Forester Adventures: Summer 2023 Edition
We’ve received reports all summer about the amazing internships, missions trips, and adventures our returning Huntington University students undertook in the past few months. With summer winding down and one week to go until new student move-in day, now is the perfect time to recap some of those experiences. But remember: This is only a small sampling of what Foresters have done this summer!
London Adventure
Along with a group of other HU students, Paige began her summer with a May Term trip to London. Led by Chief of Campus Police and Security Keirsh Cochran, the trip focused on the history of criminal justice in Great Britain. The group’s time in London also happened to coincide with the coronation of King Charles III.
Looking back on the trip a couple of months later, one experience in particular stands out to Paige:
“One of the major things that has stuck with me from the London trip was having the opportunity to eat at The Clink restaurant. We were both served and prepared food by prisoners inside the jail. I was in awe of how delicious the food was and how nice the prisoners were! I wish more prisons had this experience available for their inmates to help them with social skills and work experience to take into the workforce when they get released.”
Practical Experiences in Math and OTA
Summer is a great time for students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom and use it to make an impact through internships and missions trips, both locally and globally.
Danielle, a senior mathematics major, spent her summer working on a data and analytics team providing support for the Bureau of Disabilities Services. Her responsibilities gave her experience working through data challenges, building her skillsets in SQL, Python, and Tableau, and gaining expertise in Microsoft Azure cloud technology, among other things. In addition to earning her high praises from her employer, Danielle’s efforts have made an impact in Indiana, her home state.
Morgan, a senior occupational therapy assistant student, went on a missions trip with Emmanuel Community Church to Chiang Rai, Thailand, where she helped develop a special needs program for students at a rural school, teach English at a local community center, and create connections by sharing her testimony, singing hymns, and praying in the community.
Forester Camps
Current HU students returned to home campus this summer to be camp counselors for Forester Camps. Watching the enthusiasm that the high school students in their care had for the camps reminded several counselors of their own excitement for their craft and why they had chosen to study agriculture, the digital media arts, the health sciences, or ministry in college. Others remarked on the leadership opportunities that came from being a counselor and the pride they felt in watching their students succeed in group projects.
In their own words:
“Interacting with all of the campers has been a great time!”
Chad, School of the Arts Academy – Animation
“Watching the impact that storytelling has on these kids reminds me of where I started and motivated me to grow more passionate, like them.”
Hadlee, School of the Arts Academy – Film & TV
“To see these campers collaborate and work together so well and to see them solve problems and to make friendships, warms the heart.”
Kevin, School of the Arts Academy – Film & TV
“I loved seeing kids get involved and explore their passions that I also love too! Being able to explore occupational therapy and other health sciences solidifies my passion for this area.”
Anna, Health Sciences Camp
“I’ll remember the excitement and curiosity of my campers. Everyone is here for different reasons, but all of them have a passion for voiceover and radio. It’s an honor to help them grow in their craft and discover something new about themselves!”
Melissa, School of the Arts Academy – Voice-Over & Radio
