"Hamilton Friends challenged us to do more than we thought possible and to rise to the challenges we face as a society today."
-Danika Young, '06 Hamilton Scholar
2008 Hamilton Scholars Will Travel to Guatemala this August
The 2008 Hamilton Scholars will travel to Quetzaltenango, Guatemala for the 2010 Guatemala Leader Week. This unique program will offer students a chance to gain a global perspective while volunteering in the Quetzaltenango community. The region of Quetzaltenango, more commonly known as "Xela" to the local Mayans, is an active agricultural region lying in the foothills of a large mountain range. Xela was once the center for various Mayan indigenous groups. Much of the Mayan history and tradition is kept alive in the region. Hamilton Scholars will have a chance to experience both Guatemalan and Mayan culture while volunteering in the local community.
During past Guatemala Leader Weeks, attending scholars witnessed the unique socio-economic challenges and enduring strength of the Guatemalan people who have endured poverty, civil war and political uprising. Below are some responses from students who participated in past Guatemala Leader Weeks:
“The most challenging part of the experience was to develop the right mindset. As a group of college students, I think we arrived in Guatemala with more or less an American attitude. We almost enthusiastically pitied the Guatemalan people as if poverty was a tourist attraction. But halfway through the week, I think we all came to deeply respect the kindness of our hosts. We came to be awed by the way Guatemalan citizens valued and preserved their beautiful natural environment. We were taken by how hard working, humble, and welcoming the people were. In this way, the Guatemala Leader Week was truly transformative.” – John Chen, 2007 Hamilton Scholar
“Two years after my trip to Guatemala, I still vividly remember the rainy day when we visited the urban slum of Guatemala City. The images of narrow streets, water leaking through roofs, and the vast sea of tin shed housing painted the picture of the millions of people around the world who live in poverty.” – Shruti Bala, 2006 Hamilton Scholar
“One particular interaction from my trip to Guatemala will always be in my heart. During the week, we volunteered at a school, painting its bleachers and interacting with the students. It was one of the major highlights of my life. I really bonded with the kids, especially a group of five boys who took me in as a teammate on their soccer team at recess. On our last day at the school, there was a huge celebration. We had cupcakes, played, talked, and had an overall wonderful time. As I was getting into the van to leave, my soccer team tried to stand in front of the van to stop it from pulling away. I told the boys they had to move out of the way because it was dangerous and I did not want them to get hurt. Right when the door to the van was about to shut, one of the boys, Benjamin, came running up alongside the van. He looked at me, pointed to his head and said ‘Siempre aqui’ (Always here). Then, he pointed to his heart, and once again he said, ‘Siempre aqui’ (Always here). I can’t begin to explain the lasting impact they have left upon me.” – Jillian Ogren, 2007 Hamilton Scholar
This year’s group of Hamilton Scholars will travel to Guatemala to make their own stories. We eagerly wait to hear the amazing experiences and perspectives they gain from both Guatemala and its people.
Coming Up:
No events
"I had an amazing time in Quetzaltenango. This trip affected me more than any other experience I have ever had in my life... I gained an entirely new perspective on life and I thank Hamilton Friends for providing me with the opportunity to do so."
-Jillian Ogren, '07 Hamilton Scholar and Guatemala Leader Week attendee
_________________________
Seattle Leader Week SLIDESHOW!
CLICK HEREto see a slideshow of the 2009 Seattle Leader Week.
Alexander Hamilton Friends Association | 216 1st Avenue South, Suite 345 | Seattle, WA 98104 | 206-774-0764 | contact us
