EPL - Rachael's Version

Wow...I have so much to write about...guess I might as well tell my story. I applied for the "Emerging Public Leaders" basically because my mom told me to. I thought "Oh great, ANOTHER academic camp." I thought I would be bored out of my mind. But I was SOOOO wrong. This camp was amazing. We got to meet soooo many people (our age, as well as those with much more wisdom). I loved painting at the shelter-volunteering IS one of my favorite things, actually. The stories we were told and the encouragement we were given really made me want to go out and just DO something. I was so sad to leave. After some of my past teachers and this amazing experience, I might actually LIKE *looks both ways* politics...but, don't tell anybody : ) I can't wait to see all the great things my fellow EPL-ers are doing. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, thanks to everyone who helped with this program...and if you're thinking about applying...DO IT!!! You wont regret it! - Rachael

Stephanies Blog

Hey guys hope everything is going great for everyone. The link on the side of this blog doesnt go to my blog. My site is www.matson-epl.blogspot.com just so everyone knows! And sorry about that email that accidentally got sent to everyone it was definately ONLY supposed to go to cindy
Stephanie

Simply AMAZING!!!

Hey EPLers!
I just wanted to say that I definitely enjoyed working with all of you last week. I have many memories to carry me until you all return to campus in March. If you have any questions or need anything, please feel free to email me. Best of luck with senior year and all that is before you!

-Christina

Look at Us

We're such a good looking group!!

EPL Class of 2006

Emerging Public Leaders 2006

Emerging Public Leaders 2006

The last blog was done by Hakeem! 1 question for Ustav: In your listing of everyone why beside my name is says "no mention necessary." I just don't know if I should be crying or smiling. Please respond ASAP! LOL!

Emerging Public Leaders 2006

Emerging Public Leaders 2006

Wow! Can you believe that I am sitting at home on the laptop thinking about EPL? That is just how much of an effect the entire program had on me. I really enoyed meeting everyone and learning from everyone. I can truly say that you can't judge a book by its cover. I really didn't know what to expect in regards to the program or the people. I envisioned being around some of the most intelligent people I'd ever meet, but instead I got you all! J/K! While everyone was so bright and we could have probably talked about international relations and American government all day, we found time to play ERS, Mafia, Catchphrase, I Love You, But I Just Can't Smile, and every other game imaginable. We stayed up late talking, learning too much about each other and laughing at each other's vices. You all were some of the coolest people I've met and I can't wait to see you all again.

I hope that everyone is doing well and because our notebook told all of our information except our social security number, you all know how to contact me at any time. Love you all and keep in touch.

God Bless!

AWESOME EPLers

Hi everyone. I have now caught up on my sleep and have gone back to grading papers and answering the emails from my students. I miss the fun we had this past week. I wanted you all to know how much I enjoyed working with you and how impressed I am with your enthusiasm and courage to go back to your communities and begin some awesome and worthwhile projects. We all hear about "youths gone bad" everyday on the news, but you are all "living proof" that teenagers today are smart, resourceful, kind, and compassionate towards their communities. It was a privilege working with you all this past week. I look forward to assisting in any way I can as you all design and implement your community service projects. Please let me know when and how I can help. Take care and have a great start to your SENIOR year!
Chris Burkett

That's All, Folks!

Well, all week I've been telling everyone to post something up here, and yet, I haven't posted anything myself! I can't believe that I'm writing this from home (after 10 hours of sleep!) because it did not seem like we actually spent a week together at Furman. It's amazing that in just one week, I've been able to live at Furman with some of the brightest, most talented, funniest high school seniors from all around the US! You guys made my counselor duties soo easy because I had fun spending time with all of you, talking with you about your schools, communities, future plans, and watching how competitive you all can get with Mafia or Catch Phrase!


I wish all of you guys luck in finishing up your senior year and putting in all of those college applications. I'll be doing the same thing with grad/law school apps, so if you ever want a break from all of that stress, call me up on my cell or shoot me an e-mail. And hey, you never know...I might just want to take a road trip to come visit you (and yes, that includes you, Utsav and Denyse!) :)

Happy Senior Year!!
-selena...aka...cindy :)

And the week is over.

I would just like to say that EPL2006 was amazing. I learned so much from "Yes sir" to the intricate steps on how to become a public leader. Throughout the week, I have learned so many new games, met so many new people, so many new ways to look at leadership, and ....

I remember thinking exactly a week ago that oh MAN, I will be spending a week in a "conference" with people of the email address 'jesusfreak'. Now, if you come to think about it, this could be just a freak or a religious freak or a person with no friends, but instead we got the bear.

