Elon University's Watson & Odyssey Scholars Program and the Study USA office co-sponsored a "Fake Break" program in late January for students to visit with corporate foundation offices at Coca-Cola, Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves, the International Rescue Committee and more.
Nine Watson & Odyssey Scholars joined with a program director over Fake Break to explore community engagement in Atlanta.
The five-day trip was a collaboration between the Watson & Odyssey Scholars Program and Elon’s Study USA office, and it was the first trip of its kind for both programs with a goal of sparking a discussion around community engagement from a post-graduate, corporate and organizational perspectives.
The scholars met with a variety of stakeholders including corporate executives, community activists, Elon alumni and more.
At Coca-Cola’s corporate offices, Vice President and Senior Managing Counsel (North America Brands) Dara Redler introduced the scholars to key executives who oversee and manage Coca-Cola’s philanthropic and community relations. The scholars asked questions about why the panel members selected the particular groups they serve, how funding is determined, how Coca-Cola employees are involved, and how the partner organizations are supported if funding is no longer available.
The scholars also received valuable advice about internships, professional development, the importance of mentorship, and a tour of the highly private Coca-Cola archives.
“She has given me advice that will help me pursue my dreams of becoming an entrepreneur,” said Chann Little, a strategic communications major.
Scholars met with Nancy Simms, owner of The Varsity, the world’s largest drive-in restaurant that still uses a car hop service. Simms gave the scholars a personal tour of the facility while recounting the 87-year history of the space and her family’s legacy in Atlanta.
They also spent a great deal of time with the Atlanta Braves organization and The Jimmy Carter Center. The scholars toured the Braves stadium and learned about the organization’s philanthropic activities as well as professional opportunities with the organization.
The Carter Center provided a glimpse not only into President Jimmy Carter’s history of worldwide outreach but also a look at his current work abroad. Additionally, the scholars learned how students can get involved with the Center and its research.
While in Atlanta, the scholars dined with local alumni who discussed life after college, getting adjusted to a new city, and landing their first jobs after Elon.
“I learned a lot about the value of making connections,” said Steven Armendariz, a political science major. “You can meet your future employer at any moment and you must be ready to act. There is no luck when gaining an internship or job. However, it is when opportunity and preparedness meet. This is an idea that I will never forget and I am sure will help me with my future endeavors.”
During the latter portion of the trip, the scholars volunteered with the International Rescue Committee. While at the IRC, they learned how refugees are supported during their transition to the United States. The scholars also spent time working in the IRC’s store, a facility that provides free clothing and housewares to refugees as they settle into their new homes.
Specifically, the scholars spent time sorting donations and making sure that families have an organized place to shop. Their work earned the IRC $675 through a federal grant-matching program.
“I’m a hands on person, so I really enjoyed how at the International Rescue Committee we learned about what they did as a program to help refugees coming to America, but then we actually got to help people ourselves by sorting their donation center full of clothing,” said Briana Pfeuffer, a double major in human services and psychology. “In this way we were actually able to give back to the cause that we had just learned about, and I think that was very personal and rewarding for many of us on the trip.”
The scholars ended their trip with a tour of CNN, where they met with Elon alum Ben Kaiser ’91.
“As a broadcast journalism major, this trip provided me opportunities to learn and network,” said Mariam Rosales. “Our visit to CNN was amazing. It was nice to be in the environment that I aspire to work in. Being able to tour CNN and learn about each of the sections in their news room was just mind blowing for me.”
The Watson and Odyssey Scholars Program, which is part of the Center for Access and Success, is a selective program consisting of talented individuals who are academically strong, civically engaged, action-oriented leaders in their communities, who will benefit from an Elon education but have financial need.