Earlier today, the Periclean Scholars Class of 2017 was reunited once again!  (Well most of us were, as we have 10 members of our cohort abroad this semester in locations all around the world, from the bustling streets of China to the golden beaches of Brazil)  Additionally, Annie Phelan returned to the group after spending the spring abroad in Europe!

The class itself began with stories from the summer.  Highlights included backpacking trips around the country, enriching internships, and entertaining stories from summer jobs.  Director Arcaro also stopped in to update the class on Periclean opportunities and on the program in general.  Following this, we had a class-wide discussion about goals for the semester, selected class representatives, and worked to form our committees, committees that were then tasked with working on these goals.  After our committee meetings, where each individual committee set particular benchmarks for the fall, we concluded the day with talks of potential fundraising events and other projects to pursue for the semester.  Though there is much to accomplish, Tuesday’s class provided the framework for what will hopefully be an extremely productive semester.

 

Peace.  Love.  Periclean.

 

The Periclean Scholars Class of 2017

 

 

Looking back on our first couple weeks as a class brings nothing but excitement for the rest of the semester.

 

In our first meeting (Wednesday, August 27), we spent the class period getting to know each other and our mentor, Carol Smith.  We played name-games and did ice-breakers for the majority of the one hour, forty minute time period, though we did talk about the foundation of our semester syllabus at the end of class.

 

Our second class period on Monday, September 1st brought much of the same, with more small group exercises to strengthen us as a cohort. Time was also dedicated to determine the curriculum and grading policy for the semester.  We concluded with an assignment to meet with two other class members outside of class to further discuss the breakdown of the syllabus.

 

In our most recent class, (Wednesday, September 3rd) we opened by charting each of our study abroad plans in order to determine who would be away from campus in future semesters.  After that, we split off into six small groups to start to form a concrete syllabus.  At the end of the period we then came together to pool our ideas and make plans for our session on the challenge course Saturday! (Which will be discussed in an upcoming blog!)
Even after a only a short time together, we have already begun coming together as a group and can’t wait to see what the coming weeks will hold for the Periclean Class of 2017!

Hey there! My name is Cam Ciesielski and I am part of the Periclean Scholars Class of 2017.  I was born in Birmingham, Michigan, though I currently live in Needham, Massachusetts along with my parents and three younger brothers.

At Elon, I am planning to pursue a degree in broadcast journalism with minors in biology and philosophy.  In addition to the Periclean Scholars Program, I am also involved in an on-campus sports debate television show (One On One Sports), new student orientation, and the club ice hockey team.

I wanted to be a Periclean Scholar because I believe the program represents a critical initiative to help those less fortunate on a global scale.  Additionally, the opportunity to take projects developed in the classroom into the real world is an exciting one.

In terms of what I bring to the group, I have had a lot of experience in communications, especially video production.  I have also been deeply involved in volunteer and non-profit work over the years and consider myself a team player with strengths in leadership and problem solving.

Over the next three years, I hope to learn as much as possible about Namibia in order to determine in what area our project will aim to help the nation.  I am anxious to get started and can’t wait to see what we accomplish!