HECUA -- About- Profiles in Excellence/Student

STUDENT PROFILE: PETER ELWELL, ENGAGED IN THE COMMUNITY

HECUA is about building relationships between students and the community that result in true civic engagement. Peter Elwell participated in HECUA’s Metro Urban Studies Term in Spring 2002 while a student at Hamline University with a double major in Social Justice and Religion. Peter’s interned at the Project for Pride in Living’s Connections to Work doing employment counseling for individuals trying to escape the welfare system. His story helps distinguish experiential learning integrated into a HECUA classroom from independent volunteerism.

Peter recently graduated from Hamline and took time to reflect on his semester at HECUA. He describes his coursework prior to the HECUA semester as focused on structural problems that left him without a lot of hope for solutions. Wanting to do something hands-on, but not knowing his options, he looked at off-campus study. HECUA offered a chance to meet people actively addressing the issues while engaging him with the pros and cons. Feeling enabled to use his knowledge, Peter finished his HECUA experience with a sense of hope and with tools to address the issues. Back on campus he felt his HECUA lens magnified everything he learned and made it more useful.

Peter’s experience of personal growth was possible because of the intentional integration of classroom discussion and hands-on internship opportunities. Internship sites provide mentors and opportunities to make a difference. His success as an intern led to continued employment for him and, more importantly, helped individuals in need.
So what is next for Peter? He continues to work this summer as an employment counselor at Connections to Work. He will leave this fall for some personal travel in Brazil followed by Peace Corps service next spring. He anticipates a posting in northwest Africa.

"The HECUA interns we have had at our organization have been exceptional. They have made significant contributions to the community and the work we do. They asked tough questions, took initiative, and built great relationships with participants. It's great to be in a relationship where all parties benefit. HECUA students gain direct experience and accomplish learning goals. PPL programs are enhanced in their capacity to serve and our participants are given needed assistance. Both PPL and HECUA are furthered in their respective missions."

– Sarah Koshinska, Project for Pride in Living Volunteer Coordinator