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August 23, 2004
Getting involved improves learning, college experience
Francesca van der Feltz
Contributing Writer
The community college experience should be more than just earning academic credits. Part of the education received at Mesa Community College should come from being involved on campus and in the community, according to Greg Reents, director of Student Activities at MCC.
“My philosophy is that student development goes beyond the classroom. Really, it’s an application of your academic learning to real life. Isn’t that what we’re really here for?” Reents said.
Preparing students to be active citizens is part of MCC’s mission statement, said Duane Oakes, faculty director for MCC’s Center for Service –Learning.
“(Citizenship), to me, is probably one of the most important aspects of what we do. How do you learn about becoming an active citizen? How do you learn about being involved? The only way to do it is by actually doing it, by being out there,” Oakes added.
Civic and community involvement gives students a sense of pride and self-worth, Reents added.
Several clubs and groups at MCC involve both members and nonmembers in the school and community, Reents explained.
Academic departments, faculty members, the service center and the student activities center also plan events and activities that connect MCC and its students to the community, Reents added.
Students who become involved in clubs and events that add depth to what they are learning academically affect many people and meet many needs, Reents said.
Seeing students use what they learned in class to help others in the community is very rewarding, according to Donna Benson, an MCC geology instructor who started a science outreach program.
Students developed a new level of understanding about their courses by teaching hands-on in the community, Benson added.
“I don’t like…just going to a place for an education, because it’s about more than just getting an education,” said Alisha Bloom, executive vice president of fiscal affairs and president-elect of MCC’s student government.
Bloom said she feels more invested in her academics and the school since she became a part of the student government.
“When I come to campus, I feel like I have my place here, like I’m not just another student or number,” Bloom said.
“Because there are so many people, if you don’t get involved, you’re not going to get the experience you’re paying for.”
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