Olivia Bell-Event Analysis 12/5/07

Olivia Bell

Understanding Literature

Dr. Ellis

December 5, 2007

Event Analysis 12/5

This past week I took part in my very last service learning for the semester at Guilford Elementary School. It was an experience unlike any other and I think I can truly say that I will miss going there on a weekly basis. Each week I would spend about two and a half hours in a fifth grade classroom assisting with math or reading activities. I would help with group work, homework, and even give tests and quizzes. This past Tuesday felt like any other as I continued with the typical work within the classroom. Before I left to return to campus however, something special happened.

After dismissing all of the students from my classroom and exchanging a few words with the teacher about what was going to happen during the rest of the year, she gave me a hug and sent me off for one last time to sign out. However, when I got to the room where the sign out sheet was located, I found tables filled with pennies on them. Then it hit me. We were asked to stay and help roll pennies if we had time after school. They were from all of the students that attend Guilford and were to help raise money for their new playground. In addition to raising money, it allowed for each student to feel as though they helped contribute to their new toy and would hopefully make them treat it as best they could. Although it was not the first thing on my “to do” list, I hung around with a few other Loyola students and helped to roll pennies. I decided this was my way of coming to serve with all I had.

About an hour later, we had finished rolling all of the pennies and had come to a total of almost four hundred dollars. Ms. Ervin, a faculty member at Guilford that helped to make it possible for Loyola students to come and teach, was in the room with us counting the coins. When she tried to announce the total amount that we had rolled, her voice began to crack. Tears quickly filled her eyes as I got chills up and down my body. She could not even begin to express how grateful she was.

I couldn’t believe it. It was my very last day at Guilford, my very last minute, and I was still being touched by the people around me. It was absolutely amazing to see how something as simple as giving my time to roll coins, meant so much to another human being. My goal before beginning my service learning was to somehow make a difference in the classroom with the fifth grade students, but never for a second did I think I would be able to have such a great effect on people outside of that room.

I hope to somehow continue with service next semester and hope to have as great an impact as I did at Guilford. The look on Ms. Ervin’s face is one that I will never ever forget. In the future, it will continue to remind me how the littlest things can mean the world to someone and how important it is to always come willing to share everything you have with the others around you.

Medieval Times

Nina Marchetto
Understanding Literature
Event Analysis
December 3, 2007


This past Friday I went to an event hosted by Best of Baltimore, we went into the Hanover to Medieval Times: dinner and tournament. The whole experience was so entertaining and a chance for me to see what else was offered in Maryland other than the inner harbor shopping and dragon paddle boats. The ability to have these things introduced to us, freshmen, is such a great idea because we are new and the school is trying to get us acclimated still throughout the whole year and it really does help first year students. I also learned the effects of planning ahead and time management throughout this field trip.
Friday evening most kids are getting ready to go out and party with their friends, try to fit five or six people in a cab and go find some place to have some fun. Instead I was convinced I would start studying for the numerous exams I have coming up along with all the papers and the few class exams I still have before finals; but alas my friends got the best of me and told me to go to medieval times with the best of Baltimore group. I had planned on going but I did not plan properly, and before I could hand in my confirmation slip it was all full. Somehow I managed to get myself on the bus and attend medieval times with the rest of my friends.
The bus ride there was pretty uneventful other than the fact that everybody’s body was jumping with excitement for eating with your hands watching people joust and have good old fashioned violence experience for a Friday night out. One of the memorable moments even before the tournament and dinner started was right when we walked into the mall there were people giving out debit gift cards to our group; best of Baltimore had no idea who they were or what they were giving us. It was just free twenty dollars, which was odd. The gift was great, but it made me realize how easily people try and give you anything and how easily people conform. I know I only took that card because I saw everybody take that debit card, just tells you how easily people are willing to accept something they know nothing about.
The whole experience from eating with our hands, even soup! (Obviously the bowl had a handle so you could sip it like a drink) and being able to hear the accents and see the games and turmoil that the Medieval times once had. It was a really enriching experience to see what else is out there from Baltimore, although on our own transportation may be difficult its good to see there are more exciting things than the gallery shopping center, or the aquarium. This was my first Best of Baltimore trip, and I’m now realizing how many other opportunities I missed out on. This group really broadens your horizons and like I said before teaches you of other things that just on campus functions and inner harbor festivals. Also it forces you to branch out even further than your normal comfort zone and meet new people along with faculty that are on the trip with you. Overall it was a very good experience and the next best of Baltimore trip I believe will be even more eye opening in terms of what’s available for things to do in Maryland, not just Baltimore.

