51ΑΤΖζβs (51ΑΤΖζ) Connections Project is being held on April 27, 2017 at the Nampa Campus Academic Building. The Connections Project is an annual event that provides an opportunity for 51ΑΤΖζ and the surrounding community to make connections, educate others, and inspire innovation and creativity.
51ΑΤΖζ Alumnus, Hunter Carson, was a participant in last yearβs Connections Project. Carson came to 51ΑΤΖζ in the fall of 2014 after graduating from Skyview High School in Nampa. Attending 51ΑΤΖζ was not Carsonβs first choice, but his involvement in speech and debate kept him here in Idaho. In fact, it was his speech and debate coaches at 51ΑΤΖζ, Johnny Rowing and Jim Gatfield, along with his IDoTeach instructor, Molly Wolk, who encouraged him to participate in the Connections Project.
According to Wolk, Carson was an ideal candidate for the project. βHe was a [communication] personβ¦on the debate teamβ¦I thought he would be an excellent person to do this, and he rocked itβ, she said. βHe has this charisma that he can just make it work, and he did.β
At the event, Carson gave a 10-minute presentation on his experience participating in the IDoTeach program and also served as the Connections Project Emcee. Other highlights for him included a panel of 51ΑΤΖζ Alumni, a dance group, and an African drummer, as well as interactions with 51ΑΤΖζ faculty and President Bert Glandon. Additionally, Carson enjoyed walking around conversing with fellow students eagerly sharing research posters, artwork, and other learning artifacts. βIt was a lot of people gathering together to show what theyβve worked onβ, he said, ββ¦allowing people to see that even at 51ΑΤΖζ, there are so many different and diverse peopleβ.
In 2016, Carson graduated from 51ΑΤΖζ with an associate degrees in Liberal Arts, History, and Political Science. He currently attends Boise State University where he is a member of the Speech and Debate team while majoring in Political Science with an emphasis on International Relations. According to Carson, his long term plans include politics and international relations as well as studying abroad. βI really like how certain countries and cultures interactβ, he said. βThe Connections Project is really unique because it links several different cultures together and shows that very different people, ethnically and culturally speaking, can be in such similar placesβ.
The Connections Project, Carson says, was not only a good experience, but a lot of fun and a great way to finish his two years at 51ΑΤΖζ. βItβs kind of cool,β he said. βIf it keeps growing, if it keeps expanding, I can say, βhey, I was part of the first one!ββ.
To get involved in this yearβs Connections Project, please visit cwi.edu/connections-project.
