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Samantha Cowens, left, and Alexa Anderson, both 17, were two of four people from Oregon accepted to the Up With People program. Cowens is a senior at Roseburg High School and Anderson is a senior at Douglas High School.
They’ve been friends since grade school. They’re the same height, equally devoted to their cheerleading team, sport the same hairstyle, and can’t seem to stop smiling while finishing each other’s sentences.
They have a reason to smile.
Alexa Anderson and Samantha Cowens, both 17, decided to apply to the global education program, Up With People, at the Melon Fest, Sept. 8, when the touring group swept into Winston to perform community service.
This prestigious program consists of six months of traveling different continents, performing community service projects, living with host families, musical performance, and intercultural learning.
Young adults accepted into this program must be leaders, enthusiastic, and most importantly, willing to make a difference in people’s lives.
After two weeks of “pins and needles,” according to Alexa, and talking about it “24/7,” according to Samantha, the girls received letters of acceptance into the program.
Up With People took applications from over 700 people in the state of Oregon this year. They chose four people — two from Portland and two from Douglas County. They accept only 100 people throughout the world.
“My mom sent me a text message and said I was accepted and tears just started running down my face. It’s not even a feeling you can describe,” said Alexa.
Samantha received the message of her acceptance later and, of course, called her best friend who “gave the biggest scream ever.”
The first week of July 2008, Sam and Alexa will head to orientation to determine their placement in one of two casts that tour and perform in Europe, Asia, Central America, and North America, engaging in community service as they go.
They have a reason to smile.
Alexa Anderson and Samantha Cowens, both 17, decided to apply to the global education program, Up With People, at the Melon Fest, Sept. 8, when the touring group swept into Winston to perform community service.
This prestigious program consists of six months of traveling different continents, performing community service projects, living with host families, musical performance, and intercultural learning.
Young adults accepted into this program must be leaders, enthusiastic, and most importantly, willing to make a difference in people’s lives.
After two weeks of “pins and needles,” according to Alexa, and talking about it “24/7,” according to Samantha, the girls received letters of acceptance into the program.
Up With People took applications from over 700 people in the state of Oregon this year. They chose four people — two from Portland and two from Douglas County. They accept only 100 people throughout the world.
“My mom sent me a text message and said I was accepted and tears just started running down my face. It’s not even a feeling you can describe,” said Alexa.
Samantha received the message of her acceptance later and, of course, called her best friend who “gave the biggest scream ever.”
The first week of July 2008, Sam and Alexa will head to orientation to determine their placement in one of two casts that tour and perform in Europe, Asia, Central America, and North America, engaging in community service as they go.
Both girls are very community service-driven already. Samantha, a Roseburg High School student, participates in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and hopes someday to be a nurse.
Alexa, a Douglas High School student, volunteers at Brockway Elementary. She would like to pursue a career in education.
Neither of the girls are nervous about the demands of the program, which may include anything from mentoring children to assisting with substance-abuse programs. Both of them see their upcoming experience as an opportunity of a lifetime.
“We are going to learn so much,” said Alexa. “It’s not just a program to travel and have fun. We’re going to be seeing different cultures and learning different customs. I’ll be in China one week and Switzerland the next. The singing and dancing is a bonus.”
Samantha added, “they’re trying to teach people to do community service through performance art. All the profit they make from the performances goes back into the community.”
The girls plan on attending Umpqua Community College and coaching the competitive all-star cheerleading team, Oregon Heat, upon their return.
While Samantha and Alexa hope to be chosen for the same cast, it won’t be the end of the world if they are detached at the hip for six months.
“It’s called Myspace,” said Alexa.
• You can reach reporter Cara Pallone at 957-4208 or by e-mail at cpallone@newsreview.info.
Alexa, a Douglas High School student, volunteers at Brockway Elementary. She would like to pursue a career in education.
Neither of the girls are nervous about the demands of the program, which may include anything from mentoring children to assisting with substance-abuse programs. Both of them see their upcoming experience as an opportunity of a lifetime.
“We are going to learn so much,” said Alexa. “It’s not just a program to travel and have fun. We’re going to be seeing different cultures and learning different customs. I’ll be in China one week and Switzerland the next. The singing and dancing is a bonus.”
Samantha added, “they’re trying to teach people to do community service through performance art. All the profit they make from the performances goes back into the community.”
The girls plan on attending Umpqua Community College and coaching the competitive all-star cheerleading team, Oregon Heat, upon their return.
While Samantha and Alexa hope to be chosen for the same cast, it won’t be the end of the world if they are detached at the hip for six months.
“It’s called Myspace,” said Alexa.
• You can reach reporter Cara Pallone at 957-4208 or by e-mail at cpallone@newsreview.info.
Getting them there...
The Up With People program cost is $11,800 per person, not including airfare to the headquarters in Denver, health insurance, passport fees, spending money, and clothing for costumes. The girls must have $500 by December to reserve a spot. Alexa, Samantha, and Alexa’s mother, Gina Snyder, will be spearheading a mass fundraising effort to help the girls participate in this opportunity.
“They’ve the crossed the huge hurdle of getting accepted,” said Snyder. “Now this is the main focus.” Sam and Alexa will give a presentation about the program to any businesses wishing to contribute. Other fundraising will include: • Bake sales • A cheerleading clinic for children • Collecting change from friends and family • An auction/raffle • Donation jars and cans with the girls’ pictures at businesses Any money raised through fundraising will be split evenly between Samantha and Alexa. For more information or donations: 679-4193 or 817-9169. |