Each person has contributed so much to the program for me, its ridiculous.

TJ- probably the coolest roommate ever
Danielle- the weirdest dancer of all time + the hottest elderly crack dealer on the street
Anna- the most unpredictable person who dances to promiscuous girl?
Brann- the person with the coolest accent/stories known to the Southern man
Meadows- her drive and motivation
Becca- her hatred for poor people
Melissa- Ustinky? Yeah, my nickname.
Ali- Her stories.
Delap- its obvious
Sean- the person who always sang that Rent song
Stephanie- Our 2.5 wait for our flights
Shana- her enthusiasm
Denyse- her true New Yorker style
Rachel- her playfulness
James-his cups of water, awkward sentences- just James.
Cotrel- his awkward questions
Lorna- her hot pregnancy moves
Hakeem- no mention necessary
Lindsey- her wanting to win everything. Even Catchphrase.
Baucom- who knows.
Cindy- always to be remembered as the Egyptian girl who tried (yes, tried) to speak Spanish
Brooke- what would we do without her
Cathy- her kindness
Scott- the best "I love you, but I just can't smile" king
Anthony- a college student with a BMW?
Dr. Gordon- according to Cindy, THE BEST MAN
Christina- you should have seen her play Catchphrase (and also the car rides)
Monica- her being Indian, but still looking white (and less importantly, all the work she has done)
Dr. Burkett- Clarkson and High School Musical? I do NOT know how someone can refer or laugh during that movie.


This week was totally radical and I know all of us will stay in touch (since we kinda have to). As for my information:

aim: zanguango
myspace: www.myspace.com/ukbansal
Facebook: one is on the way
epl blog: www.utsav-epl.blogspot.com

Adios. Utsav.

Amazing Week

This week has been amazing. I have not had this much fun with a group of people for a long time. Last night, our Toga party was AMAZING. Wow. All the girls made their togas pretty, Shana pretty much made her wedding dress out of a sheet. It was pretty cool. My toga was horrible, its was so funny. Hoepfully someone has pictures that they will post soon because sadly I have NO pictures of this week because my camera broke when we were visiting Greenville. I have learned a lot this week and have loved all of our speakers. I especially enjoyed both of the senators, Secretary Riley, the Dr. Smith, Mr. Robertson and Mr. Carrol. Let me just say that Columbia is hot, well really all of South Carolina is warm. I should have brought more summerish clothing. Frankies fun park last night was also pretty sweet. A bunch of us played laser tag and then Anna, James, TJ and I played put put. Utsav pretty much followed us around keeping score and carrying Annas purse. Anna was sweet at put put but I mean the rest of us arent as talented as she is. But this week has been amazing and I have met some very cool people. I will miss everyone but luckily everyone get to see each other again in March.
-Stephanie-

woot woot

man im ready to sleep in my bed and see my horses dogs and family -brann fowler

Dance Dance Revolution

Hey EPLers! I can't believe a week has passed so quickly. Thanks for your enthusiasm throughout the week, and for a f-u-n night at Frankie's....where we learned that Danielle can dance, and Lorna can roll with the punches, or the rips, for that matter! I look forward to seeing all your projects and working with you this year. Happy Senior year! - Cat

A Note from the Doctor...

Hi EPLers. You are all so Fetch! I have enjoyed this week so much! I am glad we are all now a team...remember our motto: "Get your head in the Game!!!!!" Shut up!!! I know. My motto is so DEF!!!! Seriously, keep up the great work and let us know where we can help.
Chris B.

From the Director, You are all FETCH!!!!!!

Hello from your EPL program director! Just wanted to let you guys know that I was SO impressed with how you interacted with all of the speakers today in Cola. You all are the best! Enjoy sleeping in and I will see you in the a.m.! BTC

EPL TOTALLY ROCKS PRT. 2

Okay Monica since you asked here is your debut:

I know I'm not the only one but doesn't Scott remind you of Steven Spielberg

Lorna don't think your off the hook, see if you can solve this Nancy Drew

Anna you really look like Uma Thurmond in person, but I can't think of who u look like in a photo, but you're beautiful!!!

Sarah Meadows I agree you do look like Gretchen from Mean Girls, but you also look like Hannah Montana as well

ALias : Mirror/Mirror

haha just for Cindy

Sorry, I just had to post this picture just for Cindy. It's her favorite actress from High School Musical. Does anyone else see a resemblance?

