"My name is Ann Andrzejewski, and I will be graduating in May with a  Bachelors of Science in Nursing.  I am honored to have been selected for Innovation Symposium 2010.  A few years ago, I felt a call to nursing through my volunteer work at Trinity Free Health Clinic in Carmel, Indiana.  Through Abriendo Puertas (Indiana University Kokomo’s chapter with Ambassadors for Children) I was blessed to be able to join several of my fellow nursing students in travelling to Guatemala on a health promotion focused mission trip.  Through my volunteer work and the trip to Guatemala, my eyes and heart were opened to the tremendous health challenges facing our world.  Long term, my goal is to use my nursing skills to help the underserved population in my local community and abroad. When I became aware that I was nominated for this opportunity with Innovation Symposium, I felt that there couldn’t be a better way to lay a solid foundation for my long-term goal than with Innovation.  I am honored to have been selected to be a part of this year’s amazing group and to explore world issues with an innovative mindset.  Lastly, I am thankful for all of the generous support to allow this to become a reality."

"Hello my name is Anne Meriwether. I am a Graduate student at IUK in the Teacher Education Program (TEP) with emphasis in Secondary Education social studies. I am a retired, United States Army Master Sergeant. To be a part of the Innovation Symposium is an honor. I have traveled to other countries in the capacity of a soldier, but to be able to travel as a student is humbling. Being able to visit a place that is rich in history, culture and heritage as a Student will give me the chance to gain firsthand knowledge and experience of a place that has been very influential in history. This experience will be helpful for me in developing additional critical thinking and problem solving skills, so that as a teacher I may be able to help develop those same skills in my future students. I want to be able to take this experience and share it with my student and encourage my students to continue to strive and be the best that they can be and never stop learning. "

"Hello my name is Anne Meriwether. I am a Graduate student at IUK in the Teacher Education Program (TEP) with emphasis in Secondary Education social studies. I am a retired, United States Army Master Sergeant. To be a part of the Innovation Symposium is an honor. I have traveled to other countries in the capacity of a soldier, but to be able to travel as a student is humbling. Being able to visit a place that is rich in history, culture and heritage as a Student will give me the chance to gain firsthand knowledge and experience of a place that has been very influential in history. This experience will be helpful for me in developing additional critical thinking and problem solving skills, so that as a teacher I may be able to help develop those same skills in my future students. I want to be able to take this experience and share it with my student and encourage my students to continue to strive and be the best that they can be and never stop learning. "

"My name is Geny Studebaker. I am a sophomore majoring in Psychology and completing the prerequisites for Physical Therapy. After receiving my bachelor’s degree in Psychology, I plan to go to graduate school to get a doctorate in Physical Therapy and specialize in Pediatrics. The Innovation Symposium is an opportunity for me to understand what I am fully capable of. My family made their mark on history, and I want to make my mark as well. My ancestors built their business around the motto, “Always give more than your promise.” I strive to live my life by this motto, and always look for ways to make things better. The Innovation Symposium will equip me with the know-how to make those things better by learning about England’s history. England is one of the oldest countries in the world and has a rich history. The opportunity to go out of the country and study England’s history in England is exciting. It is a privilege for me to be in this program, and I will never forget what I learn from it. "

"My name is Greg Landrum.  I am currently a General Studies Major here at the University.  As my age might show, I started my college career later in life.  I did not take my first class until I was 56 years of age.  I am married to the most beautiful woman in the world (Suzy), and between both of us, we have 6 children and 5 grandchildren.  I feel very blessed and thankful for the opportunity to be chosen to be involved in the Symposium.  It is an opportunity that will broaden my knowledge not only of community issues but also issues that affect us globally.  The Symposium is excellent exposure for me to learn how to make conscious decisions for the betterment of our society and environment.  The Symposium will give me invaluable knowledge for my future and the future of my children and grandchildren."

"My name is Justin Johnson, and I am a senior majoring in English.  The Innovation Symposium offers students an opportunity to push their thinking beyond its limits in order to develop positive change in the world. This experience will provide me with new insights into what it takes for a person to make a large difference. I look forward to making the most of my time as a part of the Innovation Symposium by taking what I learn and applying it to all facets of my life."

"Megan McKinney is the name and traveling has become a love of mine throughout my college career. I am currently a junior working on my New Media Communcations degree with a minor in International Studies. I grew up immersed in the ballet world, which first introduced me to traveling outside the Midwest region. I was also surrounded by a great diversity of people and was blessed to study under many international instructors. The ballet world whetted my appetite for travel and the pursuit of understanding various cultures. Having spent this previous summer in France, I was more than excited to be accepted into the Innovation Symposium. I hope the knowledge and wisdom I gain through this program will equip me to make a difference and an impact. I couldn't agree more with Ghandi when he said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." I hope to be a change."