This week, Sarah Reynolds and I thought it would be important to highlight everything we have accomplished this week because we both felt this was one of our more productive weeks since we began this year!

On Monday, we broke up into small groups and discussed our own progress and when we all thought the project should be due. After each group discussed their own topics and how we wanted to eventually present it to the class, the class got back together and we agreed on when we will start presenting our information. Our group work took most of the class time, which was very helpful because we feel that every group has made significant organizational strides which will really make these projects useful references for later on in the year!

On Wednesday, we heard from Jamie Smedsmo who was in the Peace Corps in Namibia.  She shared pictures, experiences, and thoughts from her time there as a teacher.  Seeing recent pictures and hearing about first-hand issues she observed allowed us to think more about all the many different issues we can focus on in Namibia. She also shared with us cultural and societal aspects that none of us had heard yet or might not have been able to find otherwise! For example, she emphasized the importance of not using your left hand to when greeting or interacting with others because that hand it considered “unclean.”  Also, she briefly discussed taboo topics and typical situations we might find ourselves in when we first arrive.  We thought this was VERY productive because we were able to ask any questions that we had, which actually helped direct our small group research.   She also taught us how to greet and respond to a greeting in one of the major tribe languages. Sarah and I agreed that being able to hear these facts and stories from someone is so much more  enjoyable and beneficial than reading facts on the computer or textbook. Her visit, along with previous conversations with Dr. Arcaro and Anita has made the Class of 2017 realize that connecting with those who live in Namibia and those who have been is very important to perspective and approach for the next couple of years.

Also on Wednesday we discussed out Class Video/Elevator Video.  We have been watching other Periclean videos and we also watched a video not pertaining to Periclean so that we look at all the different ways to send a visual message.  We decided on a plan for the video, but we still have to craft the message.  Cam and Oly are leading this charge because of their technological experience, but the entire class is collaborating on the overall vision.  We are very excited on having a powerful message that not only explains the attitude of our class as we begin to learn about Namibia, but also a message that captures the goals and spirit of the Periclean Scholars Program.

Lastly, the Class of 2017 has been discussing Samantha White’s visit at the end of October for Celebrating Periclean.  Samantha White was a Class of 2006 Periclean Scholar who also went to Namibia. Many Pericleans have articulated the importance of speaking with her during her visit to get a perspective from a previous Periclean, a perspective we have not listened to yet! Next week, we will order t-shirts from Namibia, continue to work on our group projects, and work on our Class Video that will be shown at Celebrating Periclean at the end of October! Overall the Class of 2017 is busy and eager to learn more about our country, Namibia!

Mary Frances Foster and Sarah Reynolds

 

Hey there, my name is Mary Frances! I am originally from North Carolina, but I just moved to the Florida panhandle so needless to say my trip home for the summer is much longer! I am a marketing major with a minor in political Science, philosophy, and laughing  (A laughing minor is not actually offered but I do enjoy making others laugh and being around those who make me laugh)!  As well as being in the Periclean Class of 2017 I am Director’s Assistant to Dr. Thomas Arcaro, the director of Project Pericles.  I am also recruitment chair for North Carolina Student Legislature Elon Chapter, a participant in the LEAD program, and a beginner in Arabic!

The reason I applied to Periclean Scholars can be summed up in one fantastic quote from Margaret Mead: ” Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,committed citizens can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.”   The Periclean Scholars Program is unique in that it allows student leaders to conceptualize a service project AND execute it during their college career, which is a tremendous accomplishment and learning experience.  I don’t think it gets any better than making a difference while forming relationships with other students and faculty.  Not only will this program enhance our college experience, but we will create something that will outlast our time at Elon and hopefully inspire incoming students.

As an individual, I think just like everyone else I can contribute experience with leadership, but I would say that what sets me apart is my passion.  I find this program to be so different from anything else on campus and I am ready to throw my heart and soul into not just the project, but bettering the program as a whole! I look forward to raising awareness and educating others on just what Periclean Scholars has to offer!  I hope that the Periclean Class of 2017 can become a group of positivity that not only supports each other in the program, but outside of it as well! My mind is racing with ideas and possibilities and I can’t wait to start this journey!