Students Share the Impact of Scholarships on their Hartwick Experience
One of True Blue Weekend’s highlights included a breakfast at Thornwood to celebrate the campaign’s completion. More than 100 Hartwick supporters attended along with many students, two of whom shared their deep appreciation for donors’ generosity.
The first was Oiram Duenas-Valles ’27, an El Paso, Texas, native and “quad major” in business administration, economics, political science and criminal justice…along with a legal studies minor! He traveled to Japan this summer, thanks to a Freeman Foundation Scholarship, to complete an internship as a business research assistant at Kyoto University.
During his time there, he explored the global space business industry along with a culture completely unlike any he had known. Despite some initial nervousness, he toured beautiful temples and shrines, tasted delicious new foods and learned a tremendous amount about Japanese culture…and himself.
“What surprised me most was how many different skills I had already developed through my experiences at Hartwick,” he said. “During my internship, research, communication, creativity and problem solving all became important. Hartwick had taught me how to learn, adapt and take on something new even when I did not know exactly what to expect.”
Similarly, Abbey Bailey ’29 found herself crossing the Atlantic to spend J Term in South Africa, thanks to a scholarship she received. There she learned about its history and culture while interacting with its wildlife in ways she never dreamed.
“I got to experience once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that I still can’t believe were real,” the Otego, N.Y. native attested. I was feet away from lions and lion cubs — living out my ‘Lion King’ dreams!”
Oiram’s eight-week international immersion also helped him embrace the unknown and trust in the knowledge and abilities he has gained and developed on Oyaron Hill.
“This trip taught me how important it is to be comfortable with being uncomfortable,” he explained. “Whether I was figuring out public transportation, working through the language barrier, adjusting to a new professional environment, or simply learning how to live independently, I became more confident in my ability to adapt to life after college.”
Bailey, who is pursuing an individual student program major in music ministry along with focuses in history and political science, enjoyed the breadth of wildlife she was able to observe in their natural habitats, along with the preparation her faculty provided for each.
“Every night we received an overview of the new animals we would see in the following days…along with learning about important leaders and people that have impacted South Africa greatly,” she explained. “I was able to go on so many adventures and learn so much about myself and my abilities to accept new challenges.”
Duenas-Valles remains highly appreciative for the financial support he received to make his experience a reality. Though only a few weeks have passed since its conclusion, he also recognizes how this experience helped him grow personally and professionally.
“I came back from Japan more independent, confident and prepared for whatever comes after Hartwick,” he attested. “So, to Hartwick and the constant support I have received, thank you for making opportunities like this possible. This was an experience I will never forget.”
Bailey also appreciates the friendships and relationships she developed during her month-long excursion.
“I met so many incredible people and created a little family over 8,000 miles away. I also was able to attend a church service…which, for me, felt like home and expanded my faith,” she added. “I’m so thankful that I was able to have this opportunity. I could not be more grateful for the donors and generous people who made it possible.”
Although Abbey’s and Oiram’s donors could not attend the breakfast celebration, four other students were able to meet theirs face-to-face and thank them personally. It was a wonderful way to cap off the event — and our record-breaking campaign.
