When I applied to my college, I had fallen in love with its dedication to civic engagement; a word I didn't know the full meaning of until much later. In mid-June, just after finishing high school, I received an email from my college describing a service-scholarship program. I was absolutely elated to have the opportunity to apply for the Bonner Program to fulfill my drive to give back to others, on a much larger scale.
The opportunities I have been given through the Bonner Program, in only two short years, is beyond comparison to any other of its kind. Of course, the idea of getting a scholarship based upon my dedication to, and hours of, service was a huge draw; but once starting the program, I realized the reward was much more valuable than anything money could ever buy.
The Memories
I can distinctly remember my awkward phone interview, and how I made a fool of myself... I also have a vivid mental replay of my mom dropping and breaking a glass plate because I screamed so loudly when I got my acceptance email into the Bonner Program. I can also recall the first night my whole cohort was acquainted for the first time, and how much better I felt that I was not the only one who was nervous. Every retreat, training, and orientation, came with endless laughs, inside jokes, and life lessons that have stayed with me since day one.
The Family
Being in a new place all by yourself is quite intimidating if you do not have people around you that have your back. As a Bonner, I have been able to fully immerse myself in my campus community, as well as the community that surrounds it... and what better way to become comfortable and acclimated with a new place, than to become an active participant in it. The Bonner family I have, is my sanity, safety, and comedy from day to day. Each one of us is so extremely different, from gender, to ethnicity, to political ideologies, but we are all connected through our desire to be a part of something larger than ourselves. I can not imagine being away at school without all of my Bonner brothers and sisters. They have supported me through the death of loved ones, the struggle of college courses, illness, and distressed emotional states. My Bonner Family is my rock and my reassurance that tomorrow is always a new day.
The Experiences
Coming from a small town where everyone looks the same, it was so refreshing to move to a big city with so many different types of people. Through this extraordinary program, I have met so many community members who all have a story to tell. Tutoring students in ELL programs and hearing their struggles has sparked my passion for immigration and education reform,and my work at my internship has fueled my passion for voter participation, and educated me on the ins and outs of non-profit management. Not a single conversation seems unimportant anymore because I can now back my beliefs with first hand experiences, and I owe it all to the Bonner Program.
Not many people my age are fortunate enough to have the supporting and adventure igniting backbone of the Bonner Program, but I am thankful everyday that I do.
**Bonner Love**
