Service Learning Through Ossembly

At YISS Middle School, OASIS students focus on character development and bringing values to life. Throughout the month of September, middle school Oasis students used their Ossembly time to work on a service project that focused on our ESLRs of being Collaborative, Compassionate, and Servant-Hearted. In collaboration with a local food kitchen, Korea Legacy Kitchen, they set off to make a difference over the Korean holiday season for senior citizens in poverty.

Chuseok (추석), Korean Thanksgiving Day, is one of Korea's biggest and most important holidays. At a time when being around family and being cared for is crucial, our students wanted to help local senior citizens in need. With the help of guest speakers, students learned about one of Chuseok’s delicacies, Songpyeon (송편), and how to make it. Wearing hairnets, gloves, aprons, and smiles, our students learned to make half-moon-shaped rice cakes, create color through healthy ingredients, and add sweet fillings. Korea Legacy Kitchen then brought them back to steam and eventually distributed them.

What makes a gift special? What helps make something special? Our MS students made individual boxes that would hold the Songpyeon and handwritten letters to share love and hope. We hope to instill a sense of community and compassion in our students. No matter our age or ability, there are always ways we can serve others.