International Friendship Program
Purdue University
August 2010-May 2011 (ten months)
I learned about the International Friendship Program when my mother joined in 2009, bringing two "international brothers" into my family. As a family, we had a great time involving them in our recreational activities, traditions, and holidays. After my own experiences as an international student, I knew that it can be challenging to meet and make friends with nationals, and so I decided to sponsor a student through the program the following year. I had a great time with my new friend Chen, going hiking, attending a football game, and enjoying an American Thanksgiving meal together.
August 2010-May 2011 (ten months)
I learned about the International Friendship Program when my mother joined in 2009, bringing two "international brothers" into my family. As a family, we had a great time involving them in our recreational activities, traditions, and holidays. After my own experiences as an international student, I knew that it can be challenging to meet and make friends with nationals, and so I decided to sponsor a student through the program the following year. I had a great time with my new friend Chen, going hiking, attending a football game, and enjoying an American Thanksgiving meal together.
Lancaster Baptist Church
Lancaster, UK
September 2008-September 2009 (one year)
During my year studying abroad, I enjoyed getting involved in a local church. I found this to be a great way to get to know individuals in the community and to make friends outside of the university. Through this church, I mentored younger university students, and co-led a small group of youth, ages 12-15.
September 2008-September 2009 (one year)
During my year studying abroad, I enjoyed getting involved in a local church. I found this to be a great way to get to know individuals in the community and to make friends outside of the university. Through this church, I mentored younger university students, and co-led a small group of youth, ages 12-15.
Purdue "All-American" Marching Band
On the Great Wall of China.
Purdue University
August 2004-May 2008 (three years, nine months)
During my four years as a Purdue student, I had the exciting opportunity to play and march in the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band as a piccolo player. As a member of what we call the "AAMB", I attended rehearsal ten hours a week, performed at football games, and served as a representative of the Purdue Band Department and the university during recruitment performances and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Beijing, China.
The AAMB boasts over 350 members, and I cannot think of a better context for learning teamwork. A successful performance is impossible for any one person to achieve on their own, requiring every individual to memorize the drill and literally play their part. As a bandsman, I realized that the goal was not to make any one person stand out, but rather, to be unified in camaraderie, tradition, and team spirit.
August 2004-May 2008 (three years, nine months)
During my four years as a Purdue student, I had the exciting opportunity to play and march in the Purdue "All-American" Marching Band as a piccolo player. As a member of what we call the "AAMB", I attended rehearsal ten hours a week, performed at football games, and served as a representative of the Purdue Band Department and the university during recruitment performances and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Beijing, China.
The AAMB boasts over 350 members, and I cannot think of a better context for learning teamwork. A successful performance is impossible for any one person to achieve on their own, requiring every individual to memorize the drill and literally play their part. As a bandsman, I realized that the goal was not to make any one person stand out, but rather, to be unified in camaraderie, tradition, and team spirit.
Cru
Purdue University
August 2004-May 2008 (three years, nine months)
Another student group I joined during my years at Purdue was Cru, an interdenominational Christian ministry. Through this group I was able to attend two summer mission trips, one to Traverse City, Michigan, and another to Rome, Italy. In order to attend these trips I raised over $7,000 in financial support, which was an immense responsibility and opportunity for personal growth. After I returned from these trips, I worked with a friend to lead a seminar on raising financial support for other members of the group.
As a member of this group, I developed my interpersonal communication skills through facilitating discussions for small groups of people, as well as holding casual, respectful conversations with individuals about spiritual interests and personal values. Furthermore, recognizing that I would be a member of the group for a limited amount of time, I enjoyed mentoring younger students, casting a vision for the future of the group, and encouraging the development of new group leaders.
August 2004-May 2008 (three years, nine months)
Another student group I joined during my years at Purdue was Cru, an interdenominational Christian ministry. Through this group I was able to attend two summer mission trips, one to Traverse City, Michigan, and another to Rome, Italy. In order to attend these trips I raised over $7,000 in financial support, which was an immense responsibility and opportunity for personal growth. After I returned from these trips, I worked with a friend to lead a seminar on raising financial support for other members of the group.
As a member of this group, I developed my interpersonal communication skills through facilitating discussions for small groups of people, as well as holding casual, respectful conversations with individuals about spiritual interests and personal values. Furthermore, recognizing that I would be a member of the group for a limited amount of time, I enjoyed mentoring younger students, casting a vision for the future of the group, and encouraging the development of new group leaders.