EPL TOTALLY ROCKS

I must really admit that this program will be well remembered when I am long gone.
BUT
The funny thing is, is that everyone here reminds me of someone here it is:

Of course Utsav knows he looks like Millhouse from the Simpsons LOL

Melissa looks like Mona Lisa

Hakeem looks like Gary Coleman "What You Talkin' Bout Willis"

Lindsey knows she has Paris Hilton down-packed

Stephanie really looks like Lindsey Lohan

Oka y I'm tired I'll post again later

It's true. I'm a chick magnet.

The week is quickly coming to an end with memories of all the good times. Even though this week has gone by fast, we still have a little under 48 hours left (which I am looking forward to as tonight is going to be full of games- ie mafia and catch phrase.) As for a capture of the week...

It has been great! All the speakers have been pretty excellent and MAN meeting senators and secretaries of education?- Life is good. The most famous person I have met is officially Sec. of Education Richard Riley.

While each day has been great, Thursday has definitely been a highlight. I mean, we went to a zoo and saw a HIPPO and a hyena (finally an animal that resembles my brother :-)). The bus ride both ways were interesting- Mean Girls on the way and High School Musical on the way back. HSM was ha--> ridiculous.

By the way, Cotrel thinks I remind him of Mill House from Simpsons? I do NOT know who that is.

I am excited for the simulation and should do some research between now and 9:30am tomorrow!

Ahh, every one is leaving the computer lab, more for later.

EPL '06!

The Emerging Public Leaders program will have an impact on my life regardless if I choose to become a politician or not. It's a great program and I'm very happy I was chosen to be a part of it! -Shana

so ... when I applied to EPL 30 min. after the deadline I didn't expect to actually be accepted to the program. But, I ultimately decided to give up an internship just in case. Basically, one my better decisions. When I looked at the itinerary I knew it would be "educational," but I would never have guessed we would get to do so much and meet/learn from so many different people. Until today, I thought my AP Euro teacher was the smartest man I have ever met, but he has definitely been replaced by John Simpkins. If I could be any person when I grow up, it would be this man. He has accomplished so much, but at the same time learned from the many places and cultures he has experienced. Not only is he a man all of us could learn from, he was able to answer all of our questions ranging from humanitarian issues in Africa or about his personal experiences. The best was when he casually mentioned he had just gotten back from Africa on two days ago...

All of this has been better than expected, but the people I have been able to meet are individually intimidating with their lists of accomplishments and causes. Everyone has something different to offer.

I also never thought my service project would be taken so seriously or be expanded to the level EPL is on. I am excited to go home and start working with all the resources we have been given.

We actually get to sleep in tomorrow which is nice, considering I was awake at 5:45 this morning.

Dios te bendiga,
ali

Late Night...

So we have been busy all day! ...and now we are in here blogging during our research breaks for our simulation tomorrow! Let me just say for the record that I love Troy from High School Musical and that guys that sing are really awesome in my opinion!! Anyway..but what I love more than Troy was our tour of Columbia today! We had a GREAT speaker today...Dr. Simpkins was awesome! He is a very smart individual! Then we went to the ZOO!!! I heart the zoo with a passion! The koalas happen to be the cutest thing ever made...and then we watched High School Musical on the way home..Sean and I are auditioning together for the next Disney movie!!! lol. Loves it!! Well I have to get back to work!! More later!

Chris Burkett is my new hero.

Oh my...what to say? Today was absolutely fabulous in EPL land. I do believe that the 2006 class of EPL students has finally emerged! lol Today was totally 'fetch'.

First, we were treated to another wonderfully catered breakfast in the Admissions office and a very informative lecture about politics in China and International Relations from Dr. Kate Kaup, a professor of Asian Studies here at Furman. Then, we hopped on the bus and headed for Columbia. Mean Girls proved to be a very interesting movie. Most of us ended up laughing at Dr. Burkett's obvious enjoyment of the movie rather than the movie itself!





We started our tour of Columbia in the SCETV television station building, where we learned from Mr. "Moss" Bresnahan that ETV is WAY MORE than just Barney and Friends! Also, we got to meet Mr. Andrew Gobiel, (the Anderson Cooper look-a-like) who spoke about his experience with the ETV debates during election time. Luckily, Cotrel was less curious and did not ask him any 'personal questions' this time:-D.

Next, we headed over to the Nelson Mullins law office to have an exciting lunch discussion with Mr. John Simpkins, one of the most influential people to become involed in helping South Africans through all of the conflict. It was so exciting to finally meet him after reading his biography, which spoke of his attendance to Harvard and Duke University, and hearing from the Counselors about how much they admired him. The lunch didn't seem long enough, I'm sure many people still have questions for this fascinating leader!

