Service Learning with Habitat for Humanity

On Tuesday, December 8th, a small group of 10th graders got to go help Habitat for Humanity build a house as part of their service learning project in Mrs. Austin’s Earth Science class. The project is focused around learning how to prepare for and understand natural disasters and how we can help and serve others who have suffered from a natural disaster. The house that the students worked on was home to a veteran who had major damage done to his home during Hurricane Sandy and did not have the personal means to get it fixed. Our students stepped up to help and they were able to get the entire basement insulated in just one work day! After they were done, they helped clean up the work site and were able to leave messages for the home owners on the 2x4’s that make up the frame of the house. Both Mrs. Austin and her students had a wonderful time. By the end of the trip, the students were thanking Habitat for the opportunity they were given to serve; what a blessing to both the family and our students!

Mrs. Austin asked her students to reflect on their service in the days that followed. Below are some of their reflections on working with Habitat for Humanity…

“This made me realize that there really are some very good hearted people. What these people do is so sweet and nice, I’m so glad I was able to be a part of it.” -Aydin Olgun

“At first I thought we were going to do normal stuff, maybe paint. I was not really expecting it to be fun. It turned out to be fun and I really enjoyed it. It was a new experience and it made me feel good about myself.” -William Pinto

“I really didn’t know what we’re going to do. I mostly expected painting or some nailing or some small stuff. I was a little worried it would be boring. At the end, I really liked it. It was super fun and I kind of liked getting under the house and putting up the insulation. I would totally do it again!” -Daniella Florido

“It was more fun than I thought and I would want to do it again. It felt like I was actually helping someone, which is a good feeling.” -Sarah Morea

“Before I went to the house I was so excited because I have never tried to help other people to build up a house or anything. I don’t know much about insulation but maybe it can keep the house warm and we did that! I was so happy because I helped other people.” -Fiona Chen

“I was grateful about helping build his house for people who needed our help. I realized that helping without any pay feels much better than working to get paid.” -Raymond Hong