Back at Merkin Middle School with Annenberg Freshman Siena Oh

When Siena Oh first heard about the JEP opportunity at Richard Merkin Middle School, she had a personal connection waiting in the wings. Her father’s stories of his own USC volunteer experience echoed in her mind, transforming what could have been just another college assignment into a meaningful exploration of community and connection.

This semester marks an exciting return for JEP, as the organization reestablishes its partnership with Merkin Middle School, bringing multiple students like Siena back into the school’s vibrant community. 

As an Annenberg student, Siena breaks the misconception that service-learning is exclusively for Dornsife students. Her day at Merkin Middle School is a whirlwind of activity—administrative tasks, helping distribute supper, supporting homework time—each moment a lesson in practical engagement. “This isn’t just about helping,” she explains. “It’s about understanding how different communities function and learning skills that go way beyond the classroom.”

The return to Merkin Middle School represents more than just a program restart. It’s a recommitment to relationships, to understanding, to bridging gaps that can sometimes seem insurmountable. For Siena, each afternoon is an opportunity to challenge her own assumptions and expand her understanding of education and community.

Her approach is refreshingly pragmatic. She’s not there to save anyone or make grand statements—she’s simply present, attentive, and genuinely interested in the students’ experiences. “Making learning fun is the best part,” she says. “When kids stop seeing education as a chore and start seeing it as an adventure, that’s when real learning happens.”

This is more than just volunteer work. It’s a two-way street of learning, where Siena gains as much as she gives. Her freshman year is being shaped not by textbooks alone, but by real-world interactions that challenge and expand her understanding of communication, education, and community dynamics.

For other students wondering about getting involved, Siena has a clear message: Your major doesn’t define your capacity for community service. Whether you’re studying communications, engineering, or art, there’s a place for you in service-learning. The skills you’ll develop—communication, empathy, practical problem-solving—are universal.

As JEP continues to rebuild and strengthen its partnership with Merkin Middle School, bringing multiple students back into the school’s community, students like Siena are the bridges—connecting campus with community, theory with practice, individual experience with collective understanding.