2006 Fellows
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Christopher Burton
Davidson College, 2008
Major(s): English with an Ethnic Studies Concentration
A native of East Orange, New Jersey, Chris Burton worked for Scholastic Education Group's Production division during his summer at Scholastic. Though Chris's summer was peppered with incredible learning experiences and triumphs, his greatest memory was the Fellows’ fact-finding trip to New Orleans, where he was able to see firsthand the aftermath of the 2005 hurricane season, and hear different perspectives on the status of Gulf Coast recovery. In addition to the trip, Chris’s knowledge base broadened thanks to his departmental work. He learned the ins-and-outs of production operations and logistics, and gained a heightened appreciation for detail, which he applies to his leadership roles today. Chris attributes his increased humility and willingness to learn to the fellowship. He encourages Fellows to be humble, realistic, and treat all levels of staff with respect because every moment is a learning moment. In 5-to-10 years time, Chris plans to "do something revolutionary” to empower youth, so he can “finally afford season tickets to the Knicks."
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Sarah English
Babson College, 2008
Major(s): Entrepreneurship
Sarah English worked in Library Marketing in 2006, and then went on to work in Trade Books under Andrea Pinkney in 2007. Both of her summers were packed with long-lasting lessons and memories, such as the Fellows’ fact-finding trip to New Orleans and meeting with Senior Vice President of Education and Corporate Relations, Dr. Ernest Fleishman. During the meeting with Dr. Fleishman, Sarah was inspired to combine her love for education, children, and literature through teaching kids who need the most help. Sarah now hopes to teach at a summer program in New York City after she graduates in 2008. She plans to receive her master's degree in Public Health and hopes to start a homeless center one day. Sarah feels that the fellowship helped to professionally prepare her in articulation, open-mindedness, and confidence. She also credits the program with improving her teamwork, people, and leadership skills. Sarah advises current and future Fellows to “not be afraid of the unknown. Be diligent and put forth the best effort in every assignment, no matter how small it may seem. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Remain respectful and honest with everyone, and most importantly, yourself."
Martin Garrett
Bard College, 2008
Major(s): N/A
Profile: N/A
Derek Nnuro
Johns Hopkins University, 2009
Major(s): Public Health & Creative Writing
Originally from Ghana, Africa, Derek Nnuro currently lives in Santa Clarita, California. As a Fellow, Derek worked in Corporate Research under Heather Carter. Derek credits the fellowship for teaching him “the importance of networking.” He also believes the program taught him “how to properly comport [himself] in corporate America.” Derek’s most memorable experience was the Fellows’ fact-finding trip to New Orleans. On the trip, the Fellows spoke with students, educators, and government representatives about the status of Gulf Coast recovery a year after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Derek comments, “Everything about the trip seem[ed] out of this world.” If he could change anything about his summer at Scholastic, he would have journalized his experiences. Hence, he encourages current and future Fellows to “get a properly bound notebook” for reference and reflection after the program’s end.
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Cassandra Pelham
Spelman College, 2006
Major(s): English
Three-time Fellow Cassandra Pelham worked in Cartwheel Books, Arthur A. Levine Books, and Paperback Reprints for the 2004, 2005, and 2006 summers, respectively. Now a full-time employee of Scholastic, Cassandra works as an Editorial Assistant under Anamika Bhatnagar and Sheila Keenan. Accustomed to individual work, Cassandra’s experiences as a Fellow taught her the true value of teamwork, a lasting lesson that has proven instrumental to her success in the workforce. Cassandra attributes her ability to network, tap resources, and build key relationships to the fellowship’s professional development curriculum. She urges Fellows to “seize opportunity, never burn bridges, always take notes, be open to constructive criticism, be confident, and own every decision you make.” Read more about Cassandra by clicking here.
