Artifact: GO GREEN Statement of Purpose

Related Course: OLS 42300 Greening Organizations: Global Responsibility for Environmental and
Economic Necessity
Date of Course: Summer 2017
Instructor: Professor Pat Fox
Related Student Learning Outcome: #6 Articulating philanthropic values, civic identity, and strategies
for increasing capacity to take action.

Alexis Davenport
GO GREEN: France
February 15th, 2017
GO GREEN Statement of Purpose
I am applying to the GO GREEN program because it represents one of my utmost
passions -- sustainable community development. Germany has made sustainability a top priority
and I am fascinated by the success of these sustainable initiatives. It would be an honor to
witness firsthand how Germany has utilized sustainability to enhance the lives of its citizens. The
GO GREEN program aligns with my most ambitious endeavors and expands on the knowledge
that I have gained throughout my undergraduate experience. As a Philanthropic Studies student I
identify with sustainability strategies because I believe that having a healthy environment is a
common good that all share. Furthermore, being environmentally responsible is an investment in
the prosperity of future generations and social justice can be provided through sustainable
technology and green initiatives. This particular program expands on the concept of social
development and environmental protection, elaborating on how these two factors are mutually
dependent on one another -- this resonates with my professional goals because I am determined
to have a career that focuses on these specific initiatives. If granted the opportunity to study
abroad in Mannheim, I will observe sustainable strategies that Germany initiates. I will observe
sustainable strategies and analyze these practices in an effort to identify new strategies that can
be implemented in the United States. Overall, I truly believe that the combination of my
education at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and the Purdue School of Engineering and
Technology has prepared me to bring prosperity to my community and that this opportunity will
optimize my potential.
I firmly believe that I have gained a deep understanding and appreciation of other
cultures through my minor in Anthropology. I value diversity and I am constantly reflecting on
how amazing the world is because of our differences. Additionally, my experience in the Sam H.
Jones program as a Community Service Scholar has encouraged me to get involved in programs
that challenge me to step outside of my own comfort zone. I have learned through my
undergraduate education that I am a quick learner, that I can easily adapt to various
environments, and that I do not get easily intimidated by what is unfamiliar to me. I will be very
alert of my surroundings while also not becoming overwhelmed. In addition to that, I will ensure
that I am utilizing my satisfactory listening skills so that I am on track with everything that the
program has planned. I know that it will be challenging to overcome cultural differences and I
will have to be aware of how I conduct myself and how others are perceiving me. I am excited to
experience and learn from these challenges because I know that they promote my own personal
growth.
My primary non-academic interest is weaving -- I taught myself some basic techniques in
2014 and have been practicing the craft ever since. I have spent much of my free time
researching the origins of woven tapestries and have discovered that the history of weaving is
captivating. Weaving has been practiced on nearly every continent for thousands of years and is
expressed in a wide variety of styles. Personally, I am enamored by how much patience it has
taught me and the joy that is has brought into my life. Additionally, I enjoy volunteering in
community gardens during the warm months and advocating for enhanced food accessibility in
food deserts. In conclusion, I want to express how thankful I am to have this opportunity -- I
hope that you will consider me for this program. Thank you!