DePauw Univeristy '15, Romance Languages & Economics Major

Hometown: 

Brooklyn, NY

What does Bonner mean to you?

 Bonner allows me to feel connected to different communities, and helps me bridge my academics and passions. 

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

International services and early childhood education

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

Seeing my friends, learning more Spanish, and completing my reading list

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

 I'll be anxious when something happens to make me anxious!

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

 I love reading, walking at the park, walking at night, and spending time with my best friends.

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

The Voice Within, Makes Me Wonder, and Strawberry Bubblegum.

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places? 

DePauw's Nature Park, the 3rd floor of Julian (at DePauw), and my bathroom

Berry College '15; Finance Major, Economics Minor

Hometown: 

Marietta, GA

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner is a blessing. It allowed me the opportunity to go to college. Also, it has educated me on the social issues around me and has shifted my goals to work in the non-profit sector.

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Education and  poverty

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

 Exploring NYC and hopefully being considered a local.

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

 I dance.

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? Stereo

Love and Hero.

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places?

Planes/Airports, walking, the beach, under the bed when sleeping, and with other friends' shoes

Ursinus College '15; English Major, Creative Writing & Peace and Social Justice Minors

Hometown: 

Keene, NH

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Adult Education/Literacy (ESL)

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner has made me realize I am called to a life of service in some capacity, i.e. helping others and inspiring others to do the same.

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

Experiencing and living in NY, writing, and editing.

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

Accomplishing my goals and maintaining a routine in the big city.

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service?

Yoga, running, reading, and dancing

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

Get Lucky by Daft Punk, Naive Home Melody by Talking Heads, and anything Radiohead

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places?

The beach, Perkiomen trail, and my kitchen. 

Berea College '14; (Pre-law) Sociology Major

Hometown: 

Oneonta, AL

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Education inequity

What does Bonner mean to you?

To me, Bonner means opportunity. Opportunity to serve the community in th capacity of donating my skills, talents, and abilities to a cause greater than myself. Bonner has impacted my life tremendously through avenues that have shaped my future aspirations. 

What am I most EXCITED about this summer?

Feeding my passion to solve educational inequities and building relationships wit other students, organizations, and professionals.

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

I am most anxious about learning about myself and discovering my potential.

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service?

Travel with my family, sing, and teach myself piano.

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

Give Me by Kirk Franklin and Mali Music, Break Every Chain by Tasha Cobbs, and Background by Lecrae

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places?  

London; NYC; Savannah, GA; Charleston, SC; and Alabama.

University of Richmond '16; Sociology & Healthcare and Society Major

Hometown: 

Kew Garden Hills, NY

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner truly means so much to me. I think being a Bonner has definitely impacted my life and the what I see society and the social issues we face today. It has made me realize that these social injustices that are happening presently are all interconnected and that our service work, no matter which issue it directly focuses on, helps other issues and improves the larger picture. Although its effects may not be as evident immediately, I think our work will eventually pay off in the future, and will improve the conditions that vulnerable and impoverished communities are facing today. 

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Education and youth

What am I most EXCITED about this summer?

This summer I am really interested in learning more about Teach For America and how I can realate it to my service work at Richmond. I am really excited to see at the end of the summer how much I have grown as a person and how much knowledge I have acquired about education and non-profit work. 

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

 I like to go to the gym and take Zumba classes. I also enjoy going out, eating at different restaurants, and traveling with my friends.

What are three songs I would play on a road trip?

Clarity by Zedd, Sweet Nothing by Calvin harris, and Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi.

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places?

New York City; Cueva La Ventana, Puerto Rico; Segovia, Spain; Toledo, Spain; and University of Richmond campus.

Centre College '15; International Studies and Spanish Majors

Hometown: 

Louisville, KY

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner is an opportunity to broaden my perspective about important issues n a thoughtful and critical way while performing direct service!

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Education, immigration, and ESL  

What am I most EXCITED about this summer?

Working for a tech startup in Brooklyn that is focused on making voting fit the way we live. It is an incredible opportunity to deepen my civic engagement experience!

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

Not becoming much of a hipster; Brooklyn is the place to be!

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service?

