Vassar Haiti Project

Ben Braun ’16 is one of VHP’s newest volunteers and an active member of the Grant’s Committee. The following is Ben’s perspective on Vassar Project based on his experiences thus far:

     This semester, I am attending Vassar as a visiting student from Georgia Tech. For these four months during which I am here, I am trying to get a taste of all the things I cannot get from a technical school.  Vassar offers so many warm and welcoming clubs, ranging from circus troupes that put on fire shows to contemporary political groups. When I arrived here, I felt as though I was standing in the cereal aisle of a local grocery store.  So many choices, but which one? Which one can I enjoy and get that true “Vassar” experience from?

      I was approached by the Vassar Haiti Project with warm and welcoming arms when I received an invitation to their first informational event. That is not to say that all the other student groups were not of the same inviting nature, but there was something special about VHP (and also, fire scares me). VHP’s positive attitude, diverse goals and witty sense of humor as an organization intrigued me. The latter was exemplified in a get-to-know-you type activity, titled “Speed Dating.” At the event, I learned that VHP is composed of a diverse group of students representing the entirety of the student body. I was impressed how such a varied group could apply facets of a Liberal Arts education with such a genuine and powerful intention.

      VHP’s goals promote art and education while simultaneously striving to improve the lives of the people who live there. Such an endeavor is truly all-encompassing, crossing borders not only in the most physical sense, but also by opening up inter-community and academic dialogues. I look forward to my next few months of getting to know the many members of VHP and participate in such an awesome group!