The best part of the program is the people. Yesterday, there was a talent show that Purple Team danced in, and Kayla coerced everyone into doing other acts. I am really glad that Kayla made us perform because I get nervous in front of people and don't have "showable" talents that are standard, so I never would have done anything on my own. I ended up showing some of my art and explaining it, and I was glad I participated.
After, there was also dancing and I don't dance. I just don't. I'm too awkward. But Alissa and Kayla and Maria and other people wouldn't let me be a wall flower, so I did end up (attempting to) dance and I had fun. It was the first time in years that I really had fun at a dance-thingy, and I appreciate that the outgoing people made sure everyone was included.
Shaina Spector – El Centro
It is too hard for me to choose just one favorite part of the program so far, so I will share a few. One of my favorite parts is the volunteering aspect. I would have never had the opportunity to volunteer with immigrants had I not done this program. They are all such good kids and I love being able to spend time with them. It's so nice to see that we are making them smile and have fun. My other favorite part of the program is being able to meet so many great people. To be honest, I have never been around such a tolerant, respectful, and genuinely-nice group of high schoolers before. I'm grateful to have been able to meet them and know that I will keep in touch with them even after the program ends. Also, the Bonners are so helpful and understanding, so I know that I can come to them if I should ever need their guidance. My last favorite part of the program is the class because despite how difficult the work is, I find the things we are learning to be so interesting and I feel that the heavy work load is improving my focus and work ethic. I think that i just named every major aspect of the program, so I guess that the whole program is my favorite.
Parth Patel – ASA
Today is the sixth day of the Summer Bonner Fellows Program, which means that we are halfway done with the program (not camp). I have experienced a lot in the last six days, that I would not have seen/heard/done if I was not here. By far my favorite experience is one that most other Bonner Fellows have not had yet. This would be when five or six of us got together to "work" on our daily writing assignment. However, it was already 1 am in the morning, and by the time we had decided to call it quits, it was 3:30. Although we did not get too much done, I felt as if we all had bonded over the difficult coursework. We became much better friends that we originally were and are now going to carry this friendship over into the remaining week.
Another awesome thing about this camp is the opportunity given to all of us to help around the city of Trenton. We are able to do whatever we can to help out, whether it is painting murals, walking with kids at El Centro, serving food and tutoring at TASK, or playing with super-energetic 5 year olds at ASA. We are helping the community everyday, and I think that is awesome!
Megan Eichmann – Habitat
So far, the Bonner Summer Fellows Program has been an amazing experience. Everyone here is passionate about service and helping their community, which is extremely humbling when I see what everyone has accomplished already having only been here for a week. I love getting out into the community and working alongside people who will be benefiting from our service long after this program is over. I also like how we are learning the same material in class that we can witness firsthand at our sites. Finally, I love how nice how all of the participants and Bonners are, and how many new friends I have made through Bonner Love.
Alissa Cappelleri – ASA
I can genuinely say that I have thoroughly enjoyed every part of the program thus far. Even though the reading is extensive and the papers aren’t so enthralling, I have been having so much fun. Perhaps the best part of this past week was last Wednesday night. When we joined in the lounge to form yet another circle, I didn’t realized how much closer I would grow to the people around me. I was deeply moved as my peers shared their stories. I was so touched that they trusted me enough to let me in. at that moment I knew that we had formed a bond that I can say that I have never felt so connected with a group of people. That bond continued to strengthen after our tears had dried and embarked on a massive student vs. staff water balloon fight. When I finally went to bed at 2am with my homework forgotten, I was so honored to be part of the TCNJ Summer Bonner Fellows team :-)
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