Even though they’re not in the classroom, Gettysburg College students have been busy writing this summer, blogging about their experiences in places as near as Musselman Library and as far as Kenya.

We’ve compiled these blogs and posted them below. Take a look and find out about some of the exciting things students have experienced this summer.

Ike’s Anvil

A student foundry for political conversation, Ike’s Anvil was created by the Eisenhower Institute to foster discussion on local, national, and global issues.

“Republicans and Democrats seldom agree on how to govern the nation—this is evident even to a casual observer,” wrote Michael Arnone ’15. “For much of our history, however, the two party system has served us fairly well despite its archaic nature. Yet the ideological divide between the two parties has never been greater or more dangerous to the well-being of the nation as a whole.”

Follow their conversations: ikesanvil.com

Heston Summer Experience

Made possible by a generous gift from James Heston ’70, the Heston Summer Experience furthers the College's vision for active engagement in local and global contexts by giving students the opportunity to engage in the work of community action through domestic and international immersion. This summer, eleven student interns are participating in the program, living as close as Gettysburg and as far as Kenya.

“Growing up in New York City I always saw how tourist’s eyes lit up whenever they visited Times Square at night,” wrote Phellix Rodriguez ’13. “I understood why they found it amazing, but I could never relate since I had been around tall buildings and bright lights all my life. Ironically, by visiting a farm, I can now relate. I wanted photos of everything; the scenery, the animals, and the river. I have seen farm animals on TV and at the zoo, but this was different. They were not there for my entertainment; we were just sharing the same land. I enjoyed being around this calm natural environment. I spent hours in the river, stared at waterfalls, touched every animal I could get my hands on. When the sun went down and the stars came out, it was amazing. My eyes lit up when I saw hundreds of stars in the sky, just like those tourists who visit Times Square at night for the first time.”

Read about their experiences: heston2012.posterous.com

The Expedition Institute: Baltic Crossing

Five juniors kayaked across the Baltic Sea from Stockholm, Sweden to Helsinki, Finland on a 250-mile self-supported sea kayaking expedition that launched June 6 and ended July 4.

“So with a handful of memory cards and camera batteries in hand, I finish packing my suitcase to leave tomorrow morning,” wrote Emily Kohlbrenner ’13. “I really don’t know what to expect or if I am mentally ready for this challenge, but I have come to terms that this is probably for the best. The journey will mean more if it is taken day by day and sunset by sunset. Thank you everyone for your support. See you across the pond!”

Take a look at the blog they kept: balticcrossing.wordpress.com and catch up with them on facebook.

Blogging the Library

The Musselman Library interns are talking about everything from artifacts to alphabet soup.

“My second week here at the library has gone by just as quickly as the first. With so many interesting projects to work on, I’m keeping busy and learning an array of new things, especially about exhibit curating,” wrote Emily Francisco ’14. “This week I’ve also made sure to take note of new connections between the research I’m doing at the library and my studies in Art History.”

Follow their conversations: bloggingthelibrary2012.blogspot.com

Coming Back to Ireland

After studying abroad in Ireland last year, Johnny Nelson ’13 recently returned to the Emerald Isle to conduct research as a Mellon Summer Scholar.

“Yesterday, I got to be in Belfast as history was made,” wrote Nelson. “Queen Elizabeth arrived on Tuesday in Northern Ireland as part of her Diamond Jubilee tour throughout Great Britain.”

Read about his experiences: johnnyeire.blogspot.com

Do you know of any other students who are blogging their summer experiences? Let us know in the comments section below!

Founded in 1832, Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year residential college of liberal arts and sciences with a strong academic tradition. Alumni include Rhodes Scholars, a Nobel laureate, and other distinguished scholars. The college enrolls 2,600 undergraduate students and is located on a 200-acre campus adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.

Contact: Tracey Dukert, assistant director of news content, 717.337.6521