I am a second year Shimer student who is involved in QLC, Student Life, the Br. David Darst Center, school history, and Promulgates (Shimer's paper). I am interested in issues of oppression, social justice, and personal and corporate responsibility. My favorite book at Shimer thus far has been The Narrative Life of Frederick Douglass-- great read.
This summer I'll be interning with Fonkoze, a successful and growing microfinance organization in Haiti, and CLM, a program of Fonkoze that prepares women who live in extreme poverty for micro financing. I'll be working with current Shimer Facilitator, Steven Werlin, who has spent significant time with Fonkoze and even more in Haiti. To prepare for the internship I've read Banker to the Poor and studied some Creole.
For my first two weeks I'll be staying with a Fonkoze manager named Lamartin. This time is meant to help me learn the language and the basics of Fonkoze before beginning work at the CLM base.
Landis, this sounds amazing. I am very jealous of your pending experiences.
I am enjoying weather comparable to that of Haiti's right now (being close to the Everglades). It's such a refreshing change from Chicago.
I know you've probably thought of this, but in case you haven't: The thing I find best for being out all day in the sun and humidity and staying hydrated is a camel pack. I wear it under my other backpack and it holds an amazing amount of water. One of the best investments I've ever made for hiking.
I can't wait to hear more about your internship and your Haitian education.
-Alex
Posted by: Alexandra Rosenberg | June 06, 2011 at 11:14 PM