Class of 2017-Namibia

August 31, 2014

Katie Silverman Introduction

Hi my name is Katie Silverman. First off, I’m from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, a suburban town 10 miles outside of Philadelphia. I am a sociocultural Public Health major with minors in Anthropology and Entrepreneurship. At Elon, I am also a member of the Elon’s Finest Hip Hop Team and was an Orientation Leader.

I chose to apply for Periclean Scholars because I am interested in international service. During high school I had the opportunity to travel to Thailand and participate in an extended service project. This was an amazing experience but I would love to take it a step further and actually be able to help inthe planning stages of the service project. The Periclean Scholars program provides me with the opportunity to develop a project with a team of my peers that share the same interest in international service and culture as I have. I am looking forward to working with the same group of students for the next three years because the group dynamic will be able to grow and progress which will in turn; make our project and work so much stronger.

I am able to offer various skills to Periclean Scholars class of 2017. One of my greatest strengths is my energy and enthusiasm. I put excitement in to everything that I do and I love to spread the excitement and energy to my peers. I feel that with enthusiasm, energy, and excitement, within a group, they have a stronger ability to produce great results. Without passion, and excitement, the true goal will not be met as effectively so I feel that having this enthusiasm, will guide my fellow Periclean members to be excited about the projects and to produce great results. Yes I love to have fun, but along with that, I have great discipline to stay on task in order to reach a goal. Along with this I was recently an Orientation Leader which has strengthened my to planning, organizing, and leading skills.

My first expectation for this course is to learn about Namibia from many different angles. As of now, I do not know much about the country and its, culture, economy, and politics. In order to advance our work with Periclean Scholars, it is crucial to have an broad knowledge of Namibia. I also expect this class to become a family that works as one unit and supports and encourages one another to be the best that they can be and to use their own unique skills to bring the group closer to their goals. I am extremely excited to start my journey as a Periclean Scholar, and to make a difference in Namibia with the help of the other members of the Periclean Scholars class of 2017.

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August 31, 2014

Elan Schappler Introduction

Hello my name is Elan Schappler but most people know me as Elli! To begin with I am from Bedford, New Hampshire and am an International Studies major with concentrations in Africa and the Middle East and minors in Political Science and Spanish. On campus I am an Elon College Fellow, the Secretary for Active Minds of Elon, an Office Assistant at the Truitt Center, and involved in Greek Life.

I chose to apply to Periclean Scholars because I strongly believe in the ideas of Basirico and Bolin who, in “The Joy of Culture”, write that the only way to overcome ethnocentrism is to pursue cultural relativism. I believe that the engaging environment of the Periclean Scholars, and the hands-on experience will help me attain cultural relativism. And I believe that the commitment to social responsibility to both the domestic and international community with help me grow as a person. Additionally I know that working with and getting to know all of the students will be a great experience over the next 3 years.

This semester my only true expectation is that we will learn a lot about Namibia. Starting from a place where I can admit that I know almost nothing about the country means that we can start from the basics of government, population demographics, environment, and more, and then move on to what we see as the main problems. I am excited that each of the students offers up a different perspective, interest, and voice because it will create dynamic discussions. I hope that this course and the years to come will help me improve my collaborative and leadership skills. I am looking forward to seeing where this program takes us!

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August 31, 2014

Claire Rayburn Introduction

Hi my name is Claire Rayburn! To start off with a brief introduction, I’m from Davenport, Iowa. I am currently deciding between a major in either International Studies or Public Health and am minoring in French. At Elon, I am also a tour guide, was an Orientation Leader, and am involved in Intervarsity and Greek Life.

I chose to apply for Periclean Scholars because I am interested in international human rights and enjoy learning about current events and cultures worldwide. The Periclean Scholars program provides a unique link between extracurricular activities, in-class learning, and global responsibility that I find so fascinating. Additionally, I love the idea of working with the same cohort of students for multiple years because the group dynamic is able to grow and progress.

I am able to offer various skills to our unit of Periclean Scholars. In high school, I was involved in Girls Learn International, an international non-profit that promotes equal access to education by partnering schools in the United States with those in developing countries. Because of this opportunity, I believe that I have helpful background knowledge in leadership and non-profits. Additionally, I have had various leadership and team experiences in my time at Elon that help me work with groups cohesively.

