Student Summer Opportunities: Tess Hankin
Sara Purviance, Associate Director of College Counseling, interviewed a few of seniors, asking them about their most recent summer, their most meaningful summer experience, and how their experiences have changed their perspective. Here are the answers from Tess Hankin:
How did you spend your time over the past summer?
This past summer, I worked as a camp counselor and horseback-riding instructor at JCC Ranch Camp. The job was non-stop, and by far the best experience I’ve had. Throughout the summer, I was able to go out of my comfort zone, try new things, and become a role model for my 6th grade and equestrian program campers. As a staff member, I was able to build relationships that I know will last for the rest of my life. Some of my best friends were people I never could have imagined I would meet, as they were from Manchester and New Mexico and everywhere in between.
What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that I can absolutely manage and handle any situation that gets thrown at me. Whether a girl was homesick, a horse was sick, or if I had to work extra to make up for understaffing, I knew that I was making a difference for the campers I worked with and pushed through it. I was able to build trust with the girls and campers, and they were able to talk to me about anything.
What has been your most meaningful summer experience in the past 3 years?
The French Immersion program was absolutely incredible. I went with CA, and was able to stay with a student who later on became and remains one of my best friends. We were so lucky with our homestay mom. The instant that we walked through her door, she had freshly baked donuts waiting for us, and she smelled like peaches. I was able to improve my linguistic skills, and also was able to try things I couldn’t have done elsewhere (such as running down a mountain or dancing at a music festival on the beach).
How have your summer experiences carried over into the school year, or changed your overall perspective?
My summer experiences continue to change my perspective on everything. To begin, the summer after my freshman year, I went to Haiti where I learned to appreciate the cleanliness of America, and realized how fortunate I really am. I no longer take food for granted, and each time I see a river, I always think about how we are so lucky that we have access to a water source where we don’t dump our waste and bathe our children at the same time. By working at camp for the past few years as a Staff-In-Training and as full staff, I learned to adapt to any situation and empathize and have patience with kids. I didn’t used to be as patient. Now whenever I talk to kids, and even talk to my brother, I am conscious of my words and don’t lose my cool. I know how to balance my time and personal life, and am no longer afraid to challenge myself and put myself in awkward situations. I’ve grown from being the person who is afraid to speak up in conversations to the girl who is not afraid to get on stage in a clown costume and do an interpretive dance. I will go the extra mile to make each experience I have worthwhile and memorable for myself and those I’m with.
© 2023 Colorado Academy
