The Class of 2017 Bonner Scholars wrote down their farewells and advice for the Bonner Program and Lindsey Wilson College.
Michelle Crewz
“Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground” –Theodore Roosevelt.
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I believe in dreamers because they can create beautiful ideas and bring them to reality. During my Bonner experience, I have met amazing people who are capable of great things and I am proud to be connected to them. Bonner has given me an opportunity to better the local community and myself. I hope others find a program they can be passionate about and create a positive impact in the world.
Lexi Ferguson
Bonner has given me the chance to learn, live, and grow. To anyone coming into the program I would say, “take advantage of it.” In the end you will be amazed when you look at the person you have become. #bonnerlove
Karly Jefferson
“Any human anywhere will blossom in a hundred unexpected talents and capacities simply by being given the opportunity to do so.” –Dorris Lessing
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Success and happiness are similar in that they are all relative to the individual. I never expected finish undergrad in three years or to be headed to DisneyWorld for six months for a job in photography, yet here I am. Happiness depends on how comfortable you are with yourself, and although I can’t say I’m the happiest person on Earth, I can say that Bonner and LWC have helped me realize the little things are what really make the difference. Just a couple seconds can change your day. So, smile at that person you pass on campus. Eat the ice cream. Join that intramural team. You never know when you are encouraging someone on to success, or when you are helping your own image of yourself. If it weren’t for people who the world deems unsuccessful, I would not be here.
Carlos Maldonado
“They blocked us” –Wendy’s
There are many great, smart, and hardworking individuals out in the world. As a matter of fact, the competition only gets more challenging the more successful you are. If Bonner has taught me anything it is that we need to invest our all into our communities and ourselves. There is so much to life and the only way to experience it all is to actually pursue all of it. Just take a look at the fast food industry. In order to stand out, the restaurants have to be incredibly smart, cunning, and hard working. However, it doesn’t mean that it has to be serious/boring. Just take a look at Wendy’s. In order to stand out in social media, Wendy’s trolls other restaurants like no one else. Don’t troll, but if you do, troll like Wendy’s. Have fun, love what you do, and always be yourself.
Catherine Marrinan
“Bloom where you are planted!” President Luckey said this to our Bonner class freshman year during our leadership class. Not going to lie at first I thought this was just a corny line that sounds nice on a greeting card, but as I have evolved over these past four years I have come to learn just how important it is to “bloom where you are planted.” Seek out new experiences, push your limits, and don’t let others be the ones in charge of your happiness. It is through Bonner and the opportunities that LWC has given me that I have been able to grow and develop into the person that I am today, and for that I am very thankful.”
Krista Marshall
Something I lived by while serving at CCK “Every kid is the same, they want to live a good life.” Always have fun with your life, and always remember you make an impression on someone without noticing it.
Jessie Mason
"What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for other and the world remains with us and is immortal." -Albert Pine
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Throughout my time in Bonner, what the program has allowed me to do for others will remain after I leave and remain within my own-self. The memories, friendships, and experiences that Lindsey Wilson and the Bonner Program have given me will remain and continue to shape who I am long into the future. For that, I could not be more grateful.
Hannah McCandless
Bonner has meant the world to me over the last few years. It has taught me so much about love, life, friendship, service, and myself. Before Bonner, I had the basic skills of a leader and a facade of confidence that got me through the day. Bonner made me question my world and myself and put me on a path of growth and self-acceptance. I am more accepting of myself and who I am than I ever would have been otherwise. Bonner has made me a better person, a more enthusiastic activist, a more passionate person, and a more loving friend. Thanks LWC Bonner.
Jesse McCandless
“One is rich in proportion to the number of things which they can afford to let alone.”
-Henry David Thereau
Don’t stretch yourself too thin, and enjoy the down time. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and when you make a big one, go easy on yourself.
Delaney Overstreet
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” -Mahatma Gandhi
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This quote has been so true for me in my time as a Bonner. Investing myself in my community as put my major, human services and counseling, in perspective. No one lives in a vacuum, we all grow together and support each other. The best way to change your life and to change the world is to selflessly serve others. Not all of us can do great things but we can do small things with great love, so do everything you do with great love.
Sam Price
“The world cannot stand still. Life is dynamic, it flows on ceaselessly, forever changing in its aspects and its vision. When it seems to stand still it is but the end of an oscillation of the pendulum.”
-Edward Maslin Hulme
Soak up every ray, gasp in every breath, savor every experience, before you know what is happening it will all be over. Be involved! You will be amazed at the things you will regret not doing (or doing more!)
Jake Saylor
I strongly believe that every part of life is supposed to be better than the last. With that in mind, these past four years of my life have been the best so far. Thank you everyone who helped make my time as both a Bonner and Lindsey student so special.
Kaile Short
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.”
-Pablo Picasso
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I strive to travel, love, and give my gift. As a Bonner, that opportunity is there your just have to take it.
Kelley Yates
“Wake up early. Drink coffee. Work Hard. Be ambitious. Keep your priorities straight, your mind right, and your head up. Do well live well, and dress really well. Do what you love, and love what you do. It is time to start living.”
Megan Aubin
Volunesia: (noun) that moment when you forget you’re volunteering to help change lives, because it’s changing yours.