 Referee soccer and travel the world

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

Calling (Lose My mind) by Alesso, It's a Beautiful Day by U2, and Fix You by Coldplay.

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places?  

 Sevilla, Spain; Sea of Galilee, Israel; Kaui, Hawaii; my couch at home; and the DKE house, Centre College.

Emory College '15; Psychology Major

Hometown: 

New York, NY

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner enabled me to enhance my life in every aspect. It has enabled me to tackle complex problems and successfully reach solutions as both an individual and team member. Bonner has helped me push myself past boundaries to manage daily challenges in my given environment. this year, I was given the opportunity to work with Latino youth, specifically ESOL students who struggle with the English language. It was truly an honor watching my kids improve immensely and see their grades exceed those of non ESOL students. making a difference in their lives is one of the most rewarding experiences Bonner has given me.

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Education among low income African American and Latino youth

What am I most EXCITED about this summer?

Going back home and getting experience as an Academic Achievement Fellow.

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer?

The commute to my internship on Wall Street, especially rubbing elbows with Wall Street's elite.

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service?

I chew bubble gum, paint outside on sunny days, and save the world from danger.

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

No Sleep by Wiz Khalifa, Pusher Love Girl by Justin Timberlake, and Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys.

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places?  

Tin Lizzy's at Emory Point, Central Park, High Line, the Painter's Lounger, and Barnes and Noble

DePauw University College '14; Spanish & Philosophy Majors and Political Science Minor

Hometown: 

Bronx, NY

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner has given me the financial means to attend DePauw University as well as actively and efficiently serve the Greencastle community.

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Criminal justice, education, and poverty  

What am I most EXCITED about this summer?

 I'm excited about my fellowship at the Roosevelt Institute Campus Network and helping to develop the realtionship between Roosevelt and Bonner. I'm also excited to get to know the other Bonner Fellows!

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service?

 I dance.

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places?  

 Home, DePauw, dance studio, kitchen, and traveling 

Sewanee University of the South '14; Environmental Studies Major, French Minor

Hometown: 

New Orleans

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner has given me the opportunity to learn about the surrounding communities of Sewanee to further my understanding about the deeper issues of social justice, rural health, and poverty.

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Public Health

What am I most EXCITED about this summer?

Learning about a new city and site and incorporating hat I know and what I am learning into the Bonner initiative at Sewanee. Also connecting common interests of Pulitzer and Bonner.

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

Reporting on the Pulitzer site; I am scared my writing skills are not as experienced as the others there.

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

Hang out with friends, listen to music, and walk.

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

Anything Dave Matthews, Game of Poker, and Gin & Juice.

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places? 

 NOLA, Cirque Terre, Haiti, North Carolina, and Switzerland!

Allegheny College '15, Political Science Major

Hometown: 

Pittsburgh, PA

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner means a lot to me. Without Bonner, I may have not realized I wanted to work with youth and education.

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Education and youth

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

I am excited about the opportunity to grow in a different city.

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

I am anxious about learning more about Teach for America and their program.

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

I enjoy student government work!

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

Do You Feel Me by Anthony Hamilton, More by Usher, and Pursuit of Happiness by Kid Cudi.

If my shoes could talk their favorite places would be Costa Rica, Allegheny College, home, and off of Larry's feet.

Siena College '15, Sociology Major, English Minor

Hometown: 

Hanover, MA

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner is very special to me. it has greatly shifted my life path and shown me what it means to be a part of a movement. It has also has allowed me to begin to develop my leadership and work styles.

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Policy

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

 I am most excited about making policy work fun and engaging for students all around the network.

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

 Being away from my friends and family.

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

Run, read, and travel

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

Submarine by the Lumineers, Tell Me a Story by Phillip Phillips, and On Top of the World by Imagine Dragons

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places? 

On Siena College's Padua Beach, atop the Andes Mountains in rural Bolivia, the Geddes house in my hometown, my Aunt Paula's kitchen, and on the beach in Falmouth in MA

Rider University '14; Popular Music Culture Major, Radio & Television Minor

Hometown: 

Somerset, NJ

What doe Bonner mean to you?

