Bonner Blog 8

With only two nights left in the program, how do you believe you have grown, improved, or expanded?

Akash

Through this Bonner experience I have gained new friends and a new outlook on what college life is like. I have improved on my study skills and the ability to concentrate while others are talking. I have also improved on my public speaking and have been able to handle the work load of a college class.     

Amanda

With only two nights left of the program, I definately have seen a change in myself. As far as class goes, I think my mind has expanded. The class has really opened up my thoughts and perception of the world. I have learned so much in only two weeks of the class. I have also been able to read information in articles, and understand what the author is saying, which is a great feeling. I have also grown so much through service. Unfortunately, in high school, i never really had a chance to do a lot of community service because i was involved in many things at school. Proposing ideas to the administrators was a growing process itself. It was awesome to come up with ideas we wanted to change, propose them, and then see them come to life. Physically seeing spaces in the school transform because of us is a really rewarding feeling. Yesterday i was talking to Larry, the head custodian, and he was told me we were making a difference. That comment alone just made me feel like our hard work was changing the community of the school. I have grown as a person because of this program. After driving through Trenton and going to the high school, i have become very grateful of what i have at home. I really want to continue to make a difference and bring joy to the people of this community.

Margot

I have grown by being able to form new friendships and get close to people even only knowning them 2 weeks. I have also seen myself succeed in a college level class and truly enjoy going to class. I have also improved by dedicating myself to community service and completeing whatever task I was given. 

Erica

I’ve learned a lot more than I expected in these past (almost) two weeks. I learned a lot in class and have been able to apply it to my service site. Being in a college setting has also prepared me a lot for the fall. I’ve been so homesick, I’m actually happy I’m commuting my first Semester. I made a lot of friends and learned things about myself I didn’t now before. I’m dreading leaving on Friday, but I know I’ll be okay. Its part of growing up.

Lauren

Through my participation in this program, I have seen myself grow and change. As someone who was nervous about coming to a place where I knew no one, I proved to myself that I am capable of making friends and opening up to people in just two weeks. I also realized that I can't always do everything alone. It's okay to ask for help when you need it and I'm certainly glad I did. During our class, we were exposed to new ways of thinking and I hope that I continue to see the world through this analytical lens. Working at the high school for service has opened my eyes to how fortunate I am and I want to continue making a difference wherever I can.

Melissa

I think that my confidence has improved in the passed two weeks. I don’t really consider myself an outgoing person - at least not until I get to know people. However I feel like I’ve come out of my shell more this year than last year. It feels good I think.

Arielle

I believe that I have grown as an individual throughout my stay at TCNJ. I am no longer frightened by the idea of moving into a college dorm. I have developed confidence in my academic abilities, if I could make it through Doctor Bates class I can make it through any college class! I have made friends at this program, which is something I have not had to do for a very long time….I am now confident that I will survive my years in college.

Hailey

Over the course of this program i have learned about this wonderful thing called time managment, namely the idea that i have none. Eventually i figured out that the best way to keep on track was to have arielle "kidnap" my ethernet conection so i can foucs soley on my work. Hopefully this will allow me to actually get my work done quickly and not having to stay up till one to finish everything (like what im doing now!).

Max

Well with only two days left in this program... I'm sad. I had an amazing time--yeah the work stunk but the friends I made, the connections I formed, and the experiences gained made it definitely worth while..and money :). I know I improved or improving on my public speaking skills. I've heard some great tips and strategies that will be very helpful the next time I have to speak to a larger audience. I got a great peak into what college is like, well the generalness of it. I am in love with TCNJ and am going to make it my priority to get accepted as well as try to get accepted into the Bonner Program. I now have a whole new outlook on community service.. I love it :). The smiles you receive and the families that you know you helped put a smile on your own face no matter what.. well at least it does for me. Even just typing this. I love everyone here, the students and ALL the staff, everyone is incredible and has made my time wonderful. 

Matt

I have had a great time here as part of this program at TCNJ.

I think a huge part of the experience lending itself to feelings of fulfillment is the socialization aspect of the program. Although I hate to admit it, my past summer vacations have been marked by a real lack of socialization. Simply put, meeting and getting to know everyone here (the people at TCNJ, fellow Bonner participants, those in Trenton and the ASA, etc.) has been a real treat. All in all, I think I have grown a bit here socially.    

Tom

With only 2 nights left of the Bonner Summer Fellows Program, I feel that I have grown a lot more social with people and independent with my work.  I used to play video games very often and I used to have my parents help me out with homework I could have potentially done on my own.  Thanks to this program, I have been able to get to know a bunch of people here better and be able to do some of the work here on my own.

Akila

With only two nights of camp left I'ver belived I grown in  terms of how I do my work how I am able to manage my time.

Eric

So far I feel like I've grown as a person as whole and that I have really matured throughout the course of the program. I have experienced the college lifestyle, and I got a feel for how a college course is run. I also experienced a lot of life altering impacts through the work that I did for Habitat for Humanity. Just being exposed to the impoverished neighborhoods of Trenton shed away my naivety, so I clearly see some of the problems that are going on in this country. And being able to make a difference in the community along with making the residents happy had a tremendous impact on me.