July 14, 2000
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THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA July 14, 2000 |
| by Astrid Knight Many university professors teach theory over practice, but in Holly Nathan’s classroom the phrase “get your hands dirty” is the student mantra. “It changes the point of view of the students when they’re doing a service,” says Nathan, an instructor in UVic’s writing department. Nathan arranged for her students to “do something real” with their writing to introduce them to “the power of this kind of writing in the community.” Earlier this year, Nathan and the Victoria Foundation sent out each of her 100-level professional writing students to document some of the 200 community endeavours being sponsored by the foundation’s Our Millennium project. Sarah Schaefer, a first-year student from Victoria, signed up to write about a contest for Oak Bay Elementary schoolchildren. The children designed seed packets that convey their feelings about the Oak Bay community. “I had a really good time with it,” says Schaefer. “There’s more to getting an education than just studying. You must involve yourself in other things.” Not only did Schaefer wind up judging the seed packet design contest, she was also driven around town by the mayor of Oak Bay. One continuing project, arranged by students from Congregation Emanu-El Hebrew School, was picked up by Mark Wilson, a Baptist musician from Calgary. More than 85 Jewish students, ranging in age from 5 to 12, are documenting the history of the Victoria Jewish community. Wilson attended an event where children were filming the history of a Victoria synagogue. “I probably never would have gone [to the synagogue] if I hadn’t had covered this project. It was great,” says Wilson, adding that “my other university stuff doesn’t connect as much with the community.” Wilson says his experience has had an educational impact. “I learned to press a little deeper, find out why you’re there.” Another student, Sandra Walter, was also “impacted” by her project. She interviewed members of the Victoria Walking Group on their move to purchase part of the Trans-Canada Trail. Walter was so impressed that she paid $40 for a metre of trail herself. Rachael Thomas from Victoria was deeply moved by her Our Millennium experience. Thomas talked with people at the Vancouver Island Multiple Sclerosis Centre. “A family friend has MS, so I had a personal stake in the project.” Thomas was amazed at the openness with which people talked to her. “People really appreciate it when you talk to them. There was no one else there to hear their stories,” says Thomas. “It was a good experience. For more information on the Our Millennium project, go online to <www.ourmillennium.ca>. Astrid Knight completed the above story as part of her Introduction to Professional Writing course. |