A Mom's Perspective:

 

"I'm writing to express my appreciation for the Bulldogs Across America programs for Yale students and especially Bulldogs in the Bluegrass in Louisville, KY, where Emily spent two summers.

 

Intern: Lindsay

The Humana Foundation

 

“The Bulldogs in the Bluegrass experience has been a great one.  I suppose that most people will write about how Louisville was better than they thought it would be, but as a Southern girl myself, my expectations of the city were actually quite high.  I thought that Louisville would be like all Southern cities, like New York , but smaller and filled with nicer people.  My assumption was correct, but I was impressed to find that Louisville was much more.

            For one thing, the people of Louisville are more that just “Southern;” they are kind.  I don’t think I have met as many people in one place that have been ready and willing to accommodate everything that I needed and asked for at the drop of a hat.  Because of the kindness of the community and their belief that I was there to make their city better, I was able to volunteer and do hands on work in an ER, I was able to work with some amazing cancer survivors and patients at Gilda’s Club, and I got to shadow two pediatric oncologists for a day.  In ten weeks alone, I was able to do four summers worth of internships.

           Of all of the experiences I had, I would have to say that Gilda’s Club was the most important to me.  Gilda’s Club is an organization for people living with cancer, and my boss/board member for Gilda’s introduced me to the organization. 

Twice a week, I would volunteer, working with cancer patients, cancer survivors, and their families.  Every Wednesday night I would volunteer with a special group, The Crazy Sexy Cancer Posse.  These women were strong survivors, who taught me that even though cancer sucks it can be overcome.  They gave me more reason to believe that I was meant to become an oncologist and more passion to work harder so that they never have to relapse again. 

My summer in Louisville was a great one that I would not change for the world.  I learned so much and hopefully gave back a little to the community.  I hope to come back to Louisville in some capacity some day, and hope to stay in touch with my mentors, employers, and most importantly my crazy sexy cancer posse.”

 

Intern: Ben

Center for Interfaith Relations

                                 

“In the Northeast, life is focused on the bottom line of getting things done. People don’t like to wait, whether it is for their bagel in the morning or for the subway train to come. This extends often to personal life-dinners can be eaten quickly and without company, kids’ lives are scheduled to the brink, and professionals (my mother for example) often work straight through lunch. But over this summer Louisville has taught me to approach life in a different way. I’ve learned to live for the journey, not for the destination.

            When I came to Louisville , I noticed a significant change of attitude. People there love and appreciate life, so much so that they’re happy taking things slow and unrushed. The little things first popped out at me. It’s extremely rude to honk, I learned surprisingly, and even outside crosswalks cars will usually stop to let pedestrians walk by. And soon enough us Bulldogs got caught up into the culture. We arrived at the mentor picnic at Willow Park late Sunday afternoon, and remained long after filling up on the scrumptious food just enjoying the lovely weather, the music, and each other’s company. Two of my friends started playing frisbee with a few local kids.

            I don’t think it was a coincidence that it was food that served as our gateway into Louisville ’s culture. When I was lucky enough to be invited to a mentor’s house for dinner, I noticed quite a strange ritual before dinner. After warmly greeting us, we’d sit outside in the fresh air on the patio sipping sweet tea and snacking on some vegetables with dip. Doesn’t sound too different, right? But then for 15, 20, 30 minutes we’d be relaxing outside, no food in sight, listening to the sound of the crickets and the summer breeze. We might even have started up a game of croquet. And sometimes what would surprise me most was that our hosts were out there joining us. When at my house we’d have company, we might also offer some drinks, but that was a time-delaying tactic to let us finish dinner. Instead, there was no rush to eat, no anxiety about finishing up the baking. The journey to the food was the destination.

            And once we started our food, and the conversation began, it went on for hours as the sun set. I remember in particular the last Saturday night Rowan invited Flo and I to his house for dinner. We sat out on his little patio as the sun set, and though we intended to “leave early” at 8:30 or 9 to finish packing up, we forgot about the time completely until we realized 9:30 had rolled around. The warmth of the food was matched only by the warmth of our hosts. And there were no nagging thoughts of when we would leave. There was nowhere else we’d rather be but where we were.

            What surprised this New Yorker most, however, was how this relaxed attitude prevailed even on the job. My first week I remember asking my employer when she wanted the excel spreadsheets of faith leaders done-an important document for the Center for Interfaith Relations. She replied, “Don’t worry…there’s no need for a deadline. Take your time!” At first I thought my co-workers must be slacking off a bit, but soon I saw how this dynamic staff of 4 was organizing a massive faith festival every year, working to expand its pilot youth program, and hosted delegations from Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Kyrgistan just in the time I was there, among other activities. All this from a nonprofit whose boss doesn’t care about deadlines!

