FSU students visit Americus

Local News

September 1, 2009

From Staff Reports

AMERICUS — A group of about 50 students from Florida State University (FSU) sat on the picnic tables on the lawn of the Global Village Saturay enjoying sack lunches and excitedly sharing and comparing stories about the events of the day. The group is part of a Social Justice Living Learning Community (SJLLC) class offered at FSU. It aims to teach the students awareness of the different social justice programs available around the world. The students broke up into groups and worked with four different organizations in Americus: the Sumter Humane Society, The Fuller Center for Housing, the Easter Morning Boys and Girls Club, and Koinonia Farms, where the students were housed for the weekend. Jasmine Johnson worked for Koinonia picking grapes and tending chickens. “I’m from a large city, so this town is a culture shock. I was a farmer for a day,” she said laughing.

Carrie Tucker is the FSU coordinator of the event. “This is the second year we have been to Americus. There are so many great programs here for students to get some real-world experience,” Tucker explained. Every year the class travels around the world to gain first-hand knowledge of social issues. “The goal is for each student to define social justice for themselves and apply it in their lives as they see fit,” Tucker reiterated.

Students were excited to explain why they became involved in SJLLC. “This is not just a career interest,” Ron Krudo said. “But volunteer work is a passion I have and love learning about different cultures.” Students discussed the benefits of being associated with one another and networking with community leaders around the globe. “We are the future lawyers and senators of this country. We build bonds and connections that will benefit us for the rest of our lives,” Johnson explained.

The group arrived Friday night and was to leave Sunday afternoon. According to Tucker, “We hope to be back again next year.”