No one can deny that Service Learning is hard work; it takes time and effort.  More than that, however, it is a tremendously rewarding experience that is enriching for the soul and a wonderful way to give back.

Freshmen worked year long with third graders from El Sol Academy and EBC Academy on designing and constructing kites. For most, this was a first experience being mentors and 3rd graders are adorable. But they can be quite a handful.  

“At first, my mentee was really shy and he wouldn’t talk at all. He’s warmed up to me a lot since, and now he’s super friendly and sweet,”  freshman Lily Humphrey said.  

The freshmen met once a month with the third graders, starting in September, and led their mentees in activities consisting of workshops revolving around teaching the 3rd graders STEAM (science, technology, engineer, art and math) as well as a trip to the California Science Center, a treat for both the elementary kids and Sage Hill freshmen.  All the workshops led up to each third grader completing a kite of their own which they got to fly on the beach.  

“My experience with Service Learning this year has been fantastic,” recalled freshman Hannah Woodworth. “Both of my students seem happy to be in a new environment by coming to Sage and are thriving due to the one-on-one attention. I love teaching them and making them smile, and likewise it’s fascinating to learn about how different their reality is from mine both at school and at home. I think that this experience  is simply a great learning opportunity for not just the the third graders, but all the ninth graders as well,” Woodworth said.

Sophomores got the opportunity to travel off campus to El Sol, Quest or EBC Academies for Service Learning.  Paired with 4th graders, they helped their mentees improve their writing skills.

“Service Learning thus far has been a really insightful experience not only for our 4th grade partners but also for me as a mentee. It has given me the chance to mentor someone and re-experience my elementary days. Is has also allowed me to inspire the younger generation with the love for English,” sophomore Riya Rampalli said.  

At the end of the year, Sage Hill sophomores came together as a class to make a book to give to their partner schools.

“My experience this year with Service Learning has been really fun. The kids are really cooperative and they always put their best effort into all their work. Working with four kids can be difficult to keep the kids on task, but they always finish in time for us to do some crafts. I think these kids have taught me more than I have taught them,” sophomore Chloe Hoch said.