Medieval Times

Nina Marchetto
Understanding Literature
Event Analysis
December 3, 2007


This past Friday I went to an event hosted by Best of Baltimore, we went into the Hanover to Medieval Times: dinner and tournament. The whole experience was so entertaining and a chance for me to see what else was offered in Maryland other than the inner harbor shopping and dragon paddle boats. The ability to have these things introduced to us, freshmen, is such a great idea because we are new and the school is trying to get us acclimated still throughout the whole year and it really does help first year students. I also learned the effects of planning ahead and time management throughout this field trip.
Friday evening most kids are getting ready to go out and party with their friends, try to fit five or six people in a cab and go find some place to have some fun. Instead I was convinced I would start studying for the numerous exams I have coming up along with all the papers and the few class exams I still have before finals; but alas my friends got the best of me and told me to go to medieval times with the best of Baltimore group. I had planned on going but I did not plan properly, and before I could hand in my confirmation slip it was all full. Somehow I managed to get myself on the bus and attend medieval times with the rest of my friends.
The bus ride there was pretty uneventful other than the fact that everybody’s body was jumping with excitement for eating with your hands watching people joust and have good old fashioned violence experience for a Friday night out. One of the memorable moments even before the tournament and dinner started was right when we walked into the mall there were people giving out debit gift cards to our group; best of Baltimore had no idea who they were or what they were giving us. It was just free twenty dollars, which was odd. The gift was great, but it made me realize how easily people try and give you anything and how easily people conform. I know I only took that card because I saw everybody take that debit card, just tells you how easily people are willing to accept something they know nothing about.
The whole experience from eating with our hands, even soup! (Obviously the bowl had a handle so you could sip it like a drink) and being able to hear the accents and see the games and turmoil that the Medieval times once had. It was a really enriching experience to see what else is out there from Baltimore, although on our own transportation may be difficult its good to see there are more exciting things than the gallery shopping center, or the aquarium. This was my first Best of Baltimore trip, and I’m now realizing how many other opportunities I missed out on. This group really broadens your horizons and like I said before teaches you of other things that just on campus functions and inner harbor festivals. Also it forces you to branch out even further than your normal comfort zone and meet new people along with faculty that are on the trip with you. Overall it was a very good experience and the next best of Baltimore trip I believe will be even more eye opening in terms of what’s available for things to do in Maryland, not just Baltimore.

Medieval Times

Nina Marchetto
Understanding Literature
Event Analysis
December 3, 2007


This past Friday I went to an event hosted by Best of Baltimore, we went into the Hanover to Medieval Times: dinner and tournament. The whole experience was so entertaining and a chance for me to see what else was offered in Maryland other than the inner harbor shopping and dragon paddle boats. The ability to have these things introduced to us, freshmen, is such a great idea because we are new and the school is trying to get us acclimated still throughout the whole year and it really does help first year students. I also learned the effects of planning ahead and time management throughout this field trip.
Friday evening most kids are getting ready to go out and party with their friends, try to fit five or six people in a cab and go find some place to have some fun. Instead I was convinced I would start studying for the numerous exams I have coming up along with all the papers and the few class exams I still have before finals; but alas my friends got the best of me and told me to go to medieval times with the best of Baltimore group. I had planned on going but I did not plan properly, and before I could hand in my confirmation slip it was all full. Somehow I managed to get myself on the bus and attend medieval times with the rest of my friends.
The bus ride there was pretty uneventful other than the fact that everybody’s body was jumping with excitement for eating with your hands watching people joust and have good old fashioned violence experience for a Friday night out. One of the memorable moments even before the tournament and dinner started was right when we walked into the mall there were people giving out debit gift cards to our group; best of Baltimore had no idea who they were or what they were giving us. It was just free twenty dollars, which was odd. The gift was great, but it made me realize how easily people try and give you anything and how easily people conform. I know I only took that card because I saw everybody take that debit card, just tells you how easily people are willing to accept something they know nothing about.
The whole experience from eating with our hands, even soup! (Obviously the bowl had a handle so you could sip it like a drink) and being able to hear the accents and see the games and turmoil that the Medieval times once had. It was a really enriching experience to see what else is out there from Baltimore, although on our own transportation may be difficult its good to see there are more exciting things than the gallery shopping center, or the aquarium. This was my first Best of Baltimore trip, and I’m now realizing how many other opportunities I missed out on. This group really broadens your horizons and like I said before teaches you of other things that just on campus functions and inner harbor festivals. Also it forces you to branch out even further than your normal comfort zone and meet new people along with faculty that are on the trip with you. Overall it was a very good experience and the next best of Baltimore trip I believe will be even more eye opening in terms of what’s available for things to do in Maryland, not just Baltimore.

