Hannah Baumgardner - Volunteer work related to career goals (4 points)

 

Hannah Baumgardner (C/O '26) - Volunteer work related to career goals (4 points) 

(Pictured above: Level 1 ESL class at the Latin American Association) 

    The Latin American community has had a profound influence on my worldview. Since my middle school Spanish class, I have been deeply involved in Latin American affairs, whether through studying abroad, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), or participating in food drives for Atlanta's Latinx community. For nearly a decade, I have deepened my Spanish proficiency, developed transcultural relationships, and gained valuable insight into the economic inequalities and discriminatory practices Latinx individuals endure. As an active participant in Latinx affairs, I feel it is my responsibility to stay informed about Latin America and its complex, often turbulent relationship with the United States. Now, I constantly view my world with a level of cultural humility.

    Over the past two years, I have spent every Saturday morning volunteering and teaching at the Latin American Association, accumulating 130 hours and counting. Within my ESL classes, I lead detailed lessons on grammar, syntax, and pronunciation, ensuring my students leave the classroom feeling empowered to engage with their local Atlanta community. During my classes, we occasionally discuss the strength it takes to leave one's country and the institutional barriers that complicate transitioning into a new society. 

    Oftentimes, my students lament having only one English class per week because they prefer more frequent practice during the week. To combat this, I have had lunch with students outside of class, typically after our Saturday meetings, to continue practicing English in a more relaxed setting. During those get-togethers, I also practice my Spanish, so the lunch outing becomes a cultural exchange. 

    Ultimately, I aspire to continue my engagement with the Latin American community as a diplomat serving the United States, leveraging my academic preparation in the social sciences and cross-cultural experiences to pursue a meaningful career rooted in empathy, integrity, and humanity.