#communityservicelearning

Yasaman Mashayekhi - 4th Year Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Yasaman Mashayekhi is a fourth-year psychology student in the Bachelor of Science program at the University of Alberta. She is in her final year of her degree and currently completing the CSL Certificate.

Can you trace your involvement with CSL?

I first got involved with CSL through a psychology course about aging last winter. At the time, I wasn’t familiar with CSL and didn’t realize the course included a community placement. My professor, Dr. Tiana Rust introduced us to the program and asked us to select placements. I chose to work with the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN), now known as Newcomer Centre, where I taught English to older adults who were newcomers to Canada. It was a meaningful experience that inspired me to pursue the CSL Certificate. After learning more about it through the CSL website, I decided to continue volunteering in an organized way while working toward the certificate.

Could you tell us more about Newcomer Centre and your experience there?

Newcomer Centre supports newcomers, and my work focused on teaching English to older adults. This aligned perfectly with the course content, which covered aging and older adults. I am fortunate to have been part of that experience, as it allowed me to apply what I was learning in class to a real-world setting.

Why did you decide to take your first CSL course?

It was a happy accident! I needed to take a course on aging, and there were two sections: one with a CSL placement and one without. I didn’t realize I had signed up for the CSL section until it began, but it turned out to be an incredible opportunity.

What other CSL courses and placements have you completed?

After the psychology course, I took two CSL courses with instructor Lisa Prins in the Spring and Fall. Those courses didn’t involve external placements, but they were highly reflective and engaging. I’ll be taking a sociology course in the winter, which I believe will include another placement.

Of the CSL experiences you’ve had so far, which has been your favorite?

My time at Newcomer Centre was unforgettable, but the CSL 370 course I took in the spring stands out for a different reason. Unlike typical university courses that rely on exams and grades, this course emphasized reflection, participation, and understanding. Initially, it was challenging to adjust, but by the end, I realized how valuable and unique the experience was.

How has CSL impacted you personally?

CSL has been transformative. When I moved to Canada five years ago, I had limited exposure to communities outside my academic and personal circles. CSL gave me the chance to engage with people outside of my community and see how other people lead their lives outside of the traditional academic setting.

This experience shifted my perspective on societal issues and helped me empathize with others in ways I hadn’t before. For example, I used to think homelessness was solely a result of poor choices. Through CSL, I’ve come to understand the complex circumstances that lead to such situations.

Has CSL influenced your academic or career goals?

Absolutely. My goal is to become a doctor, and I’ve always believed that understanding and empathizing with people is essential for good medical practice. CSL gave me the opportunity to connect with diverse communities and develop that understanding. It also added value to my academic journey by allowing me to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. CSL gave me the opportunity to see other people and hear their stories. I know the skills and experiences I’ve gained will strengthen my med school application and, ultimately, my career.

What does receiving the Student Equity Award mean to you?

Receiving the CEWIL Student Equity Award is significant to me because it acknowledges the importance of creating inclusive opportunities for all students, regardless of their backgrounds. As someone who has navigated challenges of belonging and adaptation, this recognition reinforces my commitment to fostering equity and compassion in every project I undertake. It is a reminder that small efforts to build bridges in diverse communities can have a lasting impact and that striving for inclusivity is not just an ideal but a practice. This award inspires me to continue advocating for equitable experiences in education and beyond.

How would you summarize your experience with CSL in one sentence?

It’s been one of the most rewarding outcomes of my education at the University of Alberta.

Pauleanne Codilla - 5th Year Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Pauleanne Codilla (she/her) is a fifth and final year psychology student in the Faculty of Arts at University of Alberta.

Can you share how you first got involved with CSL (Community Service Learning)?

I stumbled upon CSL accidentally while taking a Women and Gender Studies (WGS) 102 course. The class included a community service component, which immediately caught my interest because volunteering has always been a big part of my life. Helping people is a passion of mine, so I was excited to get involved. At the time, I didn’t even know what CSL was, but that experience marked the beginning of my journey with the program.

Are you completing the CSL Certificate, and if so, why?

