Service learning blog

Co-writer Greg Mortenson, of the book Three Cups of Tea, and my service learning sight, The Cocoon House, are great in comparassion. In Three Cups of Tea a bearded boy with dreadlocks says to Greg Mortenson, "I was going to go out for a couple beers after work but you know..." as he handed Mortenson a ten dollar bill. The point of this quote is that even though he only donated ten dollars to Mortensons cause, he still gave up some of his lesiure time when he clearly could have gone out and followed through with his intentional plans. This is also the same with the Cocoon House. I dont necessarily have to go their and volunteer, but i choose to help out with something that is bigger than just myself. In Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson obides by Korphe's tradition of drinking a series of tea's that move him closer to the people of Korphe, this is very much like the dinner sessions i have with all the kids at the Cocoon House. At this facility the kids and staff perform an "Ice Breaker" where every person at the table introduces themselfs and gives a response to the specific topic that is being proposed to talk about. These two categories have a lot in common even though the themes of both are obviously different. Greg Mortenson tries to become friendly with a small village of people, who at first considered him an "outsider", and thats pretty much how it is, at first, with the Cocoon House.

First day at the cocoon house

This place is great. The cocoon house is a place for troubled youth to stay. It may not look it at first but this house is VERY structured. They have plenty of rules and boundaries, but they also have luxeries too for the teens. The goal of the cocoon house is to take in troubled youth and prepare them for the real world, thats why they have such programs within the house, for JUST the youth, like: "Teen night" or "Community Meetings". They also have things that kids can earn, they're called "Cocoon bucks" and they substitute as real money, that can purchase things like shoes, clothes, and other gifts.

My first time at the cocoon house was very nice. I felt immediately comfortable and fell right in with the kids. I had chosen this place for my service learning because my girlfriend went there and it really helped her out.

It was me and two other older women who were volunteering from other schools. To be honest, it looked like they were very uptight and didnt seem too comfortable. Thats fine. I feel like i can somewhat relate to what they're doing, so its seems very simple to be friendly compatible with these kids.

I showed up and we had dinner first. Everyone introduced themselfs and we also helped ourselfs to the hamburgers. The atmosphere was very relaxing and i could tell from the start that i would be having fun here in no time.

I look at these kids, these both immature and maturing adults, and wonder how they got the title, "Troubled youth"? They seem very functionable, but at the same time, maybe the purpose of this house is just showing. I can tell this place REALLY does help these teens, whether they notice it now or not, and they will be thanking the staff here in no time.

Since no kids needed help with homework this time, i hung out with a couple of the teens (i knew one of them closely because she was good friends with my girlfriend.) Watched some tv, did some homework of my own, and then socialized.

I cant wait for the my next day over at the cocoon house.

Im a goofball

I love the rain and but i hate the sun.