“We don’t learn by doing, we learn by reflecting on what we’ve done.”
As Bonner Scholars, we take pride in learning through what we do. Through our service, through our teamwork, and through our countless hours of work, we are always learning and growing in our efforts to address and work to alleviate the social justice issues we come face to face with every day.
However, learning through doing is only one step in the process. After we do, we reflect, we learn, and we grow. That’s why Bonner orientations have become a crucial part of what we do. This is the time when a great deal of reflection takes place. During our winter orientation, we have the opportunity to take a step back from our service and review what we’ve done and accomplished in the previous semester.
As Bonners, we get the chance to ask ourselves questions like, “what were our strengths and weaknesses?”, “what did we do right and what could we do even better?” and “how can we take our service to the next level?”
Through a series of workshops, trainings, and group sessions, we are constantly looking for ways to better ourselves and our service to the community of Trenton.
“Having orientation really gives us a chance to analyze all that we’ve done thus far, in addition to being that additional push forward that we sometimes need,” said Junior Cleo Kordomenos.
Sometimes we feel a little burnt out or unmotivated, but orientation really helps to get us back together and refocused. “Sometimes things get tough and sometimes we lose sight of things. I think that’s what’s great about orientation—it puts the pieces back together,” said Junior Melody Hwang.
And more importantly, it’s great for reconnecting and rekindling with other Bonners we may not have seen as much as we would have liked.
Orientation is a time to get rejuvenated, refocused and refreshed. After a few hours of fine-tuning, we have our goals in mind and are feeling pumped and ready to take on a new semester of great service!
Editorial by Julia Livesey