse. We also went to several places to help others. I have enjoyed this class and advise all upcoming seniors to take it."
Ashley Oldham:
Macon County General Hospital
""I would like to say thanks to Pam Deck and each and everyone in the x-ray department for letting me help. These men and women have helped me decide that is really what I would like to do in the future. SL is not only getting to go to a placement site. Each member of the class also gets to do their part of different kinds of service work."
Natasha Roark: Fairlane
(Education K-1) rotated between
grade levels/teachers
"SL has allowed me to go into three elementary classrooms and work directly with the students. I was placed at Fairlane where I helped Mrs. Janet Dickens, Ms. Rita Wilburn, and Mrs. Tonia Powell's classrooms. I was able to gain a real feeling of my future career. This class helped reassure me that teaching is what I want to pursue. I have become a more active citizen with the help of this class. It has allowed me to meet a lot of new people and helped me become a well-rounded person."
Kristin Rodgers:
Pam's Photography
"SL has been an inspiration in my life. I have grown closer to my community as well as been educated with my career preference. I have seen this wonderful class give to others and cherish the ones I have witnessed in return. I am honored to have been in SL and to have been guided by Mrs. Fitzpatrick."
Kristen Scoggins:
Macon County General Hospital
SL has helped my develop my career choice and I have been able to help the community. I worked in the ER at MCGH and also went to the men's shelter in Nashville, donated things to soldiers, picked up trash on Hwy. 52 and many other things. These all have helped my in some way. I appreciate everything everyone had done for me."
Megan Sutton: Central Special
Education/Justice Center-J.
McGuffee with Sheriff's Office
"SL has greatly helped me this year by picking a college major and decide what I want to do with my life. The two sites I went to taught me many lessons."
Jenny Thompson:
Fairlane (Education K-1)
"SL has been an inspiration to me. It taught me to help others who are less fortunate than I. SL opened my eyes to the world of community service. This class gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you."
Aimee Tirjan:
Comprehensive Rehab
"SL has been a wonderful experience for me. It has provided me with a great opportunity to find out more about my intended career. I have been able to learn a great deal about occupational therapy. I hope that anyone who isn't sure what they want to do in the future will join SL."
Leslie Watson:
Fred's/Evett's Veterinary
"I have been honored to be able to work with wonderful mentors who have helped me in any way that they could. I began thinking that I wanted to become a pharmacist. I enjoyed the people that I worked with and the contact with the customers. However, this is not where my heart was leading me. I have confirmed that my future career will be in the Veterinary field. I have learned so many valuable lessons to help me start my career such as being ready for interviews, working with people, and being out in the real working world."
Maria White:
Chamberlain's Law Office
"Throughout this year with Mrs. Fitz, the ones at my placement site and the service projects, I have learned many things about myself and what I plan to do in the future. I would like to thank Mrs. Fitz, the ones at my placement site, and Mrs. Debbie Wheeler for all of their help in my career choice. Thanks again and God Bless!"
Kayce Wilson: Macon County
General Hospital and their
Physical Therapy
"This is about helping students to choose a career and serve our communities. I want to thank everyone at the hospital and Macon Co. Rehab for letting me come into their workplace and teaching me new things. I am going to pursue a career in health services."
Also attending the class
at MCHS were:
Miranda Gann: Valley Ridge Mental Health Center/Justice Center/J. Hudson
Red Boiling Springs Service
Learning Class 2003-2004:
Ms. Gail Smith, Service Learning
Teacher-R.B.S. High School
"I feel that Service Learning is the best class I have ever taught. The students are given the opportunity to gain practical experience in what they believe to be their chosen career. They then decide if this is what they really want to do in life before they spend money on their future education. Some of my students have found that their original career choice was perfect for them, while others have changed their focus. They have shared what they learned at their "site" with other classmates. Also, they have done numerous service projects at school, in their community, and on an individual basis.
From these projects, they have learned the value of helping others. They have also made numerous connections with people who can be of great help to them in the future. However, probably the greatest benefit of this class is the confidence gained by the students as they give of themselves to others, thus learning the importance of giving back to their community."
RBS Students:
Tristan Langford:
North Central Telephone
"SL allows you to take part in a profession temporarily (without pay) so you can decide whether or not it is the field you would want to work in. I know I definitely want to study in the computer field and I would recommend Service Learning to anyone."
Bradley Rich:
Dr. VanBlaricum's Office
"Service Learning has really taught me alot about dentistry. It has tuned me on to it even more, and now I have a head start on learning things about my career. I would recommend it to anyone."
Elizabeth Nichols: Clerical Aide
at RBSHS/ Teacher's Aide
"SL has shown me what is needed to get a job and the skills you might need to do the things you would like to do. Service Learning is a great class to tea22ch students about the work force."
Jonathan Smith:
TriCounty Electric
"Being in Service Learning has truly helped my in many ways. First of all, it has given me experience in a work environment that will help me in the future. Secondly, it has allowed me to explore some of my interests in order to aid me in deciding what I want to do in the future. Finally, it has shown me how great it feels to help others. It has been a great experience, and I wouldn't trade it for anything."
Kenneth Evans: MCHS Teacher's
Aide/RBS Elementary Aide
"SL has given me experience in the Education Occupation area. I've also met several people who can help me through and after college.
Kayce Colter: Macon
County General Hospital
"SL has been a great experience for me. If anyone has a chance to take it, they need to. It has helped me figure out what career I want to go into and what I want to go to school for. It is a great class and I have benefited a lot from it."
Stayce Colter: Macon County
General Hospital
"SL has been very beneficial to me. The class has helped me to choose what career I am interested in and what to go to college for."
David Carter: Assessor of
Property/RBS Coaching Staff
"SL has helped me to work with the public and children. It will help me down the road in life. If anyone has a chance to take this class, take it. I have enjoyed everyday."
Derick Birdwell: Family Care
Center (Dr. Ilia)/Comprehensive
Rehabilitation
" This was a good experience for me and would be a good experience for anyone else that took this class. It let me explore some of the fields of work I thought I was interested in and let me know whether or not I wanted to work in this field. Now I have a pretty good idea of what I would like to do with my life, and the decision probably wouldn't have been this easy without my service learning experience."
Sarah Jones:
Tri-County Electric
"SL has been a wonderful learning experience. It has showed us how easy it is to do something nice for others and how good it makes you feel. Service Learning has also helped me decide what major that I'll be going into."
Also attending the class at RBS
were:
Brandon Gregory:
Vinson's Body Shop
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