From helping local seniors learn new technology to 3D printing innovative designs, students in Nebraska Honors are embracing hands-on experiences centered on enriching their education.
This year, the Honors Program launched two new interactive courses, "Community Engagement: Connections Across Generations" and "Create and Innovate: A Makerspace Medley," to facilitate unique learning opportunities. The zero-credit courses fulfilled a program requirement while helping students develop new skills and build meaningful relationships.
Andrew Brown, assistant director of community engagement for student leadership, involvement and community engagement, noticed that seniors in the community needed more meaningful programs and engagement with youth. Partnering with three local organizations, Aging Partners, Tabitha, and Madonna, he developed his course specifically to help fill the gap.
For sophomore mechanical engineering major Norah Deckert, the Aging Partners volunteer experience was transformative. She learned about seniors’ struggles with new technology and developed instructional methods for overcoming these barriers.
“Seeing how many people struggle with technology and phone usage when it has become such an integral part of our lives was eye-opening to me,” Deckert said. “Growing up with modern technology, I never realized how challenging it could be for others to suddenly have to rely on technology for everything.”
Deckert worked with a diverse group of seniors, but one thing remained consistent: her newfound desire to connect with people in the Lincoln community.
“Not only did I help others with technology, but I was also able to learn about their lives. Volunteering with Aging Partners became a highlight of my week and something I really started to look forward to,” Deckert said.
In another effort to connect students with unique learning opportunities, Sawyer Smith, honors coordinator, developed "Create and Innovate." The class met regularly at Nebraska Innovation Studio, a facility tailored to innovators with a full metal shop, art studio, wood shop, embroidery machine, and other industrial equipment. Students participated in different training courses designed to utilize these resources successfully and integrate them into projects.
The course went beyond simple assignments, with Smith determined to create a collaborative space where students with diverse backgrounds, majors, and perspectives could interact and work together to create.
“It’s so rewarding seeing all the different things students put together,” Smith said. “They all have such different interests and are from different backgrounds and majors, which is visually represented in the final projects.”
Some notable work included a 3D-printed jet engine replica, a wooden chess set, a spiral fidget toy, and a fully furnished bedroom model.
In addition to portfolio-level results and fostering unique technical skills, Smith specifically designed Makerspace Medley to allow her students to grow from the inevitable failures of innovation. Her guidance created an opportunity to problem-solve and brainstorm, unique from other course offerings.
Looking forward, Smith hopes that students extend their memberships and that Makerspace Medley continues to draw students from different majors.
Both Makerspace Medley and Connections Across Generations will be offered in Spring 2025 and continue to provide outlets for Honors students to grow. As for the plans of course alumni, many, like Deckert, are energized to continue their newfound passions and find new ways to contribute to the Lincoln community.
“Being able to serve in my community,” Deckert said, “whether through time spent helping others or donating resources, is something I strive to continue doing weekly.”
