Thursday, February 21, 2002 TODAY
School of Allied Health Professions news
Allied health class focuses on volunteerism
For students in the School of Allied Health Professions, the service
learning portion of the portfolio I class provides important firsthand
volunteer experience.
The class is designed to help students understand and model the mission
of Loma Linda University and SAHP by achieving various service goals.
Although the class has been offered for six years, the importance of volunteering
recently received added significance through President George W. Bush's
State of the Union address delivered Tuesday, January 29, 2002.
In his address, President Bush urged Americans to embrace a new ethic
of service.
“We want to be a nation that serves goals larger than self,”
he said. “We have been offered a unique opportunity, and we must
not let this moment pass.
“My call tonight is for every American to commit at least two years—four
thousand hours over the rest of your lifetime—to the service of your
neighbors and your nation.”
The portfolio I class offered by the School of Allied Health Professions
gives students the chance to answer such a call to service.
In order to accomplish certain goals for the class—such as using
sensitivity to accommodate diversity, clarifying human worth, and demonstrating
compassion—students must step out of the classroom to help those
in need.
A variety of activities are available to students, allowing them to choose
the community service that best suits them.
For example, a portfolio student can work with underprivileged children,
adopt a grandparent, or volunteer at a local church.
Whatever the activity, the opportunity to make a tangible difference in
another person's life can, in turn, significantly change the student's
life.
“I've learned and seen when you do something for others, no matter
how big or how small, it can make a difference,” relates portfolio
student Felicia Chao, senior health information administration major.
“This can awaken a spiritual benevolence that carries over to your
professional pursuits and personal life.”
Even though students were participating in service long before the events
of September 11 or the State of the Union address, President Bush's request
reinforces the importance of the portfolio class activities.
“Many are already serving, and I thank you,” President Bush
remarked during the speech. “America needs citizens to extend the
compassion of our country to every part of the world.”
One way the president's administration hopes to accomplish this is through
USA Freedom Corps, recently organized to continue the outpouring of volunteerism
that occurred following September 11, 2001.
Working with government and the nonprofit service agencies, the USA Freedom
Corps will promote a culture of responsibility, service, and citizenship,
providing incentives and new opportunities to serve at home and abroad.
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