Service Learning is a class at Hudson High School that allows students to get out the “Hudson bubble” during the school day to serve other communities. Whether it be in a classroom, foodbank or nursing home, students are learning how to serve others, adapt to new surroundings and build independence. Mrs. Amiet, one of the current Service Learning teachers, preaches, “service is not about you.” Joining the staff of this program has changed her outlook on life, teaching and relationships.
Initially, Amiet went to school for chemical engineering– a major that includes rigorous math courses and science equations. She was always told as a teenager to enter the teaching field but never thought that it would fit her lifestyle. “I swore I would never teach,” she said. Ironically, Amiet began coaching swimming for younger children. She really enjoyed sharing her knowledge and watching her students grow and get better. She continued to coach for eight years. Finally, she decided to switch her major to education at the University of Akron. Her career blossomed right before her.
In the beginning of her career at Hudson High School, Amiet taught AP Government and Ancient Western Civilizations. The social studies department staff was very welcoming, which allowed her to form relationships very quickly. Former Service Learning Teacher, Lonnie Bonner, was one of the first people to befriend Amiet while teaching at HHS. Bonner asked the new teacher if she would be interested in chaperoning Service Learning activities and trips throughout the year. Immediately, Amiet was interested in the program and the lessons you take away from service– even as an adult.
Shortly after this encounter, Amiet joined the Service Learning staff committee. The message of this course is clear to her. “Service is never about you. Students have learned about skills they never knew they had through this class. Service learning allows kids a chance to learn more about themselves.”
Because Service Learning is such a different type of class offered at HHS, Amiet has had to adjust her teaching style. The class allows more of an independence to students. “It’s encouraged me to include a bit more student choice in my lessons. It’s showed up more in my Ancient Western Civilizations class if anything. It’s a delicate balance: Try to include a bit more student choice in teaching style. It showed up the most in ancient western. Try to give students control on their own interests within the lesson material.”
Service Learning has also allowed Amiet to reflect on her failures and downfalls during her teaching career. “One of the hardest things to digest is learning that it’s okay to be wrong. It’s okay to admit your wrongs to your students. It was always taught to never be wrong” she said. This lesson is one that has spilled into her life. “I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what didn’t work and how I could change it. Incorporating more choice or democratic decisions in my classes has been the most prominent. In other words letting students hold the reins more to form independence. I’ve also gone as far as to ask student opinions on what works and what doesn’t.”
Amiet emphasises the importance of trying new things and says this class may be a great fit for students who may not have thought about it. “Trying new things and putting yourself out there in the world is hard. But it’s so important to try new things, especially in the light of helping others.”
