A few weeks ago I was given the honor of speaking at the Fairbanks Brunch, an annual event that gives summer scholarship recipients an opportunity to meet and thank their donors.

I am frequently amazed by the multi-faceted effects that philanthropy can have. Through the generous donations entrusted to the Haiti Institute in Sewanee, the program has gathered five years of data on the effects of carbon payments on tree survival, had its first coffee harvest, began a partnership with Singing Rooster, and touched the lives of many individuals and communities, mine included. After three years of work with this program, there is not much else I can say to touch on how profound and inspiring my experiences in Haiti have been.

Thank you to all who support us, whether it be through time, money, or encouraging thoughts.

Below, the speeches given by myself, another undergraduate student, and two students in the School of Theology.

Fairbanks Brunch 2018 – Student Speakers from University of the South on Vimeo.