Service Learning Journal

Ann Cooper

WST4022

November 16, 2012

Meredith Tweed        

Service Learning Journal Entry

            I believe this experience has been one of growth for the whole group.  While it is not always best to speak for others, I personally have seen growth in the group.  Initially we all had high hopes and expectations for the project and the days, sometimes it seemed we might be getting a little too out there with our ideas.  We initially started out with things too theoretical and too mature for 12/13 year old girls; to be honest it seemed to be a contest to see who could be the best “feminist.”  Throughout the process we learned to reign ourselves in and to also understand our audience.

            We have learned a lot about dominant discourse about saving the cheerleader and saving the girl, but I think that these girls saved us as a group.  We spent so much time trying to prove who we are as feminist and that we could “save” these girls that we sometimes forgot what the whole point was.  It took a pause and a step back to realize it didn’t have to be that hard, it needed to be FUN!   Our activities, most recently the Alumni Day, were fun and active.  The group took a step back and realized that we needed to remember what we wanted to do when we were 12 and 13; obviously it wasn’t to sit and be lectured about feelings and how hard life is and how hard it could be. 

            As we wrap up I have thought about what it was like being 12 and 13 for me.  It was actually pretty hard and I often struggled with group dynamics and where I “fit” in.  A group like the YWLP would have been so great.  Watching the girls together made me feel good.  No, their dynamics weren’t always perfect, and it was obvious that there were the more outgoing girls and the more reserved girls.  The neat thing was that the group has a need for each kind of girl and there wasn’t any “leaving out.” 

            A last note, and one that I really want to add, was the “zap that” technique was awesome.  This is something that I personally am working hard on and I found it refreshing to see how the girls were “calling each other out” on putting themselves down.  Girls and women are their number one worst critics, so starting at a young age to nip it before it becomes even more toxic and detrimental is great!