Bonner has changed my life. It has grown me into the woman and leader that I am today. Bonner has shown me that you can serve as you are, using the skills and talents that you already have for the benefit of the greater good. Never be afraid of your story; people can benefit from where you have come from just as you can benefit where others have come from.

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Education and youth development

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

I am excited about gaining new skills that can help me grow and help me make a greater impact on my Bonner program.

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

I am most anxious about facing challenges that I am not used tom learning new problem solving techniques, and building confidence in my work.

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

I love to sing and write music and play my cello. My secret obsession is karaoke!

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

You Found Me by Israel Houghton, Love of My Life by Erykah Badu, and Circles by Jazmine Sullivan.

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places? 

Church, Chik-Fil-A/Popeyes, NYC, Belize, and London

Lindsey Wilson College '15, Psychophysiology and Communication Majors

Hometown: 

Elizabethtown, KY

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner has confirmed how I want to serve my community through my career. Bonner means living a life where you serve, empower, and enable those around you to see the world as a rich variety of new possibilities through avenues of change.

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Healthcare 

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

I am extremely excited about seeing how the Bonner network functions from a national perspectives as well as implementing some new ideas utilizing social media. 

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

Living in a very different environment than I am used to. 

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

I enjoy participating in musical theatre productions and reading james Patterson novels.

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

I want Crazy by hunter Hayes, Love Makes Me by Hunter Hayes, and Cruise by Florida Georgia Line.

Rhodes College '15, English Major, Gender and Sexuality Minor

Hometown: 

Acworth, GA

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner has changed my life in indescribable ways. I feel that Bonner has increased my holistic approach on life and allowed me to grow in m interpersonal skills on a higher level than I would have otherwise. 

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Minority Identity Work 

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

I am really excited about meeting new friends in the Bonner network.

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

Being in the North for an extended period of time should be an...interesting experience. 

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

I love to read and I am an enthusiastic movie buff. I thrive on pop culture and can join in on a nerdy debate without hesitation.

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

A Wake by Macklemore, Mam's Broken Heart by Miranda Lambert, and L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N. by Noah and the Whale

Widener University '14, Business Management Major

Hometown: 

Scotia, NY

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner has created a life long perspective towards civic engagement and has led me to a meaningful career path.

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Youth development, hunger, and access to nutritional foods. 

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

I am excited about the upcoming new experiences. I am also excited about growing as a leader and developing in a real world setting. 

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

Going to beaches, going on adventures, and traveling.

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

Send Me On My Way, Beautiful Day, and Friday.

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places? 

Tanzania, beaches, mountains, and Masui Mara

Spelman College '14, History Major

Hometown: 

Springfield, MA

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner is a way of life! It requires true dedication but is truly rewarding. 

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Education 

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

 I am excited about learning about a potential career path.

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

I am anxious about navigating a new city. 

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

Watch Scandal 

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke, Fine China by Chris Brown, and Find Him Next to Me

Ursinus College '15; Art History Major, Peace & Social Justice Minor

Hometown: 

Philadelphia, PA

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner is the most amazing program i have been involved with. It has made me a well-rounded and curious individual. Bonner has impacted my life by giving me access to a great number of peers and mentors and opportunities to thrice as a leader.

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Childhood education

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

I am excited to work with a great mentor. I am also excited for the networking opportunities. 

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

I am anxious about living up to the expectations of my site and Bonner have for me. 

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

 I enjoy reading various types of works and attending artistic events.

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

Forever young by jay-Z, Caraluna by Bacilos, and Te Dejo Madrid by Shakira

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their five favorite places? 

Philadelphia, PA; Rittenhouse Park; the art museum; Barnes & Noble; Negril, jamaica; and Rome, Italy. 

Earlham College '15; Political Science  Major

Hometown: 

Albuquerque, NM

What does Bonner mean to you?

To me, Bonner means finding more about my inner self. To me, Bonner is a lot of self reflection, where you do service then see how it has made an impact on you. Bonner has impacted my life by showing me how important service can be to a community. the diversity I see and all those experiences and interactions I have with it has truly made me a more well rounded person.

