The Movement

            No one knows how difficult it is to transition into the independent world of college than someone who is actually going through the transition themselves. For most, coming into this new chapter of your life can be overwhelming, but what made me most excited about my first fall semester here at Florida State University was the opportunity to take a class where I would be volunteering and benefiting my new community.  I wasn’t too sure of what to expect, but I knew that my life was about to change.

            As the first day approached and the class went through the syllabus, the shaping of this class turned out to be similarly what I had in mind. We would be required to volunteer for a set amount of hours and then have to write and create projects to turn in that would reflect our volunteer experience. I was determined to get the most out of this course. Our first assignment was easily my favorite one. We were required to write a report in which we had to research and attempt to persuade our teacher which top two organizations we would want to work with for the semester. As my professor handed each of us a thick 15-page packet filled with a plethora of information, every student took a step back just to try and analyze what we had just gotten ourselves into.  I will never forget running back to my room after my first ENC1145 class and reading the description to every organization I might have the opportunity to work with.

            After reviewing all the options, I fell in love with the idea of volunteering at the Tallahassee Homeless Shelter. Throughout high school, I had the opportunity to volunteer at many organizations that ranged from aiding kids with autism to horse back ride to playing with children omitted to Memorial Hospital and even selling baked goods at the Greek food festival, but I have never had the opportunity to volunteer at the homeless shelter. I was devoted to convince my professor to let me volunteer there. I was ecstatic after finishing my conference with her that she gave me the permission and I immediately contacted the shelter to come up with days I was able to go over and help serve dinner.

            There are no other words to describe this experience other than humbling. I noticed, that my entire class was also very moved by their experience at the variety organizations we were able to work with. Taking this course that led me to build a relationship with the people at the shelter is something I will never forget. I will admit, however, that the amount of work that was given in this class was unexpected. I think, that in my mind, I expected to do more volunteering than just the required five hours and less about the writing in this course. I know that sounds a bit silly, knowing that this is a writing course, but it’s the truth.  If I had the opportunity to design the class curriculum, I would definitely add more times to the organizations and have three main essays that focused on different aspects of the organization. At times, I felt like my writing was a bit repetitive because throughout the semester each person had one research topic they chose on their own and had to base almost every assignment off of it.

            The most important thing I learned in my ENC1145 class was that no matter how much complaining the class did about the many writing assignments and workshops, at the end of the day, we are lucky to attend a university where courses such at this one is offered. If you ever have the opportunity to take a course similar tot this, I highly recommend it. You realize that you’re much more fortunate than you realize.  Best of luck!