Then, we walked over to the SC State House for a session with Senator Joel Lourie. He was a very interesting speaker! He told us all about his dedication to passing the seat belt law in SC and how it finally did get passed, except without Governor Sanford's signature. We then took a tour of the beautiful state house and took a nice group picture out front!

Next was Riverbanks Zoo! It was so much fun! I know most people enjoyed the penguin exhibits and , most especially, the turtles!!!

Then it was time to head home after a long fun-filled day! We danced and sang along to 'High School Musical' on the way and now we have tons of fun games planned for tonight!!

oh, the joy of musicals

So. Today was kindof intense but also WAYcool. High school musical was probably one of the highlights...especially the awesomely cool people singing/clapping in the back :D. Lunches with Secretary Riley and John Simpkins were by far the COOLEST experiences I've ever had. To have the ability to sit, listen to, and DISCUESS current world-shaping events with such eloquent, influential human beings was just absolutely fab. Like whoa. I'm way looking forward to the simulation tomorrow, but not to the fact that it's the last day we have here :(. If anyone has a myspace, we totally have a group called "I'm a leader, you're a follower...sorry," ROFLZZZZZ. Ask Sean to add you. Later, y'all! :D

love.

Thursday...

Today was another amazing day at EPL! Despite getting up way too early, it was worth it! We began the day with a breakfast discussion with Dr. Kaup who spoke to us about International Affairs with a focus on China. We then boarded a "fun" bus and departed campus for our state's capitol--our on flight entertainment: Mean Girls.

Upon arriving in Columbia, we met with administrators of ETV. They spoke about their involvement with public service. They also gave us a tour of their studio where they were "On Air" filming an extremely intriguing how-to-paint-pictures special!!

Lunch was help at the Nelson Mullins Law Firm where Mr. John Simpkins spoke to us about his involvement with nationbuilding and they many issues facing African and other foreign countries! I was impressed with his speaking abilities. I had heard him speak once before as he was our Governor's School commencement speaker where he provided a light and humorous speech dotted with serious issues. He definitely displayed his abilities as a speaker today with his extremely serious presentation.

We then walked down the street to the SC Statehouse and met with SC Senator Joel Lourie. He spoke about the many issues that he and the other senators are dealing with as well as his political journey to become a senator. After a quick tour of our beautiful statehouse we headed for the Riverbanks Zoo! It also was quite enjoyable.

We are now back at Furman and are rejoicing with the news that we will be allotted an extra hour of sleep tomorrow morning as our workshops/sessions do not begin until 9:30!!!! That means that we will be having an endless night filled with fun and games....both of which we will regret tomorrow morning upon waking with only a few short hours of sleep!

sean

Emerging Public Leaders 2006

Emerging Public Leaders 2006

EPL is one of the greatest programs I have been involved in. I am really interested in government and politics and the speakers have been amazing. I have enjoyed meeting everyone this week and creating new friendships. Yes, Lorna has really weird stories and Brann has a story for everything under the sun, but the mesh of personalities create one of the most diverse atmospheres I have ever had the opportunity to experience. Kudos to the counselors, directors and all who put this program together. I'm lovin' it!

~Hakeem

!

gummy bears.

Summa Cum Laude

This is one of the greatest camping experiences I have ever had. During our projects we should encourage other people (students) to join the EPL. I gain new ideals and different perspectives everyday and I think that if not everyone but more people should have knowledge of EPL, Furman University, and what it has to offer.

yeeeah

SO epl pretty much rocks my face. we're totally chillin in the computer labs, being dorks checking myspace and facebook nonstop :D. but it's all good. catchphrase/ers tonight...BRINGIT. ~lindsey

ps..this pic PRETTTY much rocks.

EPL!

..So I applied to Furman's EPL in like February..and I'm FINALLY HERE! Nice! lol. Well anyway..the weather is great, and we are practically in the mountains..hehe. Anyway, so we are on a break and like all 20 of us are chillin in the computer lab. It's so awesome..we stay busy doing only the coolest stuff ever... I loves it! L8r!!

EPL

EPL is a ton of fun - we're meeting a ton of really cool people...and don't worry Christina when Lorna and I come to Furman we're living in your pool house!! :-) -becca

HEY YA"LL! EPL has been a very interesting experience. We have gotten a chance to meet so many passionate and interesting people and the participants are great too. We have become so close in just a few days!!