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Helping seniors in need and families in crisis

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

I am very excited about being able to see Memphis in a different light than I usually would. I have been to Memphis before, but now being able to be a part of n organization that serves the citizens of Memphis is a great experience. Also, being able to see how one organization makes such an impact on the lives of people is just an amazing feeling. 

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

I am most anxious about fitting into the community of Memphis and seeing how I can best serve the community.

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

Outside of service, I enjoy going to the gym and I also enjoy listening to various kinds of music. 

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

If I had to choose three songs they would be All My Life by K-Ci and Jojo, Long Hot Summer by Keith Urban, and Changes by Tupac.

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places? 

Their favorite places would be Albuquerque, NM; Chicago, IL; Telluride, CO; Moab, Utah; and Seattle, WA.

Carson Newman University '16; Religion and Philosophy Majors

Hometown: 

Talbott, TN

What does Bonner mean to you?

Bonner is about learnin through service. It's about teaching things that without such experiences wouldn't have been taught or learned. It's about helping he rubber meer the road while students are still seeking an education so it's easier to teach them these things. 

This is absolutely true for me. I think that I wouldn't have had a lot of the experiences of my first year of college if i weren't for Bonner especially when it comes to service opportunities.

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Working with refugees

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

I am excited about getting to teach in a classroom setting for the first time ever and to get to know these kids better each day.

 What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

I'm anxious about being prepared everyday and not boring these kids to death and simultaneously not requiring to much of them.

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

I like to read and write all sorts of genres. i am a huge fan of music and poetry. And I love to do almost anything the group is up for. 

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

All These Things That I've Done by The Killers, Punching a Dream by The Naked and Famous, and The District Sleeps Alone Tonight by the Postal Service.

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places? 

The dorm room carpet, anywhere but a line, a comfy ottoman, on anything stable, and on top of my favorite hill in my hometown,

Guilford College '14; Psychology and Spanish Majors

Hometown: 

Tabaccoville, NC

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

Higher education, immigration, and mentoring 

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

I am excited about having new experiences and growing from them. 

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer?

I am most anxious about the chance of leaving my summer service site without satisfaction.

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

I enjoy going to the movies, bowling, playing board games. I also enjoy going home to be with my family and have family time. I also like to play soccer.

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

Yo No Se Mañana by Luis Enrique, Rain Over Me by Mark Anthony and Pitbull, and Dulce by Prince Royce

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places? 

My shoes would say Seven Seas Beach, Dave and Busters, El Yunque, Bonfim Church, and Bale Folclorico da Bahia

Ursinus College '15

About: 

This summer, Nicholas will be working with other Summer Service Scholars to initiate a civic engagement camp through Engaged Leadership Academy for middle school kids.

Carson Newman University '14; Religion Major, Sociology Minor

Hometown: 

Sevierville, TN

What does Bonner mean to you?

I could not stress enough how this program and the opportunities provided through it have changed my life. I was able to transcend from poverty and the lack of resources that it creates and gain a whole new world with broad horizons. I have found a passion in work that I never believed I would have. Bonner allows me to work with several different types of non-profit organizations that make me realize that although my current state in life may be difficult, I can still fight for others and make a difference. Because of this work, I get to invest in others, my community, and myself.   

In which issue area(s) do I focus my service? 

I work mainly with people in disenfranchised situations.

What am I most EXCITED about this summer? 

I work as the main contact and coordinator for over the project of our Community Needs Assessment Survey. I am most excited about this project because I get to complete it from start to finish, while also seeing how a community works together to help each other make a difference in their county. 

What am I most ANXIOUS about this summer? 

 What I have found to be slightly discouraging is the long process of getting every member in this effort on the same page with the same knowledge of the survey. There is a lot of leg work in going to several different places and meeting with community members to make them aware of how important they are to the survey statistics. 

What do I do for fun outside of academics and service? 

 My favorite pastimes would be taking drives to different states, reading, and hanging out by the pool.

What are three songs I would play on a road trip? 

Swollen Summer by The Bravery, Dani California by Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Ride by Lana Del Rey.

If my shoes could talk, what would they say are their favorite places? 

Guatemala, on dates, hanging with friends, and my bedroom.