The 14th of December didn’t come soon enough for many students. With winter break beginning, and the holidays around the corner most students couldn’t wait to leave campus. Most, except for a group of sophomore paramedic students who decided to clean up around our campus that morning.
“SBL (service based learning) is really important to me,” says Shannon Bruley, Program Manager of Emergency Medical Services.
Within her paramedic program, she requires her students to do 16 hours of service in the winter and fall semesters. The hours are split between internal services (within our school), and external services (outside of the school). Cody Seccombe organized the event by suggesting that there was some work that needed to be done around campus.
Mike Sterling from HFCC Buildings and Grounds set everyone up with gloves, tools, bags, and buckets. The students then went around the school picking up trash, cigarette butts and half-eaten fast food.
“I was in shock when I saw all this trash and realized the lack of care for our school and environment all the other HFCC students had,” said Nolan Siemasz, a paramedic beautification participant.
The students enjoyed working together outside of a classroom setting. “I enjoyed my time with my friends and made a difference doing so,” said Christopher Traylor.
Saleemah Morris spoke on her experience of this SBL project. “It was interesting to do this project within the semester because students were curious as to who we were and where we were from. I was stopped several times and asked, which gave me the opportunity to inform them of this aspect of the Paramedic program. Their reactions expressed surprise, added curiosity, and they seemed impressed.”
The project participants felt proud of servicing the school they attend. That pride motivated them and touches each one deeply, as do all of the SBL service projects.
“This project was humbling as well, and I will carry this experience and lesson with me as a paramedic,” said Saleemah Morris.
Aschleey Pratt says, “I learned that being involved with the community does not mean just helping others, but it’s also helping society and the atmosphere.”
Joel Martin speaks on his experience. “We made our campus look more presentable by picking up trash all around the college, and it shows that we take pride in the way our college looks.”
Cody Seccombe not only organized the event, but lead in cleaning up the different areas of the campus. “I believe that this project benefited everyone at HFCC, as they now have the privilege to enjoy learning in a cleaner environment.”
Nolan Siemasz said, “My benefit was it gave me a lot of pride knowing that when I walk by and see no trash for the time being, that it’s because of me and my classmates from the EMS program.”
Their attitude toward servicing the community is what Shannon Bruley wants. “I want people to serve the community in a non-medical way.”
She also talks about how a few students go beyond their required amount of hours of service during their semester.
In addition to internal service, Shannon Bruley won the award from The Trenton Exchange Club for service to the community of Trenton. Bruley is proud of her award, but is extremely proud of the Medic Connect program, the award’s focus. She takes her paramedic students into the classroom to help, tutor and mentor gradeschool students in all areas of study.

For more information on service based learning, including picture and upcoming events you can go to: servicelearning.hfcc.edu/projects/ems-290-295-serving-community-college-and-local-stakeholders.