What an amazing summer it has been! Hamilton Friends spent a week in Seattle with the 2008 Hammie Winners, then introduced the '07 Hammie Winners to New York for the internship program, then finally journeyed to Guatemala for a cultural volunteer experience. After such incredible experiences, Hammie Winners have a lot to say about how far they have come this summer with Hamilton Friends.
Seattle Leader Week 2009
“Seattle Leaders Week was a truly life changing experience. After graduating high school and achieving many of my goals, I was not sure where I was heading next. During my trip, I developed a road map for the future: the Vision Statement. I appreciated the opportunity to create a clear written plan for the next seven years; this made me feel that my dreams are just within my reach.”
-Paulina Karpis, ‘08 Hammie Winner
“The Seattle Leader Week gave me a group of people whose inspiring personalities and any-thing’s-possible attitudes bring out my own abilities and put me on a level I could not reach alone. From goal setting and day planning to finding one’s passions and changing the world, I feel very prepared for tomorrow and the rest of my life.”
-Blake Chambers, ’08 Hammie Winner
“I can’t even explain what [Seattle Leader Week] has given me. With the opportunity to look towards the future, I had to step back and examine what makes me who I am, and how I can turn that into goals, and eventually execute those goals.”
-Alex Hsu, ’08 Hammie Winner
“The Hamilton Leaders Week 2009 was one of the best experiences I have ever had
in my life! The combination of my amazing peers, the wonderful AHFA Staff, and beautiful Seattle put me over the top. I feel so blessed to have gone to Seattle and have met all of the amazing people there.”
-Brittaney Khong, ’08 Hammie Winner
"Words cannot express just how thankful I am for the experiences I had in Seattle at Leader Week ’09. I feel as if my trip to Seattle was the culmination of months of preparation and planning and I have to say the efforts of everyone were well rewarded. I have been keeping up with my fellow Hammie Winners since we departed Seattle, and the fact that everyone is still in touch and that we have great things to say, speaks wonders for such an amazing program. The information and the friendships that I brought back with me to Mississippi are invaluable, and I will cherish them always. To everyone at Hamilton Friends, from George to Puddin to Evan to Anna to Joslin to Kelly and everybody else behind the scenes, I say thank you."
-Cooper Kennard, ’08 Hammie Winner
"Filled with passionate friends, inspiring leaders, and one valuable American hero, the Hamilton Leaders Week was truly an inspirational experience that will remain rooted in my memories forever!"
-Hedy Chen, ‘08 Hammie Winner
2009 Guatemala Leader Week- anonymous
“This was an incredible experience. Experiencing the country was very valuable, but it was also great to get to reconnect with everyone. I got a larger understanding of the importance of culture and service. I hope that Guatemala continues to be a part of Hamilton because it highlights everyone’s desire to do service work and brings us closer together.”
“I loved the Guatemala trip! It was one of the best if not THE best trip of my life. I learned so much about the Spanish language and culture that I will continue to use throughout my life. The interaction with the people taught me a lot about like in another country, and the interaction with hammie winners continued to amaze me as we all clicked.”
“My over all experience in Guatemala was heartwarming and amazing. I enjoyed every minute and second of it. I really got a better understanding of just how great my life truly is and how blessed I truly am. I will take that back with me and spend less while helping others. I do believe the Guatemala trip should continue to be a part of the program because we all learned so much and got so much closer.”
“I thought the trip was wonderful and eye opening. I learned a lot and found more motivation to do great things at home. I think it should continue because it is such a great experience.”
“Yes. This trip has changed my life for the better. It was so amazing and unique! It should be included and continued because it is important to understand the importance of community service.”
“I gained an incredible amount from this trip. I learned about myself and my values. I figured out that my career path is on the right track. I understand how fortunate I am and that I have responsibility to the world and those less fortunate than me. Thank you so much! I am planning on sharing everything I have learned. The Guatemala trip should continue to be a part of the program, because leadership changes depending on the circumstances. Plus Hammies need to think GLOBALLY.”
“This was truly a once in a lifetime experience. We bonded so much and learned so much about ourselves and each other. I will never forget the faces of the children and their stories have impacted my life beyond anything I could have imagined.”
“I had a beautiful experience here in Guatemala. Coming to this trip has made me more humble and warmhearted towards other people, and it has also assured me that becoming an international professional is the most beautiful decision I have made in my life. I think that Guatemala should continue to be part of the program ever year. I say this because if the plan is to incorporate older Hammies with younger Hammies, in some aspects it could be a good idea to partner with someone who has been to Guatemala with someone who has gone to another country. This way if the partnership is strong and meaningful both (young and old) Hammies can share their different experiences.”
2009 Experience New York Internship Project
“This internship was a good opportunity to be more involved in the program and get valuable hands-on experience in a new environment.”
-Kyle Baldwin, ’07 Hammie Winner and Intern
“I believe a student's first internship is more an opportunity for self discovery than it is for gaining concrete skills. This year I saw a future leader in each one of the interns because they all have something in common: vision."
-Alexis Cox, Internship Coordinator in NY
“I have really enjoyed learning about this work environment and feeling like my work is important. It has been rewarding helping teachers when they really need the help.”
-Danya Anouti, ’07 Hammie Winner and Intern
“Through this internship I learned to find a balance between having faith in myself and asking questions. Before this, I had little office experience, but now I feel like I have a grasp on office skills and working on a team."
-Ryan Florek, ’07 Hammie Winner and Intern
“Working at the Grange was very complex but amazingly interesting. I learned so much more about history and government than I thought I would.”
-Kyle Baldwin, ’07 Hammie Winner and Intern
“This internship gave me a start to a professional network and gave me a sense of independence that I will take with me.”
-Danya Anouti, ’07 Hammie Winner and Intern
|