            That made me wonder how things actually got done. I soon realized it was because all of my co-workers sincerely loved their job. When the office manager returned from a two week vacation this summer after accumulating a ton of vacation days, she was so happy to be back at work. While at least one co-worker planned on leaving the organization soon, for the present my co-workers were in no rush to leave where they were. They took joy in the journey of their work, not just in the destination that it brought them to-be it money, experience, or a successful event. And the fruits of their labor reflected their passion.

            From a leisurely dinner eaten to the tune of the crickets to a work assignment completed with passion rather than pressure, Louisville has taught me to relax and appreciate life for its own sake, rather than for where it might lead me. When I arrived at Newark airport in New York after flying home, I suddenly noticed how fast everyone around me was walking. I soon felt myself speed up. But then I slowed down, and enjoyed the walk.”

 

Intern: Jessica

The C E & S Foundation

 

“Being in Louisville gave me the unique ability to explore a city until it felt like my own.  I left with a true network of friends—one that will be back with me at Yale, and the other my mentors and employers in Louisville .  Louisville really is the “city of possibility” right now--- through the friendly Southern culture and its preservation of nature (the many many parks), it is a city that has maintained a hometown flavor.  I will always feel like I have a home there.  When I think of Louisville I think of the good people, the good parks, and (of course) the good watermelon.”

 

Intern: Joanna

Humana, Corporate Communications

 

“I came to Louisville with no expectations, so that I could be pleasantly surprised and would not face certain disappointment. Although Louisville itself is a bit inconvenient to those without a car, the experience I have had with this internship is beyond what I could have hoped for. Everyone involved in the Bulldogs program, from mentors to employers to facilitators seem to really care about our well-being, and it was fascinating to meet so many people who are passionate about their interests—from horse-racing to rehabilitating young at-risk boys. The events themselves, in general, were incredibly entertaining; they really portrayed the best aspects of Louisville , while (perhaps unfairly) skimming over the not-so-perfect parts. Nevertheless, the best part of my Bulldogs experience was undoubtedly my internship at Humana under Tom Noland—it was a welcome challenge to submerge into a large corporate environment and complete the tasks at hand with any resources possible. On the topic of healthcare and the insurance industry, I have learned more than any class at Yale has taught me so far. On being resourceful, analysis, critical thinking, and writing/editing, I have likewise exercised my brain extensively. Despite a few speed bumps in the middle of the program, participating in the Bulldogs in the Bluegrass was an excellent experience overall. I cannot think of a better way to spend a freshman summer.”

 

Name: Jon

E.ON U.S.

 

“I don’t think I could have been much happier with how I spent these ten weeks in Louisville . My internship was great because it gave me a variety of valuable experiences and allowed me to get a broad view of how a medium-sized for-profit company operates. I like Louisville and love its people; the city feels more like home to me than most cities, and everyone I met through the program was inordinately friendly and generous with his or her time and resources.

Due to my commitments this coming year, I specifically needed to learn much about various aspects of both for-profit and not-for-profit operations this summer, and as it turned out, Bulldogs in the Bluegrass was a perfect fit for those needs. Aside from my valuable internship, I also learned a great deal about these topics and more from Rowan, Ann, my mentors, other Bulldogs’ employers and mentors, speakers, and many other people. I hadn’t imagined I would be able to learn so much from so many different people during my time in Louisville .

My fellow Bulldogs were also fantastic. I had a blast spending time with them and have made what I believe will be many lasting friendships with people I probably never would have met were it not for this program. Though living in such close quarters led to some rough spots during the summer, I think many friendships were stronger for it, and those experiences taught us to handle stress and frustration with people more gracefully.

I’m extremely grateful for this experience that so many people put so much time into for our sakes. Thank you, and keep up the good work!”

 

Intern: Kathryn

American Printing House for the Blind

“ This summer was a really great experience for me.  All of the pieces of the summer: employer, mentor, fellow Bulldogs, and programs – fell together very nicely.  Our group of Bulldogs really bonded and it was really nice to meet 33 other people that I would have never otherwise known.  Louisville feels like a second home now and I look forward to coming back.”

 

Intern: Rebecca

Bulldogs in the Bluegrass /Teach Kentucky

 

“Being a part of Bulldogs in the Bluegrass this summer really meant a lot to me.  As a rising senior, I have taken this opportunity to meet with many older people with a great deal more life experience than I.  Through the contact with the mentors and Wednesday lunch speakers, I was able to put together a coherent life plan for myself (well, really just for the next few years).  Bulldogs has certainly helped shape what I plan to do after graduation, and who knows?  I might just end up back in Louisville !”

