Explore More Discovery Museum Volunteer Reflection

The Explore More Discovery Museum where I got the opportunity to volunteer at had an

atmosphere that felt fun and informative. Three things that stuck in my mind while there was

how great this place is for kids, how I could implement something similar in my future

endeavors, and how I wanted to come back to this place (whether to volunteer, or go through the

museum myself). I could make a clear connection between this service experience to the reading

we did called “Building Community in the Inclusive Classroom.” The article discusses that

children of all ages and abilities struggle to form relationships with each other. This includes not

sharing with others, not talking to others, or exclusion of others. Going to the museum made me

think of this article especially because it is a really great place to build community in a classroom

due to the shared experiences.

Before the service event, I truly did not know what to expect from the museum itself. I

had never been before, so I did not expect it to be as wonderful and expansive as it was. I

expected the experience to reinforce the readings, and it met my expectations in that regard.

My study to become a music educator could connect me to this museum, or one like it, in

the sense that this could be a great venue for me to take my students, have my students perform,

or even create a musically inspired exhibit myself.

In order to motivate others to participate in service events like these, I think it is

important to understand why you are doing it. For example, by knowing the impact and

community created by the discovery museum, someone could see the importance and want to

volunteer their time or donate to help further the museum. Service is needed because museums

like these are nonprofits, and thus rely on volunteers to help keep it up and running.9