Cushman presents a rather idealistic theory in order to resolve the social issue of disconnect between "intellectuals" and "common people." She believes that by making social service part of the university curriculum, it would bridge the gap between the elite, educated people and those in our community who do not have access to the same educational activities. By doing so, the educational system will better serve the community as a whole, by creating a mutualistic learning experience for both educated and uneducated people.
I like the idea that Cushman presents as a way to connect the community and benefit those who would not otherwise have access to educational opportunities. However, although she makes a point to say that participating students should not act the "savior role," I can't help but shake the feeling that they play a superior role in the interaction with other community members. It feels like a front, like the students aren't as genuinely invested in learning from others as they are in pouring their own "superior" knowledge into the minds of others.
Not to be a downer, but I do feel like on the whole, the relationship between the "intellectual elites" and "common people" will always be a little strained. Still, attempting to bridge the gap is bettwe than allowing the gap to become wider, and I have hope that eventually, if this system of mutualistic learning persists, Cushman's theory and ideals will stand on their own in our society.
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