Service-learning

How interesting the blogs are starting to become. Already a number of you have described your initial contacts with some service-learning sites. There are  a variety of settings, such that students are working with people who are homeless, with children and adults,  and with people who are in recovery from substance abuse, and more. Two additional sites (due to where students live) are Spectrum Health (Magdeline will tell you about that, and Ella Sharp Museum (Kemara's site) and the WSU Early Childhood Center (Chia-I 's site). It is very interesting to think of the variety of settings, and then to be able to answer "what is art therapy?" (since the answer seems to vary depending on setting and population). But  what do these settings have in common? Can you describe the essence of art therapy  in a sentence or two (considering the breadth of its application?)

It is interesting to hear about your initial impressions and I appreciate those of you who examined your preconceptions or biases, perhaps. The blogs will be a good record to see how your impressions may change.

If you are not at a site that will allow you to work hands on with people,  you may consider adding another location, if you desire to work directly with people. If you are involved with the planning of the international conference coming to Detroit and sponsored by Children's Hospital, that is important work too. You can ask yourself what you are doing that will contribute ultimately to patient care. It seems like we are off to a good start. Students will be starting at PuppetArt soon too! Good job!