Getting an education outside the classroom

Saturday, June 26, 2010

GREENCASTLE -- This summer Hannah Ames is getting an education outside her college studies.

The 21-year-old Purdue University senior was selected to be the summer intern for United Way of Putnam County under its director David English.

"It's been a blessing in disguise," she said about the unexpected internship with an organization committed to improving lives and building stronger communities through bringing the best resources together to provide help where its needed.

Since starting her internship June 10, Ames has learned about the history of the United Way and how the organization works in local communities like Putnam County. She has also been "put in charge" of some very special projects.

"There are four big projects," she said without showing a hint of intimidation.

The first has already taken place, which was organizing a picture for the local youth league at Big Walnut Sports Park; and second is getting a first-hand look at local agencies by contacting directors and learning about each agency, which will be compiled into a document for United Way board members to review.

"It's an insider's look into the agencies," said English.

Ames' third project is organizing the 30th annual United Way of Putnam County golf scramble to be held on Aug. 6 at Old Hickory Golf Course. She was elected to help with bringing in new sponsors, which has given her an appreciation for residents and businesses that care enough to get involved.

As an aspiring teacher, Ames said this experience has taught her the importance of taking the time to be involved in the community.

"It is definitely important to be active," said said.

The final project will bring Ames back after fall classes have started again. The United Way kick-off breakfast to the Day of Caring will be in August. She has been in charge of scheduling the guest speaker, the invitations, food, brochures and the location.

English said Ames has done a terrific job with her responsibilities.

Ames, a Fillmore native, graduated in 2007 from South Putnam High School. She is the daughter of Kerry and Corliss Ames of Fillmore. Ames is studying elementary education, a career she didn't desire to pursue growing up.

"I come from a family of teachers," she explained.

But as a senior in high school, she was a cadet teacher at Fillmore Elementary, her former stomping grounds and where she fell in love with teaching. Ames said her studies at Purdue have reinforced her wishes to be an elementary school teacher.

"It's definitely meant to be," she said of her future.

And so was the summer internship with United Way.

"The whole summer has been a blessing," Ames said.

English said Ames' help in the office has been a blessing to him, too. "By being a blessing to me, it has been a greater blessing to the community and United Way by allowing us to expand and develop other funding sources.

"Always remember, this is United Way of Putnam County and we will only be as a strong as the community wants us to be," English concluded.

Ninety-eight percent of funds raised through United Way stay in Putnam County.

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