Yes, I am completing the CSL Certificate. After that initial WGS course, I learned more about the certificate and its benefits. My time as an intern for the Faculty of Arts further exposed me to CSL through various promotional activities like booths and webinars. Volunteering is something I already do a lot of, so pursuing the certificate felt like a natural extension of my academic and personal interests. It also provides official recognition for work I’m passionate about, which adds value to my academic journey.

I’m following a stream of the CSL Certificate where, instead of completing five courses, you can take four and fulfill the remaining requirement with a community service placement called a non-credit opportunity. For this non-credit opportunity, I’ve been volunteering with Rotary Clubs which is an international organization with about 1.4 million members worldwide that focuses on volunteering and youth empowerment. On campus, we have a Rotaract Club, which is a university-student version of Rotary. I’ve been a member since my first year, even serving as president.

Through Rotary, I’ve worked with one of the ten local clubs in Edmonton to organize free monthly dinners for students. The club reached out to support students as tuition and grocery prices continue to rise, offering these dinners as a way to make life a little easier—one less meal to worry about each month.

What CSL courses and placements have you completed so far?

I’ve completed one CSL placement during my WGS 102 course, and I have more lined up. Next semester, I’ll be doing Psych 329 (Adult and Aging) and CSL 100, and I’m planning to take a spring CSL course as well. My first placement was with Migrante Alberta, an organization that advocates for migrant workers, especially Filipino workers.

Can you describe your experience with Migrante Alberta?

For my WGS 102 placement, we were asked to rank our top three placement choices, and I was assigned to Migrante Alberta. I wasn’t familiar with the organization beforehand, but I quickly connected with their mission. Migrante Alberta focuses on advocating for the rights of migrant workers, particularly Filipinos, which resonated with me on a personal level—my mom is a migrant worker from the Philippines.

During the placement, I participated in projects like organizing an International Women’s Day March and helping with their events, including self-defense classes and fundraisers. The experience allowed me to form meaningful connections with the organization and learn about the challenges faced by migrant workers.

How has CSL influenced your academic and personal life?

CSL has deeply enriched my academic and personal life. Before CSL, my university experience felt repetitive—just going to class and trying my best. Experiential learning through CSL brought a new level of engagement and made school more exciting for me. Applying what I’ve learned in class to real-world situations has been transformative.

As an ambassador for the university, I often highlight experiential learning opportunities like co-op programs and study abroad, and I always mention the CSL Certificate. I firmly believe these programs help students make the most of their education.

Did CSL expose you to new knowledge or experiences?

CSL primarily exposed me to new experiences. It helped me apply and solidify my existing knowledge about community service and its importance. The hands-on learning aspect was incredibly rewarding and confirmed how much I enjoy learning outside the traditional classroom environment.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through CSL?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to take advantage of opportunities, even if they only mildly interest you—you never know where they might lead. My involvement with Migrante Alberta, for example, opened doors I hadn’t anticipated. I’ve stayed connected with the organization and even facilitated collaborations between them and other Filipino-based groups on campus.

How has CSL influenced your career aspirations?

I’m still figuring out my long-term career goals, but CSL has made me more open to incorporating community service into my future work. While I’m not certain about pursuing a career in the non-profit sector, I plan to explore more through future CSL placements and opportunities like the Career Center’s non-profit internship program.

How would you summarize your CSL experience in one sentence?

Taylor Pukanich - 3rd Year Bachelor of Arts, Criminology

Taylor Pukanich (she/her) is in her third year, studying criminology and working towards the Community Service-Learning certificate.

Why did you decide to take your first CSL course?

I started taking my first CSL course after a friend recommended it to me. I was in my first year and I was unsure of what classes I wanted to take. Throughout middle and high school, I was involved in the community and school, often connecting the two so I wondered what it would be like to take a community service class in an academic setting. That’s why I enrolled in CSL 100.

Why did you choose to pursue the CSL certificate?

After I found out about the certificate, I thought about the hands-on experience I would gain and also how this certificate would help me in my criminology studies.

It sounded like a great opportunity, especially since it's already embedded into my degree. I thoroughly enjoyed CSL 100 and since then, I haven't stopped taking CSL classes.

What CSL placements have you completed so far?

