[thine_self_untrue]

It is one week until I start my Freshman Year of college. And as part of the Freshman Experiance bit, I have to do a service project with one of my classes. Fantasic right? Okay. I'm majoring in English and Secondary Ed. so the Freshman critical thinking course I choose is about Education (called "If Education is Broke") and so our service project is going to a K-12 Special Eduction school. I have no idea what we're going to do there, but I looked it up on the internet and it's for mentally challenged children with social issues and what not, but it's also for kids from low income families AND kids with depression, self injury and anxiety issues. I am finding that highly ironic. It's also freaking me out a little. Like it might hit a little to close to home. I don't know... I just think it might be hard. I mean, it might be great 'cause I can actually relate to some of these people but it's also like... I don't know. Any advice here? Do I be myself and painfully honest, show scars, etc.? Or... not?

Hello, Thine. The class is about whether education is broke. It seems to me the emphasis would be on how to best teach those with special needs. I suggest you talk to or email the prof to seek a clarification of what your role will be during the visit. For example, are those in the class expected to give a presentation? Will the prof be there? Will those at the special ed school be talking to the class about the philosophy of teaching at the school?

It would have been nice if the syllabus or precis had provided more information. In any event, I do not expect the prof intends the service project to be a "true confessions" encounter.

[DePressMe]

Its a tough call as to how much of your story to share. Surely there will be some type of defined role you are suppose to fulfill while you are there. In that case you may not be able to share as much of your personal story as you might like to. If you do share, just be honest and be yourself and maybe you can help a student deal with their own issues. But on the other side of the coin remember that you don't have to share anything personal. The time may not be appropriate for you to share. Play it by ear....