“It was a lot of fun to figure it out on our own. It really brought out our inner adaptive expert.” 18 | CANNON MAGAZINE
Constructing <strong>Character</strong> Four <strong>Cannon</strong> students build shelter for a family in need. By: Haley Acuff This past summer, I began reflecting on the growth of the Upper <strong>School</strong> Service Learning Program, and how <strong>Cannon</strong> <strong>School</strong> is always encouraging its students to Go Beyond. I wanted to create an opportunity for students in the Upper <strong>School</strong> Habitat for Humanity Club to truly understand the Habitat experience to its fullest – and to benefit from that experience. There are few more valuable ways to build character and leadership skills than by joining with others to help the less fortunate through the dignity of work. I quickly realized that this would not be possible without taking this lesson beyond the classroom. So, I set to work organizing a trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast for a team of four Habitat Club leaders: Dylan Mason, William Nelson, Andrew Powell, and Alex Rennie. Having worked at Our Towns Habitat for Humanity, which serves the Mooresville, Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville communities, before coming to <strong>Cannon</strong> <strong>School</strong>, I knew how fun, rewarding, and eye-opening the work of Habitat for Humanity can be when you are involved on the ground level. On November 30, we set off on our week-long journey to Biloxi, Mississippi with great anticipation. I looked forward to seeing how this trip would impact and motivate these four <strong>Cannon</strong> juniors. I knew that coming to the Mississippi Gulf Coast four years after Hurricane Katrina and working with seasoned Habitat employees and volunteers would give these students an invaluable opportunity to witness Habitat’s mission in action – and to build their leadership skills as they joined a Habitat team to build shelter for a family in need of decent, affordable housing. On their first day, the four <strong>Cannon</strong> students helped construct a home while working alongside AmeriCorps volunteers, Our Towns Habitat volunteers, and local construction staff. They worked on insulation, built siding, nailed fascia to rafters, and painted. On their last day, they were given the opportunity to put their newfound knowledge to work. They were asked to build a shed adjacent to the home. They put up siding and the roof, and they caulked and painted. They built the shed on their own. Throughout the week I asked the students some questions that I hoped would inspire them to reflect on their service experience beyond the classroom. Why did you choose to take time away from your busy school schedule to come on the Habitat trip Dylan Mason: I jumped at the chance to participate in this trip because I knew it would be very beneficial. I learned important leadership and relationship skills that will help me throughout the rest of my life. William Nelson: The stories that I have heard from friends and relatives that have gone on Habitat trips really motivated me. One thing about these stories that inspired me was being able to work alongside great people who will respect you and teach you. Andrew Powell: I figured that it would be a great opportunity to work on time-management skills, being away for so long. It ended up being an invaluable opportunity to build my character and to grow a better appreciation for how blessed I am. What have you personally gained from this experience Did you learn anything about yourself Dylan Mason: I gained more appreciation for the situation that I am in. I have a home, I go to school, and I have a bright future. Unfortunately, many people from the Gulf Coast have either been forced to leave home, or stay and have to rebuild an area that was not very prosperous in the first place. William Nelson: One thing that did come into the light for me was the damage that Hurricane Katrina caused to the Gulf Coast. Just seeing the foundation of old houses and nothing else really motivated me to get as much done during the build as I could. How did you go beyond to accomplish something that you felt challenged you Andrew Powell: On the last day, the four of us were tasked with finishing a shed by ourselves. The shed was basically built in the same way as the main house, only in miniature, so it really took all of our skills and creativity to properly figure out how to build it. It was a lot of fun to be left to figure out the process on our own. It really brought out our inner adaptive expert. William Nelson: We were supposed to take the knowledge we had gained from the other members and complete the shed. After the first couple attempts we began to get the rhythm and with the right tools and good attitudes we were able to get the job done. Dylan Mason: All four of the <strong>Cannon</strong> kids went beyond. We finished the entire shed, except for the door knob. Would you encourage other <strong>Cannon</strong> students to participate in a service project like this, and, if so, what advice would you give them to get started Dylan Mason: I would definitely encourage them to participate in a trip like this, but they should remember to challenge themselves and stay on top of school work. CANNON MAGAZINE | 19 > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > <strong>Character</strong> Education
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