November 07, 2025 - Service Learning Blog
Student Service Learning Blog Writers
Impact in Action: Two Inspiring Service Learning Features
This week, the Service Learning Blog is featuring two must-read articles that capture the spirit of community engagement. See how our students are tackling well-being in "Wellness In Action" and our students and faculty are working together to transform the space at the Yangon Animal Shelter garden. Prepare to be proud of the tangible change they are creating.
💛 Let’s Work Together - Wellness In Action
By Cindy, Pyone Pann, and Tuesday (grade 10)
In celebration of World Mental Health Day, the ISY community came together on October 22nd and enjoyed a relaxing and educational day learning about mental health. Organized by the service learning group Chinthe Connections, the event welcomed every Chinthe from 2nd to 12th grade to pause, breathe, and take time to focus on their mental well-being.
The event was filled with a mix of creativity, laughter, and relaxation as student volunteers led a variety of interactive activities around the campus. These activities were designed to help students de-stress and express themselves. Whether it was ice throwing to let frustrations melt away, drawing our stress monsters to visualize and control worries, or finger painting a mural, each activity encouraged mindfulness in a fun, hands-on way:
“Today reminded me that mental health isn’t something we should ignore and that it’s part of who we are.” – Rachael (grade 11)
“I hope this event has given people something they can take with them beyond the school campus.” – Yunn (grade 11)
By the end of the event, students were not only more relaxed but also more aware of how small actions can make a big difference in their daily routines. From learning breathing techniques to finding joy in creativity, everyone left with a new tool or idea for managing stress.,
Taking care of our minds isn't something we can simply do in one day; it's something we build on little by little. Mental health awareness can be both fun and meaningful!
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🐾 Paws and Produce - YAS Garden
By Eaindray (grade 10) and Claire (grade 11)
Something exciting is sprouting at the Yangon Animal Shelter (YAS)…a colorful, buzzing garden for both people and pups! With each fruit and vegetable grown, YAS is also sowing the seeds of sustainability.
The gourds and pumpkins are favorites. They’re grown especially for the dogs, who get to enjoy their tasty, healthy benefits. Meanwhile, the rest of the produce, from sweet, plump bananas to bright, round limes, is put to good use, transforming into fresh, nourishing meals for the dedicated staff working at the Shelter.
We frequently take our teachers and students to visit the site to witness firsthand the impact of our support. Mrs. Schumaker is one of our ISY teachers who offer their time at the Shelter. She shared, “Just going there to spend time with the animals is pretty magical.” The experience deepened her appreciation for the Shelter, and she is eager to encourage more community members to get involved.
But it is not just what is on the plate that makes this garden special. The YAS team is digging into eco-friendly gardening, using compost, saving water, and steering clear of harmful chemicals.
Beyond providing fresh food, the garden brings YAS closer together. Every plant grown, harvested, and enjoyed adds more joy to the already vibrant shelter. Their sustainable success serves as an example to the Chinthes of how small, thoughtful actions can make a meaningful difference, not just for the immediate community, but for the environment as well.