Medieval Times

Nina Marchetto
Understanding Literature
Event Analysis
December 3, 2007


This past Friday I went to an event hosted by Best of Baltimore, we went into the Hanover to Medieval Times: dinner and tournament. The whole experience was so entertaining and a chance for me to see what else was offered in Maryland other than the inner harbor shopping and dragon paddle boats. The ability to have these things introduced to us, freshmen, is such a great idea because we are new and the school is trying to get us acclimated still throughout the whole year and it really does help first year students. I also learned the effects of planning ahead and time management throughout this field trip.
Friday evening most kids are getting ready to go out and party with their friends, try to fit five or six people in a cab and go find some place to have some fun. Instead I was convinced I would start studying for the numerous exams I have coming up along with all the papers and the few class exams I still have before finals; but alas my friends got the best of me and told me to go to medieval times with the best of Baltimore group. I had planned on going but I did not plan properly, and before I could hand in my confirmation slip it was all full. Somehow I managed to get myself on the bus and attend medieval times with the rest of my friends.
The bus ride there was pretty uneventful other than the fact that everybody’s body was jumping with excitement for eating with your hands watching people joust and have good old fashioned violence experience for a Friday night out. One of the memorable moments even before the tournament and dinner started was right when we walked into the mall there were people giving out debit gift cards to our group; best of Baltimore had no idea who they were or what they were giving us. It was just free twenty dollars, which was odd. The gift was great, but it made me realize how easily people try and give you anything and how easily people conform. I know I only took that card because I saw everybody take that debit card, just tells you how easily people are willing to accept something they know nothing about.
The whole experience from eating with our hands, even soup! (Obviously the bowl had a handle so you could sip it like a drink) and being able to hear the accents and see the games and turmoil that the Medieval times once had. It was a really enriching experience to see what else is out there from Baltimore, although on our own transportation may be difficult its good to see there are more exciting things than the gallery shopping center, or the aquarium. This was my first Best of Baltimore trip, and I’m now realizing how many other opportunities I missed out on. This group really broadens your horizons and like I said before teaches you of other things that just on campus functions and inner harbor festivals. Also it forces you to branch out even further than your normal comfort zone and meet new people along with faculty that are on the trip with you. Overall it was a very good experience and the next best of Baltimore trip I believe will be even more eye opening in terms of what’s available for things to do in Maryland, not just Baltimore.