In CSL 100, I coordinated the Alberta Basketball Provincials, which allowed me to merge my love for basketball with community engagement. I also completed a placement in EDU 100, volunteering with an organization called Free Play. Free Play provides free after-school programming focused on physical activity and teaching sportsmanship to elementary school children. For my CSL certificate, I completed a non-credit placement with the Youth Restorative Action Project (YRAP), a restorative justice organization that directly relates to my criminology studies. Each of these placements offered hands-on experiences that enriched my understanding and helped me connect academics to real-world applications.

What was your experience with YRAP? How did it tie into your criminology studies?

I discovered YRAP while taking CSL 100 and reached out to them directly to volunteer. I worked with YRAP for about a year before realizing I could complete my placement hours there for a non-credit opportunity towards my CSL certificate. YRAP was an incredible experience—it’s a restorative justice organization focused on supporting youth and steering them away from the criminal justice system. Being part of such an initiative expanded my understanding of justice and community support, directly aligning with my criminology studies and giving me insight into practical applications of my degree.

Could you tell us more about the Alberta Basketball Provincials placement?

The Alberta Basketball Provincials placement was especially meaningful because it combined my passion for basketball with community service. Growing up, I played and coached basketball, so returning in a volunteer capacity felt like coming full circle. The role allowed me to contribute to a familiar community while also enjoying an activity I love. I didn’t anticipate that CSL placements would align so well with my interests outside of academics, so this experience pleasantly surprised me. It was immersive, fast-paced, and truly rewarding.

What was your favorite CSL placement and why?

My favorite CSL placement was with YRAP because of the hands-on experience it offered. I served on several of their weekly panels where I participated in decision-making processes regarding youth charges, which was an unexpected opportunity for someone still in school. It allowed me to step into a role that felt both impactful and directly tied to my career goals. The Alberta Basketball Provincials was another memorable experience, especially because I completed all my hours over three intense days, immersing myself completely in the event. Both placements, though different, offered unique insights and were incredibly fulfilling.

How has CSL influenced the way you think about things?

CSL has broadened my perspective and opened my eyes to different fields and approaches within community service. For example, when I took Education 100, I was the only student in the class not pursuing an education degree. This unique position allowed me to introduce first-year education students to CSL, which many didn’t realize was embedded into the course. It showed me how CSL connects people from diverse fields and backgrounds, fostering mutual learning. I’ve also learned about the range of placements available through CSL, which helped me appreciate the diversity of community service opportunities that universities can offer.

What important lesson have you learned from your CSL experiences?

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of actively listening to community partners and students I work with. They often teach me things about myself and the world that I didn’t expect to learn. By fully engaging in each placement, I’ve realized that there’s so much more to gain from the experience than just completing hours or assignments. It’s about understanding the needs of others and how best to support them, which has been both a humbling and rewarding journey.

How has CSL helped you with your career or future endeavors?

CSL has allowed me to form meaningful relationships with fellow criminology and CSL students, as well as community partners. One of the biggest advantages of CSL is that it connects you with organizations that need support, which can often be challenging to find on your own. For example, I wouldn’t have discovered YRAP without CSL, and now I’ve been volunteering with them for nearly two years. These placements make it easier to apply what I learn in my classes to real-world situations, bridging academic theory and practice. CSL has given me a solid foundation to continue in community-focused work and deepened my commitment to my field.

How would you sum up your experience with CSL in one sentence?

Maria Vera - Bachelor of Arts, Modern Languages and Cultural Studies and Spanish

Maria Vera (she/they), is in her fourth and final year of her degree majoring in Modern Languages & Cultural Studies and Spanish. She is double-minoring in Women and Gender Studies and East Asian Studies. Maria is also pursuing the CSL certificate.

Can you trace your involvement with CSL?

It started when I was in the education program, which I plan to go back to in the future as an after-degree. My first CSL course was EDU 100, where the CSL component was a requirement. I thought this was pretty cool, I didn't know the U of A had this. I worked with a few other classmates who did their CSL placement with the Boys and Girls Club, and ever since then, I have loved CSL. I'm on my way to get the CSL Certificate and I already have more than enough credits for it. I like to collect a lot of certificates at the U of A, and CSL is one that I'm doing.

