Scout '19 - Cullman Scholar in Bolivia
Established in 1983 with a gift from Hugh Cullman '42, the Cullman Scholarship Program supports students in off-campus study opportunities. During the summer of 2018, nine scholarship recipients pursued courses of study ranging from a Spanish Language and cultural immersion in Mexico City to interning with a physician’s assistant in Warsaw, Poland. Recently, Scout '19 gave a presentation at All School Meeting about her Cullman Scholarship volunteering with Real Cochabamba Soccer Academy in Bolivia.
Here’s Scout:
When I applied to spend five weeks in Cochabamba, Bolivia, I never expected it to change my life.
While there, I coached soccer for children ages 6 to 9, running two practices daily, but I learned more than just coaching techniques. I found myself in situations that tested my comfort zone and my perspective of the world shifted to the point of absolute realization. As I stood in the Salar de Uyuni, or salt desert, in southern Potosí, surrounded by the Andes and miles of nothingness, I realized how small I am in comparison to the sheer magnitude of the earth and life itself. It was humbling to be reminded of our minuteness. Despite common belief, I found being alone helped me to find myself. I learned to embrace discomfort and surrender to uncertainty. As author, Leo Cristopher said, “vulnerability is the essence of connection and connection is the essence of existence”.
Thank you to the Cullman Family for this life-changing experience.
While there, I coached soccer for children ages 6 to 9, running two practices daily, but I learned more than just coaching techniques. I found myself in situations that tested my comfort zone and my perspective of the world shifted to the point of absolute realization. As I stood in the Salar de Uyuni, or salt desert, in southern Potosí, surrounded by the Andes and miles of nothingness, I realized how small I am in comparison to the sheer magnitude of the earth and life itself. It was humbling to be reminded of our minuteness. Despite common belief, I found being alone helped me to find myself. I learned to embrace discomfort and surrender to uncertainty. As author, Leo Cristopher said, “vulnerability is the essence of connection and connection is the essence of existence”.
Thank you to the Cullman Family for this life-changing experience.
Thank you, Scout, for sharing your experience and stay tuned for more Cullman Scholar news.