 

Name: Mercedes

Visually Impaired Preschool Services

“This summer was a whirlwind, what with events for the bulldogs program, assignments in work, and still maintaining somewhat of a social life outside of these areas.  One of my favorite parts of this trip was by far the canoe trip on the Elkhorn Creek.  One might say I’m not very much of an outdoors or nature person, so I of course had never canoed before.  I was also assigned the very last canoe, the sweep if you will, and assigned to ride with an adult mentor, probably because I’d indicated I had no experience!  I just remember canoeing down the creek and honestly thinking to myself “No, this can’t be real…this is just like a ride from Disneyland !”  I think it took a while for it to really sink in and for me to realize that it actually, in fact was real. The dense trees and glistening water were all very real, as was the rushing water flowing at parts down the river.  I even encountered a few bugs on my trip, and I did my best to not cause a scene when they appeared, but don’t like to dwell on those little guys when I remember my trip down the creek.  However, I do remember that when I got out of my canoe that day after traveling 12 miles down the creek, a wave of pride and accomplishment rushed over me because I realized that even non-nature girls can learn to enjoy the outdoors every now and then too.”

 

Intern: Alina

Greater Louisville, Inc

 

“I really feel like I was immersed in and got to know Louisville quite well because of the events and the fact that I was living with my peers (whereas if I were in some city alone, I would probably just stay at home and watch tv).  Working at GLI was also great because it’s a large office and there were other interns and coworkers around my age, so I made a tight group of new friends who are local Louisvillians, which has made Louisville a permanent part of me more than anything else.”

 

Intern: Jen

Neighborhood House

 

“This program is amazing. I was first attracted to it b/c it took care of housing, I got paid, there were many activities where I could meet other Yalies and I got to see another part of the country. While I came here and loved the culture, vibe and people of Louisville , I really fell in love with my job. I wasn’t able to go to many lunches b/c of my work and I really rather have stayed at work then go to a lunch b/c I wanted to spend time with the kids. Even though I didn’t do many events during the week, I did almost all the weekend activities and I loved it. There were a few programs like Blackacre and taste of Frankfurt where I felt like my time was wasted, but overall it was amazing. The housing was great and I couldn’t have asked for better roommates. I loved Louisville so much, I applied to the U of L medical school. I had never been outside the northeast for any occasion other than vacation, but now I can definitely see myself living in Louisville later in life. Also my mentors were amazing, I hope to keep in touch with them and people from work after I leave.”

 

Intern: Taylor

The Children's Foundation - Norton Healthcare

 

My childhood friend and I described our 8^th grade class trip to WashingtonD.C. as the best experience of our lives. Although we were constantly brainstorming ways to recreate this best-time-of-your-life experience we never succeeded. That is until Bulldogs in the Bluegrass. Bulldogs in the Bluegrass was one of those experiences I was searching for. It was incredible and I take every opportunity to brag to my friend who went on the 8^th grade trip.

            Kentucky was a place I never thought I would experience. When I decided to take the plunge I had no idea what I was getting into, but I expected to experience “the South” and maybe have an okay job. What I didn’t expect to find was another place that felt sort of like home. I got to know a whole new city, from barber shops to restaurants to bars to neighborhoods and people. Louisville is now a place that I feel like I know.

            Bulldogs in the Bluegrass also gives you the opportunity to meet with all sorts of alumni and important people in Louisville. I will preface this by saying that I hate “networking,” but I loved meeting the people I did. I met so many fascinating people and ate dinner at their houses and was made to feel like I was a part of their extended family. I got to meet people like the mayor, a member of the Fortune 500 (who was more humble and down-to-earth than you can imagine), and shared golf tips with the head coach of the University of Louisville football team.

            Additionally I got to participate in many organized activities, such as canoeing, going to Churchill Downs, playing tennis on clay courts, going to a Taste of Louisville for free, camping in Appalachia, and much, much more. No internship offers such cool, fun activities like Bulldogs does. Not only did I get to work and get paid, but I got to do all kinds of awesome things and meet other Yalies, many of whom are now among my best friends.

 

Regular internship: Maybe paid, probably alone thus tough to meet people, housing?, what do you do after work?

 

Bulldogs: Paid, free housing (which is great by the way, you control your own AC which is key), hang out with and become best friends with 25 other Yale students, get to do all kinds of cool activities, eat free meal after free meal, meet all the most interesting, important people in the city. Plus, all you have to do is submit your resume and everything else is taken care of, its so EASY. I think Bulldogs is one of the most underrated programs at Yale and would encourage anyone and everyone to apply for it."

 

Intern: Kristine

New Directions Housing