2015 Conference

Mealtime Roundtable

Many university students are reluctant to participate outside the classroom environment, yet, that is where true learning most often occurs. As a Professor of Composition, I have focused class readings and writing assignments on environmental issues. Students from all majors take my course. Their eyes are opened to the many environmental issues that  plague our world today.  In answer to their question, "What can I do?", twelve hours of service learning are required at one of the communitiy's sanctuaries, state parks, the UTPA Coastal Studies Lab on South Padre Island, TX, Sea Turtle Inc, and Gladys Porter Zoo, Brownsville, TX. Community boundaries are crossed by these students as they realize students are welcome to work at these organizations and their service is appreciated. Students learn hands-on the importance of protecting the waters, plants, and animals that share the earth with us. Lives are changed as many committ to becoming regular volunteers after their required hours are finished. Most never knew how emotional it can be to save a sea turtle and they pass on the importance of doing so to friends and family members. Many boundaries are crossed by each individual student. As students gain knowledge and become active in saving the environment, they mature in their classwork and become campus leaders, encouraging others to get involved.