My most basic and primary expectation for the course is to learn about Namibia. Currently, I do not know very much about the country and its culture. In order to proceed with our work with Periclean Scholars, an extensive knowledge of Namibia is really necessary. I also expect to get to know the other Periclean Scholars and learn how to work together; I’m very excited to work with a group of students my age with such diverse skills and interests. Everyone brings something very interesting to the class discussions. Even though I have lots of experience working in groups, I hope to improve my skills on group work and collaboration. Overall, I am really looking forward to the experience of being a Periclean Scholar and everything it will offer throughout this semester and the following years!

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August 31, 2014August 31, 2014

Samantha Lubliner Introduction

Hello again everyone!

I’m Sam Lubliner and I’m so excited to be in the 2017 Periclean class! As amazing as this summer was, it feels like home to come back to Elon and begin on this adventure. This summer I went on birthright with Elon (and met Kendra!!! Attached is a picture of us after climbing Masada in the Israeli desert) and then worked as a camp counselor at a day camp near my home in NYC.

I discovered the Periclean program approximately 11 days before the application was due. I called my mom and said “I don’t know much about this yet, but you know how our Elon tour guide said that Elon, for right now, is a hidden gem? That’s how I feel about this, I think this program is a hidden gem of Elon”. I couldn’t find a clear-cut definition of what it meant to be a Periclean Scholar but I went on applying anyway. I was really attracted to the idea of building something from the bottom and developing something we create. This angle toward service work is foreign to me. I have volunteered and worked at initiatives that were already well grounded. So far, I’m so pleasantly surprised by the freedom we have and the potential we all carry. For this semester I expect to learn more about everyone, Namibia, and Project Pericles. I think before we move forward it is so important to learn the strengths, weaknesses, context, talents, and experiences in our group. Just from listening and reading some introductions it sounds like combined our class has been all over the world (both figuratively and literally!). I would love to hear more about everyone’s travels, professional backgrounds, and service experiences. By learning about each other I think it will become easier to work with one another. I hope we all learn to balance our skills and come together to make something absolutely amazing, sustainable, and meaningful. Before we begin I think we should write a letter to ourselves to be opened at a later date. The next three years have enormous opportunities of growth and change. I think a great way for us to see that would be privately writing to ourselves and reading our expectations and thoughts a year later, two years later, during graduation etc. or whatever we decide. Working together long term gives us a really rare opportunity to get to know each other and encourage one another like a family. I want to be present and take advantage of our journey to not only have a learning experience but a fulfilling experience as well.

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August 30, 2014

Courtney Weber Introduction

Courtney

I heard about the Periclean Scholars program at the beginning of last school year and was immediately intrigued. I knew nothing about the class or project, but I knew Namibia was in Africa and I knew I wanted to go. I’m absolutely enthralled by the diversity that exists in this world; my faith is the only thing I’m more passionate about than travel. If my parents had agreed, I would have skipped college and circled the globe a few times by now. All that to say my main motivation for applying to be a Periclean Scholar was the opportunity to travel to Namibia. Now, I am ridiculously excited to just learn about this country and have the opportunity to make a positive, sustainable difference in a community.

One of my favorite things on this earth is watching people from different backgrounds and experiences connect and develop friendships. I’ve been privileged with opportunities to travel and intern and work abroad; relating to diverse people groups and cultures fills me with joy. I’m also passionate about social justice and creating a world where every human being not only has basic necessities to live, but is valued as an individual. I’ve spent extended time in foreign places living with people in poverty, and I believe I can bring a different perspective and area of focus to our group.

As we all spend time in class and work on our project throughout the next few years, I’m looking forward to building relationships with each other as well as with a network of people who will assist us in our journey. I think it’s imperative that we learn all we can about our country of focus, whether through the internet and other media or actually meeting people who have connections in Namibia. I have high expectations for our group, and I can’t wait to see the way our project unfolds and develops.

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August 30, 2014September 1, 2014

Susan Reynolds Introduction

I knew I was going to apply to be a Periclean Scholar within just a few weeks of school thanks to a very influential professor. My first semester of college, I took a general studies requirement called The Global Experience with the Director of the College Fellows program, Dr. Nancy Harris, as my professor. In this class, we focused on issues in Haiti and followed the same general system as Periclean Scholars. Even before we delved into the curriculum of the course, Dr. Harris could tell that it was something I would be interested in, so she familiarized me with the Periclean Scholars Program and suggested that I apply. Now almost a year later, this past week we had our first class gathering since the induction and jumped right in getting to know each other and brainstorming how we wanted to approach the huge task we have of learning about and working to help the Namibian community.