Why are you completing the CSL certificate?

It's something I really want to add to my resume because it shows how involved I am in CSL. I even won the CSL Equity Award a couple of years ago and I’m hoping to win it again.

What does receiving the CEWIL Student Equity Award mean to you?

For me, receiving the CSL Student Equity Award means being recognized by my community for the impact I made through my service in CSL.

What CSL placements have you completed?

I have done a lot, including a CSL non-credit opportunity which led me back to Peru where I was born. I volunteered with a volunteer tourism company for two weeks and I used those hours to meet the criteria for the CSL non-credit opportunity. I wrote a paper on volunteerism and its effects for the reflection component.

What other placements have you had with CSL?

In CSL 100, I was placed with ABC Head Start where we worked with multilingual kids to give them more access and support. In SPAN 400 we did translation and the placements revolved around translating Spanish to English and English to Spanish.

Of all of your placements, which was your favorite and why?

I would say my non-credit opportunity in Peru because I got to go back to Peru for the first time since I immigrated to Canada at age four. I was 24 years old when I went back to Peru and I got to act as a translator for the other volunteers who did not speak Spanish.

How would you say that your CSL placement in Spanish contributed to your experiences, particularly as a volunteer in Peru?

It made it easy to figure out because in the Spanish translation course, we had to translate documents for immigrants who might not have access to translating services and that's what I did in Peru, but orally. It's hard for people of two different cultures to communicate so I was that cultural translator, that bridge. I was able to practice my skills as a translator as well.

What was your personal experience with CSL? Where did it lead you?

My personal experience with CSL has been wonderful because I've been able to work with many different organizations. I have had lots of opportunities and it’s led me to have a greater appreciation for non-profit organizations. I am more skilled at working with other people and understanding people.

Did CSL change your ways about thinking about certain things and how?

It has made me rethink what a community really is and how you can be there for the community. What is helping, what isn't helping, how you can help correctly, and how you can finish a product and see its end goal. Most CSL projects have an end goal or a deadline to reach. For example, during my placement with ABC Head Start, I did the multilingual readers program. I had to find a group of people who spoke those languages professionally or natively who could look over the translation of books. They produced a book which included a push pen that accommodates children who speak multiple different languages.

What was the most important or memorable lesson that you learned through CSL?

I gained a sense of appreciation for what I have and what I can give back to others. How I can help and how I can not help.

Did CSL expose you to new experiences and knowledge? How and what?

It exposed me to organizations that I didn't know about and to discover what they have to offer and what they do.

How has CSL impacted your academic and or personal life?

It has led me to seek employment in fields like community outreach and the non-profit sector. I’m interested in trying them out, seeing what they're all about and how I can give back. I really encourage people to try a CSL class to see if they like it or not. It could be beneficial or maybe not, but it's up to the individual. I think CSL is something everyone should try at least once.

How would you sum up your experience with CSL in one sentence?

Inspiring.

Daniel D., Student (Psychology)

Read about Daniel’s experience as a student in CSL 100, and being the co-director of community engagement at the Collective of Community Oriented Students (CCOS). 

Jimmy M., Community Partner (Operation Friendship Seniors Society)

“My role here as Community Relations Supervisor is to handle our volunteer program. One of the volunteer components is the CSL program. Having students come in, preparing food, serving meals, friendly visits with the seniors as well. CSL is considered a group within the volunteer program. That's my involvement, to book dates for CSL and other groups that we have come through our door.

Ryan M., Student (Criminology)

Ryan Migadel, a former student athlete, recently graduated from the University of Alberta with a BA in Criminology. Currently, Ryan is in the application process with Edmonton Police Service, which keeps him on a dedicated workout schedule, much like football did.

Randal N., Instructor (Augustana Campus)

CSL is a pretty safe, easy connecting point between the community and the university, which helps to create new, serendipitous opportunities. In some ways, it has opened opportunities for us to be a resource for the university and its students. CSL has helped to open the eyes of the university a little bit and recognize that there might be students who are struggling because they don’t have a place to stay, they are in poverty, or homelessness is an issue for them.