Medieval Times

Nina Marchetto
Understanding Literature
Event Analysis
December 3, 2007


This past Friday I went to an event hosted by Best of Baltimore, we went into the Hanover to Medieval Times: dinner and tournament. The whole experience was so entertaining and a chance for me to see what else was offered in Maryland other than the inner harbor shopping and dragon paddle boats. The ability to have these things introduced to us, freshmen, is such a great idea because we are new and the school is trying to get us acclimated still throughout the whole year and it really does help first year students. I also learned the effects of planning ahead and time management throughout this field trip.
Friday evening most kids are getting ready to go out and party with their friends, try to fit five or six people in a cab and go find some place to have some fun. Instead I was convinced I would start studying for the numerous exams I have coming up along with all the papers and the few class exams I still have before finals; but alas my friends got the best of me and told me to go to medieval times with the best of Baltimore group. I had planned on going but I did not plan properly, and before I could hand in my confirmation slip it was all full. Somehow I managed to get myself on the bus and attend medieval times with the rest of my friends.
The bus ride there was pretty uneventful other than the fact that everybody’s body was jumping with excitement for eating with your hands watching people joust and have good old fashioned violence experience for a Friday night out. One of the memorable moments even before the tournament and dinner started was right when we walked into the mall there were people giving out debit gift cards to our group; best of Baltimore had no idea who they were or what they were giving us. It was just free twenty dollars, which was odd. The gift was great, but it made me realize how easily people try and give you anything and how easily people conform. I know I only took that card because I saw everybody take that debit card, just tells you how easily people are willing to accept something they know nothing about.
The whole experience from eating with our hands, even soup! (Obviously the bowl had a handle so you could sip it like a drink) and being able to hear the accents and see the games and turmoil that the Medieval times once had. It was a really enriching experience to see what else is out there from Baltimore, although on our own transportation may be difficult its good to see there are more exciting things than the gallery shopping center, or the aquarium. This was my first Best of Baltimore trip, and I’m now realizing how many other opportunities I missed out on. This group really broadens your horizons and like I said before teaches you of other things that just on campus functions and inner harbor festivals. Also it forces you to branch out even further than your normal comfort zone and meet new people along with faculty that are on the trip with you. Overall it was a very good experience and the next best of Baltimore trip I believe will be even more eye opening in terms of what’s available for things to do in Maryland, not just Baltimore.

Medieval Times

Nina Marchetto
Understanding Literature
Event Analysis
December 3, 2007


This past Friday I went to an event hosted by Best of Baltimore, we went into the Hanover to Medieval Times: dinner and tournament. The whole experience was so entertaining and a chance for me to see what else was offered in Maryland other than the inner harbor shopping and dragon paddle boats. The ability to have these things introduced to us, freshmen, is such a great idea because we are new and the school is trying to get us acclimated still throughout the whole year and it really does help first year students. I also learned the effects of planning ahead and time management throughout this field trip.
Friday evening most kids are getting ready to go out and party with their friends, try to fit five or six people in a cab and go find some place to have some fun. Instead I was convinced I would start studying for the numerous exams I have coming up along with all the papers and the few class exams I still have before finals; but alas my friends got the best of me and told me to go to medieval times with the best of Baltimore group. I had planned on going but I did not plan properly, and before I could hand in my confirmation slip it was all full. Somehow I managed to get myself on the bus and attend medieval times with the rest of my friends.
The bus ride there was pretty uneventful other than the fact that everybody’s body was jumping with excitement for eating with your hands watching people joust and have good old fashioned violence experience for a Friday night out. One of the memorable moments even before the tournament and dinner started was right when we walked into the mall there were people giving out debit gift cards to our group; best of Baltimore had no idea who they were or what they were giving us. It was just free twenty dollars, which was odd. The gift was great, but it made me realize how easily people try and give you anything and how easily people conform. I know I only took that card because I saw everybody take that debit card, just tells you how easily people are willing to accept something they know nothing about.
The whole experience from eating with our hands, even soup! (Obviously the bowl had a handle so you could sip it like a drink) and being able to hear the accents and see the games and turmoil that the Medieval times once had. It was a really enriching experience to see what else is out there from Baltimore, although on our own transportation may be difficult its good to see there are more exciting things than the gallery shopping center, or the aquarium. This was my first Best of Baltimore trip, and I’m now realizing how many other opportunities I missed out on. This group really broadens your horizons and like I said before teaches you of other things that just on campus functions and inner harbor festivals. Also it forces you to branch out even further than your normal comfort zone and meet new people along with faculty that are on the trip with you. Overall it was a very good experience and the next best of Baltimore trip I believe will be even more eye opening in terms of what’s available for things to do in Maryland, not just Baltimore.