Winter '19 - Cullman Scholar in Clarksdale, Mississippi
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 volunteering with Real Cochabamba Soccer Academy in Bolivia to interning with the Industrial Bank of China’s Green Financial Division. Recently, Winter '19 gave a presentation at All School Meeting about her Cullman Scholarship volunteering with The Spring Initiative in Clarksdale, Mississippi.
Here's Winter:
I traveled to Clarksdale, Mississippi to work with children in The Spring Initiative, a nonprofit, youth development program that offers long-term solutions for families facing adverse academic, social, or economic circumstances. I worked with second to fourth-grade kids on individualized tutoring and workshops on the basics of nutrition and increasing their self-confidence.
Some kids were not able to read due to the lack of proper education in the Delta Canal. These kids have tremendous potential; the biggest struggle is helping them realize their self-worth.
I formed deep bonds with the staff and children. Their hearts were open and accepting towards an outsider from such a vastly different background. Reflecting on this experience, my biggest take away is the amount of love the people of the small but charming town of Clarkdale had to offer. I miss them dearly, and I look forward to returning to see their continued success.
Thank you, Winter, for sharing your experience and stay tuned for more Cullman Scholarship news.
