Alicia A.

Lorino
Film 150 Online
Vicki Callahan
14 May 2010

Service Learning: My Gift

My experience with the COA Goldin Center introduced me

to a new culture and way of life in the inner city of Milwaukee. My
experience brought to light the real social problems that exist not
only here in our own state, but nationwide. One particular problem
deals with the education and future of today’s youth in these
underprivileged areas. According to Katie Polace of the COA
Goldin Center, organizations in the area serve over 35,000 youth,
there are not nearly enough programs to service all of the youth in
the area. Therefore, I would like to “give” the youth of this
community DIRECTION to their future.

First and foremost, I would like to encourage today’s youth to take

the least traveled path by those in their community. Where many of
these children are surrounded by violence, gangs, and high school drop
outs, I want to encourage them
to take on a different
DIRECTION. But the important
thing that these children see is
that there are opportunities down
the alternative paths they may
choose. We may not know the
future or what is behind the door
of opportunity, but it is
important for these students to
explore their options.

Another important idea I would like to

add to the idea of DIRECTION towards the
future, is the discipline. While participating at the COA I noticed that the children had little to
no discipline in their lives. Without discipline, one cannot learn to respect others or oneself. By
enforcing a sense of discipline in the classroom, students will learn the skill. The goal would be
to have the youth learn to be disciplined in their behavior, their work, their school, and their
goals.

The youth of this area not only need to embrace the ideas of
opportunity and discipline, they need mentors to encourage
and support them.
Because these
children have so many
obstacles and
challenges in their
lives, they need
someone to both point
them in the DIRECTION and help them through
every step of the way. A helping hand can help keep these kids on the right track towards
success.

With proper direction, discipline, and support, these inner city youths can pursue
opportunities and learn that there is no bridge they can’t cross. As Katie wishes, I also want
these children to realize there is no obstacle they cannot
overcome. Some of the youth I spoke with seemed to feel
defeated before they even started. Before even entering
high school, some were unsure they would even graduate.
This defeatist attitude needs to be overcome through
encouragement and support through the thick and thin.
Attitudes must be changed because if they change their
minds, they will realize that they CAN do it; they CAN
succeed.

The DIRECTION and path to a new

life for these youth is my wish.
Though it may be difficult, it is the necessary start to ending the vicious cycle of social problems
that exist in the inner cities of this nation. It is time to empower the individual and teach them
the skills needed to succeed. It all starts with the right DIRECTION, guidance, and support.
With proper care and nutrients, these budding youth can blossom into beautiful and productive
flowers in their communities and society as a whole.