Hesston Experience:
writing fellow; tutor; student ambassador; Larks Nest supervisor; actor: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (spring 2012), Green Card (fall 2012), She Loves Me (spring 2013); stage manager: The Boys Next Door (fall 2011); Bel Canto Singers; Student Advisory Board; Inclusion and Diversity Council; Honor Roll – two semesters; Dean’s List – two semesters; 2013 Lark of the Year
Beyond Expectations
Hesston was a new world for me in which I was diversely challenged and cognitively stimulated. My emotional and spiritual growth interactions with my instructors were something that I did not expect, but which I value. They challenged me on theories, took the time to check in with me on assignments and about my life, encouraged me to run with my dreams and showed me how to balance a professional career while being engaged in other people’s lives and doing things that bring wholeness and inspire others.
On Experiences
I did practicums at the college level by shadowing Hesston classes. In all of the places I looked to go after Hesston, not one of them offered that kind of experience to freshmen and sophomores. As a freshman, I had 30 hours of Early Childhood Education practicum and my Intro to Education class spent a day at an inner-city Tulsa junior high and high school. That trip solidified my desire to become a teacher and help students across the learning spectrum be successful.
About Boni
“Boni threw herself into her practicums and went above her required hours and embraced equity in learning. She thinks critically and asks deep questions that push beyond the reading. She is an outstanding student who will do great things.” – Marissa King ’05, education instructor
Go Everywhere
I will do Semester by the Sea in creative writing through Stony Brook (N.Y.) University. I will be tutored by an author who will help me publish a book at the end of the semester. After that, I will most likely attend Millersville (Pa.) University to get my bachelor’s degree, then go right on for my master’s. I have also been working with an editor to publish my autobiographical novella while self-publishing a book of poetry.