... A lesson in real life Sociology students help soldiers, the needy, a friend

Students often come away from sociology classes with new-found understanding of the world's social ills, and a desire to help.

In Annie Houser's Principles of Sociology class at Luzerne County Community College in Shamokin, students are helping before class is over.

For the second year, Houser required a community service project as one of two major assignments. The outcome this fall has included

collections for soldiers, food for the needy and, if things go well, a lung transplant for a student's ill friend.

"I like teaching using real-life examples, because most times, students will not learn from lectures and readings," Houser said.

Effective lesson

Students have a choice to do a service project, which includes a one- to two-page paper on the experience and an oral presentation, or write a five- to six-page essay on a local social problem.

More than the first year, students this fall embraced the social project concept.

"Out of a class of 27 students, 26 of them took the option for the community service project, and considering the amount of time that they've spent on what they are doing, it would have easier to do the essay," Houser said.

Easier, but not as effective.

"Most of the class is local, so this gives them an idea as to the social problems that the area faces," she said. "Hopefully, what they experience will stick with them."

Soldier support

For her project, Jen Herb, of Coal Township, joined forces with AnySoldier.com, which focuses on sending collections to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan who otherwise don't receive much from home.

"The donations and packages slow down in the winter months, so I thought it would be nice to pick up the slack a little bit," Herb said.

She collected snacks, deodorant, socks, scarves and even Christmas gifts.

"We also raised money to help ship the boxes to their destinations," including $137 through a bake sale and $80 through a tag day, she said.

Herb said she did better than expected, and that 75 soldiers will be getting care packages.

Chelsea Michalesko, meanwhile, is working on welcoming soldiers home.

"There is a local unit coming home very soon, so my project is going to make a special reception for the soldiers and their families," said the Elysburg student.

Houser, upon hearing of Michalesko's project, suggested she contact a local veterans organization about hosting the reception.

A helping hand

Many of the projects are helping those less fortunate.

Megan Scicchitano, of Kulpmont, led a group that collected food for the Manna for the Many food pantry in Shamokin. They placed boxes at Boyer's Food Markets, Scicchitano's Buono Pizza, Masser's Farm Market and Mount Carmel Area High School and collected some 200 items.

"They were really appreciative of what we could do for them," Scicchitano said about Manna for Many.

Erin Wetzel, of West Cameron Township, added to the food pantry support with a special Thanksgiving treat. She solicited businesses for donations of $12, then headed for Weis Markets, where she purchased 50 turkeys. They were given to families who came to the food pantry last Monday and Wednesday.

"That was a lesson in human behavior," Houser said. "We saw that some people took advantage of it and got three turkeys, and others were so grateful for the one they received. It was an interesting experience."

Another group of students is in the midst of a "Coats for Kids" drive.

Larger mission

Chantel Shambach's project will also help a needy person, but the effort is much more personal.

For years, she has watched her best friend, Ashley Spotts, of Sunbury RD, suffer from cystic fibrosis, diabetes and asthma. The ailments have progressed to the point where Spotts is in need of a lung transplant, and Shambach is working to raise funds to help pay for the operation.

"She is such a great person and really deserves this," Shambach said. "To see the happiness that she has when people help out really makes me happy and want to do more."

The Sunbury student has started a canister drive at local businesses, and had collected $100 in a little more than 10 days as of the beginning of this week. She is planning a bake sale at the Shikellamy Field House on Dec. 17, and asks those interested in helping to visit www.walkonfoundation.com/9.

Inspiration

Students have excitement in their voices as they describe their projects, and it's evident they want an outcome that's well beyond a passing grade.

"As we were packing the boxes, you think about the soldiers that these are going to, and how they don't receive any mail at all," Herb said. "At times, I wish I could be there to see their faces when they open it."

"I'm a firm believer that what you do in life comes back tenfold," Wetzel said. "It's a great feeling to see what we are all accomplishing."

Such assessments make Houser confident that her hands-on approach to teaching is justified.

"This gives them an opportunity to give back to the community and see the resources that are available to help them if they are ever faced with the same problems," she said.

(Houser and the class offer special thanks to Laura Siko and the staff of LCCC for their assistance in all the projects.)

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