Sunday, July 29, 2007

Hey guys!

Hey everyone,

I've finally had time to settle down at home and unpack a little, and while doing so I realized what a great week that we all have had. I can't speak for everyone, but I bet most of us (definitely myself) have never been to a camp where the students, staff, and counselors came together in such a short amount of time. EPL was such a unique experience, and I am being completely honest when I say that it wouldn't have been anything near what it was if it weren't for every single counselor, staff member, and fellow EPL-er. Each of were so individual but yet we were all able to gel so quickly and that was only one of many many great things that happened this past week. From going downtown to interrogating Mark Sanford's Chief of Staff to the Drive Game where we saw Senator McCain (and a few almost home runs-Whit, I'm sorry but Greenville is more ballin' than Charleston), EPL was a fantastic experience. I'm excited about seeing y'all in March, and I know that whether it's getting into your top school, having a great service project, or making some more dance videos, I have no doubt that everyone of us will succeed this year and into the future when we are fully-emerged public leaders! Keep in touch, and anytime y'all are near Greenville let me know!

-Colin

Memories...

Hey guys! Wow, I really can't believe that EPL is already over! I haven't even been home a day, and already I want to go back to Furman. I just want to say that I had sooooo much fun with everyone. This past week was so much more amazing than I ever could have imagined. I learned so much about leadership and the parties were great! I'll never forget that last night.....anyway, I just wanted to say how much I really miss everyone already. Good luck with all of your service projects and keep in touch! I will do my best to get a facebook! All I can say is, if we're this generations leaders, everyone better watch out cuz we're awesome! And for all the counselors, I love you guys! You all were sooo great this week and I miss you guys so much!!! Peace y'all! (I spelled it right this time Cindy!)

-Alana

p.s.- Drew is so right....I totally miss the food too....and the sweet tea!!!

Barely 24 hrs later and I miss it!

Its barely been 24 hours since I've been off campus and I miss y'all already! I have never been anywhere that treated me with such respect and responsibility. The Riley Institute gave 22 high school seniors/juniors (I didn't forget u David even though u acted like a senior) the opportunity of a lifetime. All the student counselors (Quentin, Shun, Cindy, Elizabeth, Monica) were totally cool and completely nice even at 2 AM. And the other administrators (Brooke, Cat, Leigh, Dr. Gordon) gave me and experience that I will never forget. I was totally spoiled with food and responsibility and for a brief week, was given the opportunity to be a Furman student.

EPL was one of the most educating and inspiring weeks of my life. I was able to learn from some of South Carolina's best and brightest on what it takes to lead and inspire. The faculty at Furman are some of the most intelligent people I have ever had the honor of learning from, and it truly was an honor.

To the EPL class of '07, YOU GUYS ARE THE GREATEST! I will always remember each of you and I promise to play soulja boy at least once a day! You each have made a lasting impression on me and I can't wait to see everyone on Pi day (thanks Chong). Hopefully I can find some good sweet tea up north but I doubt it! I wish each of you the best of luck in your endeavours and I know you will all find success in whatever path you choose.

Keep in touch! I love you guys!

~Drew

I already miss y'all

the past week has been absolutely fantastic thanks to the great lectures, super-hot counselors, and all of you. i can't believe that it went by so fast, but i think that despite not being able to see i still maximized all my time (whether it was doing the superman or grilling Mr. Davis(props to everyone). i still don't understand why the y'all keep saying that the team lost(the Drive) the real team dominated and hit two home runs(not almost home runs, Colin). in case y'all haven't figured it out Charleston is the most ballin city in S.C. so y'all need to and experience it for yourselves.

keepin it real in chucktown,
whit

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Week in review

Still reeling from the after-effects of about 3 hours of sleep, I'll try my best to blog on this amazing, incredible, and most of all ballin' experience. The Riley Institute, Furman University, and Knowledge Works have done an exceptional job of providing an opportunity for young students that will impact them tremendously. The counselors and staff have certainly spoiled all 22 EPL participants with food, activities, but most of all, respect. I've never been to a camp where dance parties can run til 2 a.m, and the counselors are still cool about everything the next day.

In addition, I couldn't have asked for a better group of students to spend my week with. All of them have been very respectful, outgoing, and fun(especially after 10 p.m.). I never, in my wildest dreams, could have anticipated this type of group at a summer leadership camp. But, after getting to know each one of you, I've concluded that all 21 of you guys are, in essence, "supermen/women". Emerging Public Leaders are individuals who possess initiative, determination, and courage. You all exhibit tremendous potential, and this experience has just enhanced the leadership skills that I can already see in each one of you.

Whether it's getting into your dream school or operating a successful service project, I wish all of you future success. This has truly been one of the best weeks of my life, and I will miss all of you. I can't wait to see everyone on Pi day(3-14, for those who don't attend a math/science school).

Cheers,
Chong

Back Home :(

Well I just got back home and I'm missing Furman like crazy! Last night was really awesome and thanks to LJ for teaching me Superman...finally!! Our last trip to the Bell Tower was very emotional...us in our togas walking around just begging the FuPo to come take us in (just kidding)...and I'm sure ringing the bell didn't help that either :P.

Oh and Cindy, the tp-ing of your dorm was our little way of saying how much we love you!...you just have to look hard to see that (lol).

I think Chong's award was the best and most deserved! We seriously thought he was sleeping with his eyes open!

But yea, today was really sad! I'm going to miss everybody so much but at least we get see each other in March! Can't wait for that! Oh and it wasn't awkward at all saying by to Alana like 60 billion times when we kept running into each other after the luncheon (lol). Btw, I am so not a stalker :P.

We all seriously need to keep in touch before March!!

Caitlin

Pictures






Yes, these images are representative of our incredible enlightening week at Furman University.
=^0^= You people are insane.
Anna Lynn
= ^_^ =