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FEATURES
One group of new students packed food at the Community Food Bank of Central
Alabama for the Weekender’s Backpack Program, which combats childhood hunger.
experience
puts students in the community
At BSC, Orientation means a lot of things—including
familiarizing the students with their new hometown.
To that end, the Class of 2018 fanned out across the metro
area the day before classes began for EXPERIENCE: Service
in the City. They volunteered at 25 sites, including the
Birmingham Zoo, Greater Birmingham Ministries, Turkey
Creek Nature Preserve, First Light Women’s Shelter, and the
BSC Community Garden.
“I always look forward to this event, where we introduce
our new students to their new community in Birmingham,”
said Kristin Harper ’92, director of the BSC Bunting Center
for Engaged Study and Community Action. “From the
very beginning of their time here on the Hilltop, students
understand BSC’s commitment to experiential learning.
Through service projects and conversations with our
community partners, new students learn about the assets and
needs of our community and find avenues for engagement.”
Work included painting a home through Urban Ministry,
gardening at Jones Valley Teaching Farm and NorthStar
Youth Ministries, cleaning the Ronald McDonald House, and
participating in activities with special needs children and
adults at the Exceptional Foundation.
Jordan Powell, a media and film studies major from Atlanta,
volunteered at the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.
“My service experience taught me the value of putting others
before myself and to be grateful for what I have,” Powell said.
Another group visited the
Exceptional Foundation, where
they helped special needs
children and adults engage in
a variety of activities, including
obstacle courses, dodge ball, and
art projects.