High school students in MFL MarMac’s MORE authentic learning class are seeking community partnerships where they can not only make an impact, but gain hands-on experience in a field of their interest.

The class has four participants this semester in seniors Lauryn Sandstrom, Julia Grau, Samantha Ruff and Hunter Johnson.

Grau and Sandstrom are seeking a project where they can help others.

“I’ve been fortunate, and if I can help people who aren’t as fortunate, I feel like I should,” Sandstrom said.

She’s been inspired by her parents, aunts and uncles and grandparents, who’ve all been involved in mission work. She’d love to do something similar, and is seeking either an individual, group or organization who helps others and could further that interest.

“Like Lauryn, I’m interested in helping others and the fundraising and mission side of it,” Grau added.

The two have already been speaking with community members and organizations about those groups’ work. They are also exploring potential ideas.

For Grau, that was creating a postcard club, but she ultimately decided it might be better to focus on something in the short term.

“I decided I want to do something right now because, if I create this club and next year nobody wants to take it on or it doesn’t go anywhere, that doesn’t feel like an accomplishment. I want something more impactful, something I can do right now,” she shared.

Ruff and Johnson are interested in marketing and social media.

“I want to get people’s ideas out and help them,” Ruff said. “I’m also trying to find somebody who could be a mentor. Somebody who’s working in marketing, to get a perspective from them.”

Ruff likes creating graphics and design work, as well as the aspect of promoting a business, organization or event.

“I want a chance to be creative. I don’t just want to make a simple post with words,” she said.

Along with marketing, Johnson wants to learn more about community development. He’s already made connections with representatives from The McGregor Project to learn about their development initiatives in the city.

“I’m interested in working with them because I believe they are making a good impact on the community, and this experience can get me involved with the community,” he said.

Teacher and Work-Based Learning Coordinator Melissa Haberichter said a key piece of MORE, which stands for More Opportunities. Real Experiences., is creating value for others.

“We need to find the sweet spot where it’s working for real people, doing real things that matter, but also not just looking for free labor. I’ve been using this analogy: ‘Find something worth doing and find out what it needs from you,’” she shared. “They did some looking inward and things they are curious about. But I’m not going to hand them a project; they have to discover it. I’m here to support, facilitate and be a resource.”

“We really have to think about what we want to do, so it puts us out there to be curious and figure out where to keep moving forward. That’s been kind of challenging, but also fun to put it all together,” Sandstrom shared.

Sandstrom said students like herself can add value, and MORE projects can promote involvement from younger generations.

After speaking with McGregor community volunteer and city council member Janet Hallberg, “she said a lot of people who are doing stuff are older, so starting to get the younger generations involved is important so ideas can continue to grow,” Sandstrom commented.

Ruff agreed.

“We’re a younger demographic,” she said, “and even though we might not have as much experience or knowledge, we can help get ideas flowing.”

Johnson touted the creativity he can bring to the table, while Grau said sometimes issues or projects just need a fresh perspective.

“It always looks different through everybody else’s eyes,” she stated.

Johnson hopes students like himself can support the community with their work, while also gaining experience.

“I will have experience with marketing and people who actually run a successful business and projects,” he said.

Grau looks forward to learning from others through their experiences, as well as seeing how she and others can make their own impact.

Sandstrom felt similarly: “It’s fun for us because, if we do get to work hands-on, we’re able to see the impact we’re making and all that’s going into it.”

If you’re interested in working with the MFL MarMac MORE students, contact Haberichter at melissa.haberichter@mflmm.k12.ia.us.