I was drawn to the Periclean Scholars Program because of it’s uniquity and focus on sustainable development. I have already learned an unprecedented amount regarding social issues and social change in my short time here, and as a science major, no less. I have already re-evaluated many of the values and goals that I had coming into school by applying educated rather than fancified thoughts. For example, I’ve come to recognize the importance of social movements and change here in our own country. There are a number of issues in the United States that deserve as much attention as those abroad, which is something I did not strongly believe in before my time at Elon.

I am really looking forward to the progress we will make this semester in learning about Namibia as well as the Periclean Scholars Program itself. I am hoping that we will be able to take a very close look at the work done by the classes that precede us so that we can learn from each group’s challenges and successes. I also think that it is important that we learn as much as we can, without rushing ourselves, about Namibia and move on to choosing a cause so that we have plenty of time to accomplish all that we see possible, and maybe even a few that seem impossible. Because the program will be a big part of all of our lives in the next three years, it may seem like we have all the time in the world. But at the same time, it will go by much more quickly than we expect and I know I don’t want to lose any precious moments of this unique experience I have the opportunity to take part in.

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April 12, 2014May 5, 2014

Induction Ceremony

On April 10th, 2014 the Namibia class of 2017 was warmly welcomed into the Periclean Scholars. Organized by the Honduras class of 2016, representatives from 2014, and 2015, as well as advisers, and several guests attended to show their support for the fledgling scholars.

The ceremony was held in Oaks 212 and energy was high as the audience anticipated the induction of the new class. The evening began with an introduction by Steve Braye and Aidan Dyer and then was followed by speakers Arianna Brown and Caley Mikesell. Arianna and Caley emphasized accountability, patience, and teamwork, while foraging lifelong connections while honing their interpersonal, technical, and professional skills.

Class of 2015 speakers Elania Vermeulen and Cat Palmer were next to praise the new class. They had the audience breaking out laughing with the their stories from the past year, all centered around the idea that failure will be expected but perseverance will produce the best results.

Ethan Smith from the class of 2014 was the last of the student speakers for the evening. The Periclean scholars, Ethan said, acted as a family to him, and helped him through the roughest times in his life. Smith stressed that the Periclean organization will be more then a group of academics looking to help others, as they will become friends, companions, and teachers during the time at Elon and beyond.

While Tom Acaro was next on the programming to speak, due to technology complications he was unable to connect with the ceremony, instead Steve Braye spoke in his place and introduced Dr. Acaro to the new class. Following Braye, the main speaker of the night, the future 2017 adviser, Carol Smith began by welcoming the new class and introducing herself. She then spoke on about the new class, as all of them had been individuals she believed would work well together, and introduced ones she knew personally. She then challenged the room with a mind exercise, requesting that the audience compete a series of mental calculations, then converted into the alphabet, colors, and finally animals, until almost everyone in the room imagined a orange kangaroo from Denmark, which was met with amusement and curiosity. Dr. Smith expressed her excitement and anticipation for getting to know each new member and for sharing future experiences. The class of 2017, according to Carol, would be challenged more then they ever had, but with dedication and tenacity, would reap rewards and lessons that would be valuable for the rest of their lives.

The inductees were then individually introduced and received a Periclean pin. Once the pinning ceremony was compete, a delicious buffet style dinner of pasta, salad and garlic bread was provided, complete with games and Periclean facts. The night was concluded by a speech on Periclean’s roots and heritage and a presentation of the Periclean of the Year award by Bud Warner. Finally the new students of 2017 were paired with mentors from the class of 2016 by matching puzzle pieces.

The newly inducted class of 2017 left with smiles on their faces as they looked forward to the challenging but bright path before them.

Students from the Class of 2017 pose before dinner

Aidan Dyer Commences the Induction Ceremony

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November 16, 2013November 22, 2014

The Class of 2017 is currently being recruited by their Mentor Dr. Carol Smith and will be inducted this April. Application information can be found on the main Elon University Project Pericles web site.

Namibia was the nation of focus for the inaugural Class of Pericleans, the Class of 2006. Revisiting Namibia will deepen the Elon footprint in that nation and fulfill the promise of the program to emphasize sustainability of impact wherever we go in the world.